Center for Behavioral Decision Research

CBDR : Seminar Series : Seminar by Brooke Feeney

Relationship Influences on Exploration in Adulthood: The Characteristics and Function of a Secure Base

	presented by Brooke Feeney (Carnegie Mellon University (Psychology))


	Thursday, April 23	link to paper
	12pm
	PH 223D	link to Speaker's Site

	Abstract:

	Theory and research regarding relationship influences on exploration in adulthood will be presented. This will be accomplished by (a) identifying important characteristics of a secure base, (b) examining the influence of the presence/absence of these characteristics on exploration behavior in adulthood, and (c) identifying individual difference factors that are predictive of the provision and receipt of secure base support. A series of studies involving a variety of research methods (observational, experimental, longitudinal) will be presented. The results of these studies indicate that three identified characteristics of a secure base (availability, non-interference, and encouragement) are strongly predictive of exploration behavior, and that the provision and receipt of these secure base behaviors can be predicted by individual differences in attachment. Implications of results for personal and relationship health/well-being, and contributions to existing literature, will be discussed.

	Host at CMU: Morewedge