(PS8-10) Evidence for a Brief Psychoeducational Attachment-based Intervention in Emerging Adults

Background:

The current research presents a pilot evaluation of a single-session web-based attachment education intervention (Healthy Emotional Attachment Lifestyle [HEAL]) delivered to college students. The HEAL intervention teaches students about attachment orientations (i.e., anxiety and avoidance), how they present themselves in various stages of relationship development and maintenance, and how to use communication and attachment-related knowledge to resolve conflicts more constructively. Outcomes included acceptability of the program and attachment-related knowledge, competence, and confidence for all participants and communication among participants in romantic relationships.

Method: Emerging adult college students (aged 18-26; N=152; 83.1% women; 48.0% in a committed romantic relationship) completed a baseline survey and were randomized to watch either the HEAL video or a time-matched control video in the laboratory. They completed an online follow-up survey two weeks later (n=120; 79.0% follow-up rate).

Results: HEAL participants generally found the program acceptable and most participants in relationships discussed program content with their partner. At follow-up, HEAL participants showed greater attachment-related knowledge and confidence compared to control participants. Compared to control, HEAL participants in relationships reported greater knowledge and confidence in communicating more effectively with their partner, and better communication (e.g., less frequent and severe conflict) over the follow-up period.

Conclusions: Study findings provide preliminary support that the HEAL program is feasible, acceptable, and helpful to students.