Unit information: Interpersonal Relationships and Attachment Processes in 2010/11

Unit name	Interpersonal Relationships and Attachment Processes
Unit code	PSYC31046
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18)
Unit director	Emeritus Professor. Rowe
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Psychological Science
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will furnish students with a detailed understanding of key research and controversies in the contemporary Interpersonal Relationships literature. Students will learn about the dynamics of attachment relationships from the application of social-psychological theories.

Aims:

The unit aims to develop students intellectual skills and knowledge base. Students will be furnished with a thorough understanding of contemporary issues in the subject area and will learn about the role of empirical evidence in the formation of theory. In addition, through small group teaching a number of transferable skills will be developed. Students will acquire oral presentation and group working skills through the delivery of assessed oral presentations on key topics in the research area. In addition, students will develop written and information synthesis skills, as well as critical evaluation skills, through group discussions and by producing a piece of assessed written work. This range of transferable skills is highly valued by employers and provides an excellent preparation for a range of careers and further post-graduate study. To introduce students to different methodological approaches to the study of personal relationships, with a particular focus on Social Cognitive approaches. A further related aim is to increase students knowledge regarding theories and research on attachment and personal relationships and develop their ability to critically evaluate the application of attachment theory.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the unit, the students will:

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the methodological approaches to the study of personal relationships

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the application of these approaches in the literature

• Be able to integrate this understanding of these methodologies with other areas of psychological enquiry

• Have developed a variety of transferable skills via assessed oral presentations, discussion, team work and written assessment

Teaching Information

This unit comprises 6 90-minute seminar sessions as well as 1 tutorial. It will be assessed on the basis of 1 piece of written work and 1 oral presentation.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment:

• 60% - Written assignment (maximum length 2000 words)

• 40% - Oral presentation

Reading and References

• Bowlby, J. (1988). The origins of attachment theory. In J. Bowlby, A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development (pp. 20-38). New York: Basic Books.

• Mikulincer, M. (2006). Attachment, caregiving, and sex within romantic relationships: A behavioural systems perspective. In M. Mikulincer & G.Goodman (Eds.), Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving and sex (pp. 23-44). New York: Guilford Press.

• Rowe, A. C., & Carnelley, K. B. (2003). Attachment style differences in the processing of attachment-relevant information: Primed-style effects on recall, interpersonal expectations, and affect. Personal Relationships, 10, 59-76.

• Mikulincer, M., Gillath, O., & Shaver, P. R. (2002). Activation of the attachment system in adulthood: Threat-related primes increase the accessibility of mental representations of attachment figures. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83, 881-895.

• Davila, J., & Cobb, R. J. (2004). Predictors of change in attachment security during adulthood. In W. S. Rholes & J. A. Simpson (Eds.), Adult attachment: Theory, research, and clinical implications (pp. 133-156). New York: The Guilford Press.

• Klohnen, E. C., & John, O. P. (1998). Working models of attachment: A theory-based prototype approach. In J. A. Simpson and W. S. Rholes, (Eds.) Attachment Theory and Close Relationships (pp. 115-142). New York: The Guilford Press.