Date Available

2-12-2018

Year of Publication

2018

Degree Name

Master of Science in Family Sciences (MSFS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Family Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Nathan D. Wood

Abstract

Michelangelo Phenomenon provides an interpersonal model of goal pursuits and suggests that close partners sculpt one another and help them move toward their ideal selves. Attachment theory also provides a parallel explanation of how close others can help one another move toward their goals. The purpose of the current research was to look at the influence of attachment on the Michelangelo Phenomenon and test whether it best fit as a predictor, mediator, or moderator. The hypotheses were tested across three studies (two longitudinal and one cross-sectional) using a maximum likelihood estimation path analysis following APIM assumptions. The results provided strong support for the link between attachment and the Michelangelo Phenomenon. Across three studies, attachment acted as a predictor of the Michelangelo Phenomenon with higher levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance predicting lower levels of affirmation. Relevance to therapy and future directions are also discussed.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2018.039

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