Assessing adult attachment and the feelings that develop after raising a virtual child

Adams, S. A. (2014). Assessing adult attachment and the feelings that develop after raising a virtual child. https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1106

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Details:

Title

Assessing adult attachment and the feelings that develop after raising a virtual child

Author
Adams, Stephanie A.
Call Number

LE3 .A278 2014

Date

2014

Supervisor

Symons, Doug

Degree Grantor

Acadia University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Honours

Discipline

Psychology

Affiliation

Psychology

Abstract

Virtual characters do not meet all of the criteria required to be attachment figures, but they do offer the advantage of having a relationship develop in a controlled fashion. In the current study, students raised their own virtual child within a Developmental Psychology course. The online MyVirtualChild© program was used, in which students make parenting decisions, receive feedback, and write assignments as a term-long project. This simulated parenting experience takes about 20 hours to complete. Fifty-six students rated their own attachment style using the ECR-RS before and after raising their child. Additionally, they reported on feelings they developed towards their child and whether they felt like a safe haven for the child. Results indicated students not only developed feelings for their virtual child, but those who were avoidant in their own intimate relationships developed more negative attitudes towards them.

Rights

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

Permanent Link

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1106

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