Attachment—detachment, directiveness—receptiveness: A system for classifying interpersonal attitudes and behaviour

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Abstract
A system of describing attitudes towards others and ways of relating to others is presented. The system is constructed around two dimensions, the one concerned with closeness vs. separateness, the other concerned with dominance vs. submissiveness. Each dimension has two extreme positions and each of these incorporates a range of attitudes and types of behaviour which are systematically described. The two extremes of the closeness-separateness dimension are attachment and detachment. Attachment is a need for proximity and a fear of being alone. Detachment is a need to remain distant and a fear of closeness. The two extremes of the dominance-submissiveness dimension are directiveness and receptiveness. Directiveness is an inclination for giving or doing things to others. It is characterized by a fear of being controlled or taken over. Receptiveness is an inclination to assume a recipient attitude towards others and is characterized by a fear of assuming responsibility. This system lends itself to the development of measures which place an individual on each of the two dimensions. It also provides a conceptual framework within which to frame hypotheses which will have relevance both to clinicians and to researchers. An important consideration is the effect which a person occupying a particular position within the system has upon the attitude and behaviour of others.

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