Personality Implications of Romantic Attachment Patterns in Young Adults: A Multi-Method, Multi-Informant Study

Abstract

A prototype-matching approach was employed to assess romantic attachment in young adults. The 48-item Hazan and Shaver’s Experiences in Close Relationships inventory was configured, via prototype definitions, to capture core themes of four romantic attachment patterns: secure, preoccupied, dismissing, and fearful. The personality attributes associated with each attachment pattern were evaluated by referencing both observer evaluations and self-report correlates. The observer evaluations of the individuals matching the secure, preoccupied, and fearful prototypes were mostly congruent with their self-perceptions, whereas somewhat greater discrepancy emerged for individuals matching the dismissing prototype. The discussion focused on differences in the personality functioning associated with different romantic attachment patterns, the prototype-matching method, the importance of including both observer- and self-report data in the validation of self-report measures, and the relative advantages of self-report versus interview methodologies in studying attachment.