In this module, we learned about how early attachment experiences are connected to adult romantic relationships. Research is based on the premise that the process that creates the close emotional bond between infants and their caregivers is responsible for the bond that evolves between adults in intimate relationships. If adult relationships are attachment relationships, a few critical implications can be drawn. For instance, if a child had a responsive, loving parent, that child could grow into an adult who seeks closeness, trusts others, and establishes deeply meaningful romantic relationships. On the other hand, if a child has an emotionally unavailable, rejecting parent, that child would have difficulty creating trusting, satisfying relationships with romantic partners. There are four adult attachment styles:

• Anxious or Preoccupied
• Avoidant or Dismissive
• Disorganized or Fearful-Avoidant
• Secure

Students will reflect on the research about the relationship between early attachment experiences and adult attachment styles. Students will apply the research to their own life experiences. Students will apply their understanding of adult attachment theory to a therapeutic relationship.

Think about the following three paragraphs. Which paragraph most accurately reflects how you think, feel, and behave in adult romantic relationships?

1. I am somewhat uncomfortable being close to others; I find it difficult to trust them completely, difficult to allow myself to depend on them. I am nervous when anyone gets too close, and often, others want me to be more intimate than I feel comfortable being (Hazan &Shaver, 1987).
2. I find it relatively easy to get close to others and am comfortable depending on them and having them depend on me. I don't worry about being abandoned or about someone getting too close to me (Hazan & Shaver, 1987).
3. I find that others are reluctant to get as close as I would like. I often worry that my partner doesn't really love me or won't want to stay with me. I want to get very close to my partner, and this sometimes scares people away (Hazan & Shaver, 1987).