The attachment script representation procedure in an Italian sample: Associations with adult attachment Interview scales and with maternal sensitivity

Abstract

This study provides data supporting the reliability and validity of an Italian version of the adult attachment script representation task, designed by Waters & Rodrigues-Doolabh (2004). Specifically, we tested hypotheses concerning positive relations between attachment scriptedness scores and two other representational measures, derived from the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). In addition, we tested the hypothesis that secure base script scores should predict maternal sensitivity in the context of mother – infant interaction. Thirty-one mothers completed narrative protocols and received scriptedness scores using the Waters & Rodrigues-Doolabh (2004) criteria. Prior to the attachment script assessment, mothers had been assessed using the AAI and had been observed in the context of infant – mother interactions to assess maternal sensitivity. Assessment of instrument reliability was satisfactory (Cronbach's α >.70) and both hypotheses were supported; the attachment scriptedness score (based on 4 attachment narratives) was positively and significantly associated with the AAI coherence score, the continuous security score derived from the AAI State of Mind scales, and with maternal sensitivity. These data extend to another socio-cultural milieu, previous findings supporting reliability, convergent, and predictive validity of the attachment script representation task as a measure of adult attachment.

Keywords:

• Secure base script
• Adult Attachment Interview
• maternal sensitivity

Acknowledgements

The research reported here was supported in part by NSF Grants BCS01-26163 and BCS01-26427. The authors express appreciation to Simone Bruno, Sergio Gatto, Ligia Monteiro, and Katiuscia Morelli for the data coding.

Notes

1 Training was conducted by Brian E. Vaughn, who was previously trained by H. Waters.

2 Both coders attended the Adult Attachment Institute in Rome, held by N. Dazzi and D. Jacobwitz, and passed the reliability test with Mary Main.