Effects of attachment-focused versus relationship skills-focused group interventions for college students with insecure attachment patterns

This study tested the attachment issues segment of Kilmann's ( 1996) manualized attachment-focused (AF) group intervention. College students with insecure adult attachment patterns were randomly assigned into either a manualized attachment-focused group or into a manualized relationship skills-focused (RS) group. A no-intervention control condition (NC) was recruited in the same manner. Between pre- and post-testing, AF and RS participants reported decreased agreement with dysfunctional relationship beliefs. AF participants also reported higher self-esteem, decreased angry reaction, and increased control of anger. RS participants reported improved interpersonal styles. At the 15-18-month follow-up, AF and RS participants reported increased self-awareness and positive relationship expectations and experiences, while NC participants reported no positive changes.