A Qualitative Validation of Two Diagrammatic Measures of Attachment Network Structure

Abstract

Abstract. In two qualitative evaluation studies, we explored the construct validity of two diagrammatic measures of attachment network structure, including the Bull’s Eye diagrammatic technique and a significantly modified version, the Web-based Hierarchical Mapping Technique (WHMT). In the first study, 20 young adults completed a Bull’s Eye diagram followed by a semi-structured interview in which participants explained their placement of support figures in their diagrams. Interview transcripts were analyzed using theory-driven thematic analysis to determine the presence of attachment-related themes, including safe haven, secure base effect, and proximity maintenance. Findings indicated mixed support for the Bull’s Eye as a measure of attachment networks. Although attachment themes were dominant among participants who identified a parent as their primary attachment figure, this was not the case among participants who identified a peer as a primary attachment figure. Participant justifications for peer attachments relied on non-attachment themes, including identity exploration and companionship. In the second study, we applied the same qualitative method to investigate the WHMT. Saturation was reached sooner, and attachment themes were dominant for both parent and peered primary attachment. Findings support the construct validity of the WHMT as a new measure of attachment network composition and strength.

Attachment networks in young adults

“…Importantly, several studies have highlighted the role of friends as transitional attachment figures, being mainly relevant in adolescence but continuing to be important in young adulthood (Hazan and Zeifman, 1994;Freeman et al, 2021). Thus, friends already begin to take the place of parental figures during adolescence, but in young adulthood, their role in turn starts to be eclipsed by newly established romantic bonds (Umemura et al, 2015(Umemura et al, , 2017.…”

Experimental data exploring the effects of intranasal oxytocin on young adult social preference and attachment to romantic partners, parents, friends, and strangers

“…In the second segment, subjects will complete a 20 min semi-structured interview specific to the WHMT diagram to capture relevant episodic and autobiographical memories. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed and used to qualitatively validate the WHMT as a measure of attachment strength [13] . The two behavioral assessments segments lasted approximately 40–45 min, thus occurring within the window that IN—OT has been shown to remain active in the brain At the conclusion of the interview participants provided a second urine sample following the same procedure as the first collection.…”