The measurement of attachment styles, dimensions and intensity across adult age groups

The purposes of this study were to measure attachment styles, dimensions, and intensity across adult age groups and to determine if such measurements are appropriate for use with adults from different age groups. Based on infant attachment research and theory (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978; Bowlby, 1969, 1973, 1980), Hazan and Shaver (1987) proposed that the attachment process among adults is a biosocial one by which affectional bonds are forged between two adults, just as affectional bonds are formed between human infants and caregivers.; Two-hundred ten adults participated in the study. Participants comprised three adult age groups: 18--40 (n = 66), 41--60 (n = 82), and 61+ (n = 62) years of age. Measures used included Hazan and Shaver's (1987) three-category adult attachment style measure; Bartholomew and Horowitz's four-category adult attachment style measure; the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS; Collins & Read, 1990); the Lipson-Parra Adult Attachment Scale (LAAS; Lipson-Parra, 1990); and a measure of attachment intensity.; Findings supported use of both the three- and four-category measures across adult age groups; however, the distribution of attachment styles differed across age groups. More adults in the older group endorsed the Secure attachment style than in the two younger groups. No gender differences were found for either measure.; Factor analysis of the AAS failed to confirm the existing three-factor structure, while the unifactoral structure of the LAAS was confirmed.; The strength of an attachment was measured via attachment intensity. Findings indicated that middle-aged adults assigned significantly higher intensity ratings to their attachments than did older adults. Other age group comparisons were not significant.; This study has important implications for the measurement of attachment among different adult age groups. Specifically, certain adult attachment measures currently utilized in research may not be appropriate for use with adults of all ages. In terms of life span implications, these findings suggest that adults may become more securely attached with age. Alternately, these group differences may point to a cohort difference in which the cohort born in the 1920s and 1930s are more securely attached than other cohorts. However, only age group differences can be inferred. Age changes require research of a longitudinal nature. These findings add to the emerging body of research on attachment in late-life that indicates the salience of attachment in life span adaptation.