Date

2-28-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Angela Rathkamp

Keywords

attachment styles, dismissive avoidant attachment style, attachment theory, lived experiences, phenomenology, earned attachment security, secure attachment style, earning attachment security

Disciplines

Philosophy | Psychology

Abstract

This phenomenological study, guided by John Bowlby’s attachment theory, explored the lived experiences of individuals with a history of dismissive avoidant attachment who have earned attachment security in romantic relationships. Using a qualitative design, the study employed snowball and convenience sampling to enroll eight participants. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed, and thematic coding identified key patterns related to dismissive avoidant attachment and the pathways to earning attachment security. Themes emerged regarding early caregiving experiences, including emotionally distant caregiver, physically absent caregiver, and neglect. In romantic relationships before earning attachment security, participants described themes of avoidance of emotional intimacy, self-sabotage, fear of vulnerability, difficulty with commitment, and surface-level connections/inconsistent involvement. Pathways to earning attachment security included themes of awareness, faith & relationship with God, self-esteem/self-view, active daily efforts, therapy & reflection, and relationship with close others. The experiences in romantic relationships after earning attachment security were characterized by improved emotional regulation and self-awareness, increased trust and vulnerability, enhanced communication and relationship depth, greater relationship commitment, and a stronger sense of self-worth and acceptance. These findings demonstrate the processes individuals use to become more securely attached after being dismissive avoidant, and the benefits of this change on their romantic relationships.

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