Attachment stability and the emergence of unresolved representations during adolescence

Abstract

This 15-year longitudinal study examined the stability of attachment representations from infancy to adolescence and investigated the emergence of unresolved representations during adolescence in a sample of 47 16-year-olds. Attachment was assessed at 12 months using the Strange Situation Procedure, at 4 years using the modified Strange Situation Procedure, and again at 16 years with the Adult Attachment Projective (AAP). The emergence of unresolved classifications in adolescence (AAP) was associated with higher rates of negative life events, low levels of early mother–child relationship security (an aggregate measure of the 12-month and 4-year measures), negative teacher–child relationship experiences in middle childhood, and low early adolescent friendship quality. The results support the growing body of evidence suggesting that changes in attachment are lawful, while adding to the growing understanding of the emergence of unresolved attachment representations.

Keywords:

• unresolved attachment representations
• attachment stability
• adolescence
• socio-emotional adjustment
• Adult Attachment Projective Picture System
• AAP

Acknowledgements

Special thanks are due to all of the adolescents and families who participated in this project.

Notes

1. For more information regarding study procedures and the measurement of attachment during early childhood see Howes, Matheson, & Hamilton, 1994, or Howes, Hamilton, & Philipsen, 1998.