attachmentand social competencein adolescence（与青少年社会能力）.docVIP

Attachment, Close Friendship, and Popularity in Adolescence Katherine C. Little Distinguished Majors Thesis University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA April 18, 2003 Advisor: Joseph P. Allen Second Reader: Thomas Oltmanns Running Head: ATTACHMENT AND POPULARITY Abstract The goal of this study was to explore how adolescent attachment to parents and adolescent close friendships relate to popularity with peers. A sample of 174 target adolescents were assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview, and peers provided sociometric ratings and measures of companionship about the target adolescents. A secure attachment organization, characterized by consistent discourse about early childhood experiences with parents, was related to higher scores on measures of popularity. Preoccupied attachment, characterized by angry or diffuse discussion of early parent-child experiences, was related to lower peer rankings of popularity. Companionship with a best friend was also positively correlated with popularity, and this effect was separate from the effects of adolescent attachment organization. Results were interpreted as indicating that adolescents’ relationships with parents and close friends, and the correlates of these relationships, both contribute separately to social functioning, specifically popularity with peers. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervising professor, Dr. Joseph Allen, for the patience, wisdom, and guidance he expressed as I worked on this project. I am also indebted to Christy McFarland for her help and insight. Martin Ho, Farah Williams, Maryfrances Porter, and the other members of the KLIFF lab were also very helpful and supportive throughout the process of this project. Finally, I would like to extend thanks to my family and friends who have been so encouraging over the course of this year. Attachment, Close Friendship, and Popularity in Adolescence An individual’s adolescent yea