LE3 .A278 2021

2021

Symons, Doug

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology (Neuroscience)

Psychology

Attachment Theory suggests emotional responses are an important aspect of behaviour, particularly when the attachment system is activated. This study examines the relations of Adult Attachment classifications using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) and emotional expressions exhibited in the face during AAP administration. Ekman described microexpressions as displays of facial behaviour lasting less than one second that reflect “true emotions” as they are not in conscious control. Thus, the present research examines microexpressions of Joy, Anger, Surprise, Fear, Contempt, Sadness, and Disgust. Participants were 60 undergraduate students who were administered the AAP story-telling task as a means to classify them as Secure, Preoccupied, Dismissive, or Unresolved while their facial behaviour was recorded, and expressions analyzed using Affectiva AFFDEX© and iMotions® technology. Results showed the presence of microexpressions of all emotions at low rates, with more Joy being expressed to Attachment-Neutral than Attachment-Relevant AAP cards. Microexpressions did not vary across the four Attachment Categories, with the exception of Contempt, which was higher in the Preoccupied group than the other three Categories. While few hypothesized differences were found, this study is the first to examine microexpressions during an assessment of the AAP, and thus, serves as a new paradigm to explore the underlying emotional structure of Adult Attachment. Future directions for this work are suggested.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3614