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Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 25, No. 3, 429-444 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407508090867

Attachment stability and change during adolescence: A longitudinal application of the Social Relations Model

Kirsten L. Buist

Utrecht University, k.l.buist{at}uu.nl

Ellen Reitz

Utrecht University

Maja Dekovic

Utrecht University

An important issue in attachment theory and research is explaining individual differences in attachment quality. In this study, we examined (i) the relative importance of individual, dyadic, and family characteristics in explaining attachment quality differences and (ii) changes in the importance of these characteristics during adolescence. We examined these questions by applying the Social Relations Model to two-wave longitudinal data. Two parents and two adolescents from 210 families reported their attachment relationships with other family members. Results showed that differences in quality of attachment are best explained by the adolescent's internal working model (individual) and by relationship-specific (dyadic) characteristics. We found few longitudinal changes, indicating stability in these attachment processes. Implications of these results and important directions for future research are discussed.

Key Words: adolescence • attachment • family relationships • longitudinal research • Social Relations Model


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