CURRENT PROJECTS
The Antecedents and Sequalae of Adolescents’ Scripted Attachment Representations
In this programmatic line of pre-registered studies, we leverage data from the 30-year-long NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. This set of studies is designed to investigate the antecedents (e.g., parental sensitivity in the first 15 years of life) and sequelae (e.g., romantic relationship quality and depression symptoms at around age 30) of late adolescents' scripted attachment representations (i.e., temporal-causal schemas encompassing the essential elements of seeking and receiving support at times of need). |
Scripted Attachment Representations and Memory of Dyadic Interactions
In a sample of engaged couples, we assess the degree to which scripted attachment representations (i.e., temporal-causal schemas encompassing the essential elements of seeking and receiving support at times of need) predict changes in their memory of interacting with one another (e.g., of being heard by the other, or providing support to another) under mild conditions of distress. Data collection is ongoing. |
Assessment of Secure Base Script Behaviors during Dyadic Interactions
Research has shown that adolescents with secure attachment representations report higher quality of romantic relationships up to 12 years later. In this mini-longitudinal project, we try to better understand the mechanism of such longitudinal associations. We assess how attachment behaviors (e.g., bidding for support from the other, or providing support as a response) play out when romantic partners discuss issues of disagreement with one another. Data collection is ongoing. |
Attachment Networks to Mothers and Fathers
In this pre-registered project, we co-lead the Collaboration on Attachment to Multiple Parents Synthesis (CAMPOS) consortium. We use individual participant data meta-analyses to compile data collected by attachment researchers worldwide over the past 40 years. We assess the antecedents (e.g., temperament) and sequelae (e.g., behavior problems and language competence) of children’s attachment networks to mothers and fathers based on research models developed in the lab. |
PAST PROJECTS
Attachment representations and internalizing symptoms across the lifespan
In a series of meta-analyses, we quantified the associations between attachment representations in adolescents and adults (as assessed via the Adult Attachment interview) and both depression and anxiety. We then integrated these findings with similar meta-analyses in infancy and children via testable evolutionary mis/match hypotheses to develop the Lifespan Development Theory of Insecure Attachment and Internalizing Symptoms. |