Protective and Acquisitive Self-Monitoring Differences in Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-17-2020
Abstract
The purpose of the investigation was to examine how different self-monitoring orientations would manifest in interpersonal relationship functioning. Protective, but not acquisitive, self-monitoring was expected to be associated with greater attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Participants completed the Self-Monitoring Scale and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire with respect to romantic partners (Studies 1a, 1b) and the Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationship Structures Scale with respect to mothers, fathers, romantic partners and best friends (Study 2). Across relationship type, those higher in protective self-monitoring expressed more avoidance and anxiety than did those lower in protective self-monitoring. Acquisitive self-monitoring was generally unrelated to attachment anxiety and avoidance. It appears that a self-presentational orientation based on avoiding disapproval contributes to general uneasiness with intimacy and fear of interpersonal rejection.
Publication Title
Self and Identity
Volume
19
Issue
2
First Page
219
Last Page
234
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/15298868.2019.1570969
ISSN
15298868
E-ISSN
15298876
Citation Information
Paul T. Fuglestad, Christopher Leone & Taylor Drury (2020) Protective and acquisitive self-monitoring differences in attachment anxiety and avoidance, Self and Identity, 19:2, 219-234, DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2019.1570969
