How attachment style influences emotional experience via appraisals and approach /avoidance motivations

Attachment style was originally defined as characteristic emotional responses to similar events. This dissertation returns to that vein, and juxtaposes attachment with current appraisal and motivational theories of emotion to derive predictions concerning how attachment could influence appraisals, motivations, and ultimately emotions. University students were asked to recall specific events and their reactions. Results support the connection of attachment to specific emotions, namely; contempt, shame, love, pride, and relief. Another goal that was met was the demonstration of the effect attachment has on motivation, although the findings supporting motivation as being a mediator of the effect of attachment on emotion were mixed. Unfortunately, the connection between attachment and appraisals was inconclusive. A reconsideration of appraisals and current measurement techniques is discussed.