Parental Attachment as Predictor of Romantic Attachment: Role of Dispositional Mindfulness

Abstract

This study encompasses the relationship of romantic attachment and parental attachment with dispositional mindfulness in a dyadic sample. The sample size comprised of couples (N=144) within the age range of 20-45 years, through purposive sampling technique. Variables were measured through three scales: 1) The Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R) developed by Feldman, Hayes and Kumar in 2007 2) Inventory of Parents and Peer Attachment-Revised (IPPA-R), developed by Eleonora Gullone and Kym Robinson in 2005 3) Experience in close relationship scale-short form (ECR-S) developed by Brennan, Clark and Shaver (et.al) in 1998. The results concluded that CAMS has a negative but significant relationship with both subscales of ECR-S. On the other hand, CAMS relationship with two of IPPA’s subscales (communication and trust) are positively significant, however, this scale’s relationship with trust was negatively significant. Also, CAMS is negatively significant to anxious attachment whereas parental alienation it is positively significant to avoidant attachment in wives. Findings will help identify individuals in need for training in mindfulness; this will also assist in setting the baseline for interventions for couple’s therapy.