We would like to thank the William T. Grant Foundation, Spencer Foundation, and National Institute of Mental Health for funding provided to Joseph Allen, Principal Investigator, for the conduct and write-up of this study. The authors can be reached at: Martin Ho Department of Psychology PO Box University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA Penny Marsh University of California Berkeley 2205 Tolman Hall #1650 Berkeley, CA Adolescent Ego Development: Links To Models of Attachment and Developing Security of Peer Relationships

Abstract This study examines interrelations between ego development and attachment in adolescence. Data were collected from 153 adolescents at age 13, and again at age 14. Adolescents with higher ego levels had more secure working models of attachment relationships, after accounting for demographic factors. Further, adolescents with higher ego levels were becoming more secure in their relationships with peers over time. These findings have important implications for the relationship between ego development and interpersonal relationships in adolescence.

Introduction Both ego development and attachment have been independently related to psychosocial functioning in adolescence and adulthood. Ego development, according to Loevenger (1978), is described as having an autonomous self, a construct that includes being a self- reliant person who views oneself and others as multifaceted and unique. Advances in ego development are determined by psychological variables, rather than age related development. Attachment, assessed by the Adult Attachment Interview, describes individuals as having working models, rules and expectations for the

organization of attachment information. The structure of models of friendships have been shown to be similar to models of attachment relationships in adolescence (Furman, 2001). While ego development focuses on the syntheses and complexities of thought and self-reflection; attachment theory focuses on emotion regulation, intimacy, trust, and commitment in close relationships. While ego development and attachment are related, they capture unique aspects of personality development. Understanding linkages between the two may have important implications Introduction (cont.)

for intervention and preventative efforts to foster development of positive interpersonal relationships during adolescence. Research has shown links between ego development and attachment security in young adulthood (Hauser et al, 1998), but to our knowledge, no work has focused on these connections in adolescence. The current study uses hierarchical regression analysis to explore: (1) links between ego development and working models of attachment as assessed in adolescence, (2) links between ego development and changes in attachment to peers over time. Introduction (cont.)

Method PARTICIPANTS Multi-method, multi-reporter data were collected from 153 adolescents recruited through a public school (44% male, 35% minority, median family income $50,000). Adolescents were followed from age 13 to 14. MEASURES Adolescent Ego Development Ego development at age 13 was coded from adolescents’ responses on the Sentence Completion Test (Westenberg et al., 1998; Loevinger & Wessler, 1978). The SCT correlates answers of open ended responses such as “sometimes she wished..”, “I feel sorry..” with 7 stages of ego development. Working Models of Attachment Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). This semi structured interview (George, Kaplan, & Main) probes individuals’ memories about their childhood relationships and experiences with parents.

Method (cont.) Adult Attachment Q-sort Coding System. Adolescents’ attachment security was assessed by Q-sort coding the AAI (George, Kaplan & Main, 1984; Kobak et al.1993). Interviews are classified into categories for overall state of mind with respect to attachment. This study focused on secure states of mind, which in adolescence is characterized by the ability to present information about attachment relationships in an orderly, internally consistent, and objective manner. Attachment To Peers Adolescents’ attachment to peers was assessed at age thirteen and again at age fourteen using the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA, Armsden & Greenburg, 1988). The IPPA is a twenty-five item self-report measure that assesses adolescents' perceptions of how well their friends serve as sources of psychological security.

HIGH EGO LEVEL RESPONSE Examples of Ego Development and Attachment Example Responses The worst thing about being a woman… Example: is like the worst thing about being a man – you’re not perfect The worst thing about being a man… Example: is admitting past mistakes, and realizing exactly who and what you are My friends accept me as I am Example: Always true My friends help me to understand myself better Example: Always true The worst thing about being a woman… Example: is drinking The worst thing about being a man… Example: is finding a job LOW EGO LEVEL RESPONSE HIGH ATTACHMENT TO PEERS LOW ATTACHMENT TO PEERS My friends accept me as I am Example: Never true My friends help me to understand myself better Example: Never true

Hierarchical regressions reveal: Adolescents with higher ego levels had more secure working models of attachment relationships (ß =.38, p<.001), after accounting for demographic factors (Table 1). Ego level was a significant predictor of attachment to peers at age fourteen, even after accounting for levels at age thirteen (ß =.25, p<.01). This indicates that adolescents with higher ego levels were were becoming more secure in their relationships with peers over time in comparison to the rest of the sample (Table 2). Results

Table 1: Ego Level And Teen’s Attachment Security ßTotal R 2 Δ R 2 ATTACHMENT SECURITY Step I. Gender.11***.13*** Income.35*** Step II. Ego Level.38***.25***.12 Note. *** p <.001. ** p <.01. * p <.05; n=141 More Secure Working Models of Relationships Higher Teen Ego Levels (age 13)

Table 2: Ego Level & Change In Attachment To Peers ßTotal R 2 Δ R 2 ATTACHMENT WITH PEERS AT AGE 14 Step I. Attachment to peers (age 13) -.56***-.31*** Step II. Gender-.07***.34***.03 Income-.20*** Step III. Ego Level -.25***.39***.05 Note. *** p <.001. ** p <.01. * p <.05; n=153 Increasing Security in Attachment To Peers Age 13 to 14 Higher Teen Ego Levels (age 13)

Results demonstrate that: Teens' ego development level at age 13 is linked to attachment status at age 14. Adolescents with higher ego levels at age 13 were becoming more secure in their relationships with peers over time in comparison to the rest of the sample. Overall, adolescents who were higher in ego development (demonstrated more complex and self reflective thoughts), were also demonstrating more secure working models of attachment relationships, and reporting stronger security in friendships over time. These findings suggest a role for ego development in relationship functioning in adolescence. We are currently expanding these findings by exploring relationships between trajectories in ego development and attachment throughout the course of adolescence. Conclusions

References Armsden, G. C., & Greenberg, M. T. (1987) The inventory of parent and peer attachment: Individual differences and their relationship to psychological well-being in adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 16, Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1., Attachment. New York: Basic Books. (Original work published in 1969). Furman, W. (2001). Working models of friendships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 18, George, C., Kaplan, N., & Main, M. (1984). Attachment interview for adults. Unpublished manuscript, University of California, Berkeley. Kobak, R. R., Cole, H. E., et al. (1993). Attachment and emotion regulation during mother-teen problem solving: A control theory analysis. Child Development, 64, Loevinger, J. & Wessler, R. (1978). Measuring ego development, Volume One: Construction and use of the Sentence Completion Test. San Fransisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. Loevinger, J. (1998). Technical foundations for measuring ego development: The Washington University Sentence Completion Test. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Westenberg, P.M., Blasi, A., & Cohn, L. D. (Eds.) (1998). Personality Development: Theoretical, Empirical, and Clinical Implications of Loevinger's Conception of Ego Development. Hillsdale, NJ: L. Erlbaum.