A New Empirical Method for Assessing Human Attachment Relationship Quality

The theoretical basis of a novel method for assessing attachment is presented along with preliminary data. The method employs an analysis applied to paralinguistic data derived from the tape generated from a newly developed technique based on the Thematic Apperception Test for assessing attachment, the Adult Attachment Projective. The attachment classifications were made blind to the results of the paralinguistic analysis using the traditional Adult Attachment Interview. The paralinguistic analysis method lends itself well to web-based technology and real-time analysis. This method represents an innovation in the ability to use technology-based assessments of Thematic Apperception Test results that bring them more directly into the realm of clinical application.

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