Question

How do self-reports of parental relationship quality, including support, encouragement, autonomy, and dependence, contribute to the measurement of parental attachment? In what ways has the correlation between continued attachment to parents and measures of adjustment been observed during the transition to college?

Can you elaborate on Bowlby's concept of 'attachment distress' in adults and how it relates to the measurement of parental attachment?

What are the cognitive and emotional aspects assessed by the Continued Attachment Scale-Parent version, and how do these contribute to understanding separation from parents?
How was the reliability of the Continued Attachment Scale-Parent version determined, and what were the key findings from the examination of its psychometric properties?

Answer 1

Parental attachment is gauged through information on the quality of the parent-child relationship, with Bowlby's concept of 'attachment distress' framing adult responses to separation. The Continued Attachment Scale-Parent version is a reliable tool for measuring this attachment and its implications for individual adjustment and well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

Self-reports of parental relationship quality contribute significantly to the measurement of parental attachment by providing personal insights into the dynamics of the parent-child relationship, including aspects like support, encouragement, autonomy, and dependence. During transitions to college, the correlation between continued attachment to parents and measures of adjustment has been observed, with those having secure attachments often experiencing better social and emotional adjustment in new environments.

John Bowlby's concept of 'attachment distress' in adults highlights the anxiety and discomfort experienced when an attachment figure is inaccessible, jeopardizing the individual's sense of security. This concept is critical to understanding adult reactions to separation or loss of a parent, which can have long-term implications for mental health and relationship patterns.

The Continued Attachment Scale-Parent version assesses cognitive and emotional aspects of an individual's attachment to their parents, including the difficulty of separation and the emotional closeness maintained. The reliability of this scale was determined through various psychometric evaluations, resulting in confirmation that it is a consistent and valid measure for assessing ongoing attachment to parents.