Exploring Attachment in Adolescents with Learning Disabilities Using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System: A Feasibility Study

  • Joanne Veale

Student thesis: DClinPsy

Abstract

Abstract
This study is a first attempt to address the research gap in identifying a reliable and valid measure of attachment in adolescents with Learning Disabilities (LD). This is an exploratory study on the feasibility of using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) with this group. This study aimed to explore whether adolescents with LD can respond to the AAP. The AAPs of nine adolescents with LD were blind coded by two trained raters and were given an attachment classification: either secure, dismissing, preoccupied or unresolved. Agreement was found between two raters on 5/8 cases. The three cases where there were discrepancies were resolved. Inductive and deductive thematic analyses were completed on the AAP transcripts which found 5 themes: the characters’ internal worlds, the perception of attachment figures, avoiding emotional pain, traumatic events and relating to personal experiences. The AAP looks promising in the use of measuring attachment in adolescents with LD. Future research exploring the use of the AAP with larger samples of adolescents with LD is needed.
Date of Award9 Sept 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • University of Plymouth
SupervisorDeanna Gallichan (Director of Studies (First Supervisor))

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