title: Attachment in adults with intellectual disabilities: preliminary investigation of the psychometric properties of the manchester attachment scale-third party observational measure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Manchester Attachment Scale-Third party observational measure (MAST) was developed to assess secure attachment style for adults with intellectual disabilities. The psychometric properties of the MAST were examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Professional carers (N = 40) completed the MAST and measures related to the construct of attachment theory [Edward Zigler-Yale Personality Questionnaire (EZPQ), Emotional Rating Scale (ERS) and the Learning Disability Casemix Scale (LDCS)] regarding individuals with an intellectual disability (N = 57). Individuals with an intellectual disability (N = 14) completed the Self-report Assessment of Attachment Security (SRAAS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The MAST was found to have good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity. MAST scores were negatively correlated with level of intellectual disability and challenging behaviour (CB) as measured by LDCS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Support was provided for the reliability and validity of the MAST and a relationship between attachment security, level of intellectual disability and CB. The results of the study and implications of attachment theory for service provision are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Penketh
authors.forename: Dougal Julian
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hare
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Flood
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010551:Personality; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D057566:Self Report; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adults; assessment; attachment theory; intel-lectual disability