Treating Attachment Trauma Underlying Clinical Depression: Changes in QEEG Biomarker

Presented by: Joyce Baptist, Chandra Lasley, Zenova Williams, Diane Grant, Allen Mallory, Yile Su, Natira Staats

The efficacy of treating attachment trauma underlying unipolar depression using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was examined. The treatment group received 10 sessions of EMDR therapy over 5 Weeks while the waitlist control group received the same treatment at Week five. The treatment group reported clinically significant change in depressive symptoms at Week 5 and 4 Weeks follow-up. No change in depressive symptoms were reported by the control group at Week 5 but clinically significant changes were reported at Weeks 10 and 14. Reduction in prefrontal QEEG theta cordance recorded at post-test and follow-up may predict treatment response.

A Comparison Between Self-reported and Observed Measures of Adult Attachment

Presented by: Todd Spencer, Brandt Gardner, Clint Broadbent, Erin Sesemann, Daniel Hubler

Twenty-two married couples came to the research lab and completed a self-report measure of adult attachment (Experience in Close Relationships Revised). Researchers then recorded couples during a problem solving task. Couple interactions were later coded using an observed measure of attachment (Adult Attachment Behavior Q-set-Revised). The purpose of this proposal is to addresses the similarities and differences when using a self-reported measure of adult attachment versus an observational measure. Results suggest that securely-attached couples were able to navigate problem solving tasks without getting absorbed into negative affect while insecurely-attached couples had a tendency to get stuck in negative affect.

The Systemic Interaction of Attachment, Physiology, and Couple Conflict

Presented by: Nathan Taylor, Ryan Seedall, W. David Robinson

Attachment is an important working model in couple relationships and has been linked to how couples navigate conflict. Psychophysiological measures, such has skin conductance and cortisol, have provided additional insight into this relationship by accessing less conscious and controlled responses to conflict. The aim of this study is to explore the systemic interaction between partners' attachment styles on skin conductance responses during conflict. Using dyadic analyses, psychophysiological arousal increased when one partner had higher levels of attachment anxiety and the other partnerhad higher levels of attachment avoidance. This paper will explore findings and also highlight research and clinical implications.

2015 Innovation Grant Winner - Examining Oxytocin Level to Distinguish Impact of Family Activities on Attachment

Presented by: Karen Melton, Maria L. Boccia, Maddie Larson

Preliminary results will be shared from a study examining the causal influence of family activities on attachment system. Couples were randomly assigned to participate in one of two distinct forms of the family experience model—core-joint (i.e., board games) or balance-joint (i.e., art class). Change in oxytocin levels were assessed using peripheral urine measures. It is hypothesized that both activity forms will positively influence levels of oxytocin. Specifically, we believe core-joint activities will have a significantly larger impact on changes in oxytocin levels. This study informs a critical gap related to the understanding of family behaviors and quality of family relationships.