Attachment categories or dimensions: The Adult Attachment Scale across three generations in Poland

Abstract

Even though previous attachment taxometric studies supported the conclusion that attachment is rather dimensional than categorical construct, they also did not provide consistent support against categorical approach. Addressing limitations of previous taxometric studies on adult attachment, we asked two research questions: Is attachment as measured by the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) categorical or dimensional? What is the predictive validity of categorical and dimensional approaches? To answer these questions, data of the AAS from 869 parents, 575 adolescents, and 500 grandmothers from the same families in Poland were analyzed. Taxometric analyses were replicated across three generations providing weak evidences to support the dimensional approach. Clustering methods provided an additional support revealing that empirically derived categories of attachment are based on security level but not on qualitatively different attachment patterns. Analyses testing predictive effects of categorical compared to dimensional approaches to attachment assessment revealed that a dimensional approach is more valid than a categorical approach in testing hypotheses related to the intergenerational transmission of attachment.

The direct and indirect effect of attachment insecurity and negative parental behavior on anxiety in clinically anxious children: it's down to dad

“…However, some attachment categories are relatively rare; very large samples are required to prevent reducing power. Therefore, the majority of studies within this field report results on secure versus insecure attachment (Lubiewska & van de Vijver, 2013).…”

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS)

“…In other words, the fit between the categorizations made with similar measurements based on the same model is lower than expected (Sümer, 2006). The findings concerning the relationship between the ECR-RS and categorical models obtained in this study are thought to have stemmed from the fact that these measurement tools are based on different models and that categorical measurements are limited in their capacity to determine individual differences regarding individuals' attachment characteristics (Brennan et al, 1998;Fraley & Waller, 1998;Lubiewska & Van de Vijver, 2020). In order to examine the relationship between attachment characteristics and personality traits according to specific relationships, the relationship between the ECR-RS subscales and SAS subscales was examined.…”

“…However, recent studies favor the use of dimensional models to measure individual differences in attachment (Fraley et al, , 2015Fraley, Heffernan, et al, 2011;Fraley & Shaver, 2000;Hudson et al, 2015;Lubiewska & Van de Vijver, 2020). It has been reported that models based on categorical measurements may misrepresent the nature of attachment (Fraley et al, 2015;Fraley & Roisman, 2014).…”

Adverse childhood experiences in women with externalisation and internalisation disorders

“…This method examines two categories (patterns) of insecure attachment: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. The scale is charactervolume 8(2),  ised by good psychometric properties, including the Polish one (Łubiewska & Van de Vijver, 2014).…”