The Role Of Attachment Style In The Expression Of Intimacy In Committed Dating Relationships

INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. ProQuest Information and Learning 300 North Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. THE ROLE OF ATTACHMENT STYLE IN THE EXPRESSION OF INTIMACY IN COMMITTED DATING RELATIONSHIPS by Saudia Major Bachelor of Arts University of South Carolina, 1997 Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree o f Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology University of South Carolina 2003 Major Professor Committee Member Chairman, Examining Committee/ Committee Member Dean of the Graduate School Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. UMI Number 3084800 ___ ® UMI UMI Microform 3084800 Copyright 2003 by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest Information and Learning Company 300 North Zeeb Road P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Dedication This contribution to the field o f psychology is dedicated to my parents, Robert and Loretta Major. You instilled in me a thorough sense o f selfconfidence, a profound work ethic, and the value o f discipline and dedication. Those precious gifts have made my dreams a reality. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I would also like to dedicate this work to my Aunt Flu. You always knew exactly what I needed and did all you could to ensure I received it. My greatest sorrow in life is that you said goodbye before my greatest accomplishment to date was complete. ii Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Acknowledgements The love, support, and strength o f many people have made my achievements possible. All praise is due to God, the creator. Whose merciful presence in my life makes all impossible things possible. To my parents: I shudder to think of what would have become o f me without the unconditional love, undying devotion, and unwavering support you have bestowed upon me since birth. To my older sisters. Patricia. Zainab, Sherema, RahSheba. and my big brothers, Gwame and Ishmeal, who could not have provided me with a more supportive family. The wisdom, experiences, laughs, and heartbreaks we've endured together have molded me into the person I've become. Thank you for enduring and loving the many phases of Saudia as you watched me mature and develop over the years. I would like to thank my ni