Attachment Style Changes Following Intensive Short-term Group Psychotherapy

Abstract

In this study, we examined changes in attachment style as measured by the Relationship Scales Questionnaire before and after six weeks of intensive group psychotherapy. We also investigated whether changes in attachment style were associated with changes in interpersonal functioning. Results indicated that participants showed increases in secure attachment and decreases in fearful attachment and, to a lesser degree, preoccupied attachment styles. Change was not found in the dismissive attachment style. Changes in Secure and/or Fearful (but not Preoccupied) attachment styles were related to changes in interpersonal functioning on seven of the eight subscales of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems. Overall findings suggest intensive group psychotherapy programs show promise for reducing attachment pathology and improving interpersonal functioning. Assessing differential responsiveness to psychotherapy may help us align our interventions to better address differing attachment styles through modifications in focus and approach.