Course Outline: Understanding Anxious and Avoidant Attachment Styles in Romantic Relationships

Course Duration: 3 Hours

I. Introduction to Attachment Theory (30 minutes)

• A. Definition of Attachment Styles

  • Overview of attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969)

  • Types of attachment styles: Secure, Anxious, Avoidant, and Disorganized

• B. Importance in Romantic Relationships

  • Influence on relationship dynamics and satisfaction

  • Discuss statistics on attachment styles in adults

II. Identifying Anxious and Avoidant Attachment Styles (30 minutes)

• A. Characteristics of Anxious Attachment

  • Fear of abandonment

  • Need for constant reassurance

  • Overthinking and hyper-vigilance

• B. Characteristics of Avoidant Attachment

  • Difficulty with intimacy

  • Preference for emotional distance

  • Dismissing of partner's needs

• C. Self-Assessment Activity

  • Provide participants with a self-assessment questionnaire to help identify their attachment style

III. Interactions Between Anxious and Avoidant Attachment Styles (30 minutes)

• A. Patterns of Interaction

  • Common conflict scenarios (e.g., communication breakdowns, unmet needs)

  • How each style triggers responses in the other

• B. Consequences of These Interactions

  • Cycle of escalation and withdrawal

  • Long-term effects on relationship satisfaction and stability

IV. Improving Interactions (1 hour)

• A. Communication Strategies

  • Promoting open dialogue about needs and feelings

  • Using "I" statements to express feelings without blame

• B. Building Awareness and Empathy

  • Techniques for recognizing triggers and responses

  • Exercises for developing empathy towards partner’s attachment style

• C. Creating a Secure Base

  • Strategies for fostering security in the relationship

  • Importance of consistency, reliability, and trust-building

V. Case Studies and Role-Playing (30 minutes)

• A. Analysis of Real-Life Scenarios

  • Discuss examples of interactions between anxious and avoidant partners

  • Group discussion and insights on outcomes

• B. Role-Playing Exercise

  • Participants practice strategies for improving communication and understanding

VI. Conclusion and Q&A (30 minutes)

• A. Summary of Key Takeaways

• B. Open Floor for Questions

  • Encourage participants to share personal experiences and insights

• C. Resource Distribution

  • Provide a list of recommended readings and resources for further learning

References

• Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.

• Shaver, P. R., & Mikulincer, M. (2002). Attachment Theory and Close Relationships. In J. P. Forgas, K. D. Williams & J. L. Laham (Eds.), Social Motivation: Conscious and Unconscious Processes. London: Psychology Press.

• Johnson, S. M. (2004). Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. New York: Little, Brown, and Company.