Modeling the hierarchical structure of attachment representations: A test of domain differentiation

Abstract: This research examined the hierarchical structure of attachment representations by directly measuring both global attachment orientations within distinct relationship domains (romantic, familial, and friendship), and attachment within a comprehensive range of specific relationships within each of these domains (e.g., current romantic partner, mother, best friend). In two independent samples, Hierarchical Linear Modeling analyses demonstrated that domain-specific representations were strongly associated with attachment ratings of specific relationships within that same domain (domain-relationship congruent associations) but were not (in general) associated with ratings of relationship-specific attachment in other domains (domain-relationship incongruent associations). These results provide evidence for the domain differentiation of multiple attachment representations – a defining feature of a hierarchically organized attachment representational network. Directions for future research integrating representations of attachment-related domains with the higher-order personality-esque component of the attachment representational hierarchy are briefly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]