PSYC 362 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Attachment Theory, Logical Consequence

• School: Simon Fraser University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 362
• Professor: Kim Bartholomew

Document Summary

Attachment behavior system: an innate, biologically based system shaped by evolution to help ensure our safety and survival. Self-relevant dimension of anxiety: come to believe that t others are trustworthy and we are valued. Other-relevant dimension of avoidance: believe others are unreliable and are best avoided. Interpretation made by individuals with secure attachment styles will tend to minimize the impact of negative events. On average, relationships become less fulfilling as time passes. Initially high levels of love, then drop off on average during the first 2 years of marriage. People naturally want to increase their capacity and effectiveness as individuals to achieve their goals. Thus they strive to acquire resources of various kinds. Intimate relationships are a common way individuals attempt to accomplish self-expansion. Feelings of satisfaction and love begin to fade as the rate of self-expansion drops. A logical implication of the self-expansion model is that many couples need to find ways to restore the energy and excitement.