Observed Attachment and Self-Report Affect Within Romantic Relationships

An attachment perspective on couple interaction: Helping couples signal needs clearly and respond appropriately

Attachment theory provides some important insights into couple relationships, including highlighting the importance of communicating one's needs clearly while also having a partner who is properly attuned and appropriately responsive to those needs. The purpose of this study was to provide an initial empirical examination of the signal-response dynamic. More specifically, we used data from 63 couples to examine the efficacy (in terms of psychophysiological arousal and feelings toward their partner) of a micro-intervention designed to help couples improve their signaling and responding when compared to a seminatural condition where the discussion more closely resembled how couples interact at home. We also explored the emotional experience of participants in various signaling and responding roles. Overall, we found preliminary evidence for addressing signaling and responding dynamics. We also found evidence that emotional experience varied according to signaling or responding roles. These findings have important potential clinical implications, which we discuss in depth.

Aspects of the marital relationship that characterize secure and insecure attachment in men and women

Abstract The internalized attachment in childhood has consequences in the adult life, specifically in the marital life, which demands greater closeness, intimacy and interdependence. In this sense, it was analyzed whether the communication, marital adjustment, frequency, intensity and conflict resolution variables discriminate individuals with secure and insecure attachment in heterosexual relationships. It is a quantitative, descriptive and explanatory study. Data from 485 participants were collected in the south of Brazil through the following measures: Experience in Close Relationship, Marital Conflict Scale, Conflict Resolution Behavior Questionnaire, Communication Questionnaire and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The results of the discriminant analysis indicated that the variables tested characterize secure or insecure attachment. Therefore, the type of attachment is a relevant resource in the assessment of individual and marital functioning. Psychotherapy interventions are discussed considering the relational bias of the attachment theory and the results observed in the scientific literature.

Using State Space Grids for Modeling Temporal Team Dynamics

We outline the potential of dynamics systems theory for researching team processes and highlight how state space grids, as a methodological application rooted in the dynamic systems perspective, can help build new knowledge about temporal team dynamics. Specifically, state space grids visualize the relationship between two categorical variables that are synchronized in time, allowing the (team) researcher to track and capture the emerging structure of social processes. In addition to being a visualization tool, state space grids offer various quantifications of the dynamic properties of the team system. These measures tap into both the content and the structure of the dynamic team system. We highlight the implications of the state space grid technique for team science and discuss research areas that could benefit most from the method. To illustrate the various opportunities of state space grids, we provide an application example based on coded team interaction data. Moreover, we provide a step-by-step tutorial for researchers interested in using the state space grid technique and provide an overview of current software options. We close with a discussion of how researchers and practitioners can use state space grids for team training and team development.