u04d1 Problem Statement and Significance of the Study

Using the qualitative dissertation or research article that you located in this unit, critique the suitability of the research
problem and the significance of the problem to the field of psychology. Discuss the appropriateness of the qualitative
methodology used to conduct the study.

Response Guidelines
Respond to at least one other learner, addressing the following question:

Using the article located, has the learner critiqued the suitability of the research problem and the
significance of the study to the field of psychology

Resources

Attributes and Evaluation of Discussion Contributions.

Professional Communications and Writing Guide.

This research article on adult attachment status within the psychotherapy process emerged as the
result of the growing volume of research on attachment status over the past several decades.
Amidst this growing interest, seeking to understand the attachment influences and effects within
interpersonal relationships between psychotherapists and clients in the counseling environment
has been of recent interest to researchers as well. The research problem of how experienced
therapists describe their work with clients who either have a high level of attachment anxiety
(hyperactivation) or a high level of attachment avoidance (deactivation) was clearly identified
by the authors. Based upon the lack of significant extant data and research regarding this topic,
the research problem represents a gap in the current body of research literature (Creswell, 2006).
The authors implemented a grounded theory research approach to identify and define a
theoretical model that exemplifies therapeutic approaches to the two client attachment styles.
The purpose of this research article was to identify general patterns and themes used by
experienced therapists when treating clients with attachment anxiety (hyperactivation) and
attachment avoidance (deactivation) and develop a theoretical model based upon their approach
to these two different types of clients (Daly & Mallinckrodt, 2009). The contribution of this
ground breaking research on this topic is significant in assisting practitioners in applying a
theoretical model in client therapist relationships rather than merely a tacit understanding of the
effects of attachment theory in the counseling environment.
The authors used a modified snowball sampling technique to gather 4 experienced therapists
from different locations in the United States through recommendations from other known
therapists (Daly & Mallinckrodt, 2009). Pilot interviews were conducted to formulate
appropriate interview questions and minimize ambiguity. Client vignettes were sent by email to

participating therapists and they were invited to choose client R (attachment anxiety) and
client J (attachment avoidance). The therapists were interviewed based upon their responses to
the client vignettes.
The research results suggested that the intentional management of therapeutic distance between
the therapist and client lies at the core of the theoretical model for therapeutic client interventions
with attachment anxiety and avoidance and that mentalization is a key concept for client self
regulation in the counseling environment. In my view, a grounded theory qualitative research
design was appropriate for at this stage of research on the topic to excavate the rich repertoire of
tacit methodologies used by psychotherapists to effectively mediate these patterns among these
types of clients.
Anthony Rhodes
General Psychology Ph.D
References
Creswell, J. (2006). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
traditions (2nd ed.). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Daly, K., & Mallinckrodt, B. (2009). Experienced therapists approach to psychotherapy for
adults with attachment avoidance or attachment anxiety. Journal of Counseling
Psychology, 56(4), 549-563. doi:10.1037/a0016695. Retrieved on August 3, 2010 from
http://web.ebscohost.com.library.capella.edu/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=110&sid=69a1d14e-a0b94e65-842f3b6881f3ecdf@sessionmgr112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=p
dh&AN=cou-56-4-549