1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« One aim in this study was to examine the path linking attachment to network orientation in a structural equation model that takes into account the hypothetical relations among the four attachment scales included in Feeney and Noller’s measure. [...] The present research proposed that attachment styles may influence help-seeking behaviours in less intimate relationships than marital, romantic, or therapeutic relationships, particularly when social support constitutes the main function of these relationships. » (p. 229)

Questions/Hypothèses :
« The following hypotheses were tested in the present research: (i) the avoidant and ambivalent dimensions would be negatively related to the network orientation; (ii) the avoidant dimension would explain higher variation in network orientation than that explained by the ambivalent dimension; (iii) the quality of help-seeking behaviours from teachers would be predicted by a positive network orientation; and (iv) the pattern of correlations among attachment style dimensions, network orientation and help-seeking behaviours would adequately fit the proposed model. » (p. 230)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Study 1: A total of 174 first-year college students (56 males, 118 females). The mean age of the participants was 18.9 years.
Study 2: A sample of 92 high-risk students, 66 females and 26 males.

Instruments :
Study 1:
- Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ; Feeney et al., 1994)
- Network Orientation Scale (NOS; Vaux et al., 1986)
- The Seeking Help from Teacher subscale of the Test of Reactions and Adaptation in College (SHT/TRAC; Larose & Roy, 1995).
- The Self-disclosure subscale of the Measure of Affective Relationships with College Teacher (SD/MARCT; developed for the research)
Study 2:
- Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ; Feeney et al., 1994)
- Network Orientation Scale (NOS; Vaux et al., 1986)
- Students’ help-seeking behaviours throughout the mentoring experience (Galbraith & Cohen, 1995)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« In this study, a model was tested positing that attachment style dimensions affect the individual’s social support network orientation, which, in turn, influences the process of seeking help from teachers. Data from two independent samples of college students using global and dyadic interaction reports of the quality of their help-seeking behaviours were used to assess the model. Evaluation by the EQS method indicated acceptable levels of fit, with the models explaining 49 percent and 23 percent of the variance in help-seeking behaviours. The results are discussed in light of the relations between attachment and social support theories. » (p. 225)