The American backpacker traveling alone: Relationships, attachment and object relations of those who lived in transit.
Item
-
Title
-
The American backpacker traveling alone: Relationships, attachment and object relations of those who lived in transit.
-
Identifier
-
AAI3294242
-
identifier
-
3294242
-
Creator
-
Weber, Michal.
-
Contributor
-
Adviser: Steven B. Tuber
-
Date
-
2007
-
Language
-
English
-
Publisher
-
City University of New York.
-
Subject
-
Psychology, Clinical | Psychology, Behavioral
-
Abstract
-
Researchers and clinicians alike often place implicit, if not explicit, emphasis on the importance of long-term intimate relationships for mental health. This study attempts to explore this topic by focusing on a specific population that elects to spend a significant period of time without the benefit of immediately available long-term relationships. The present study examines the hypotheses that individuals who choose to spend a significant period of time without long-term relationships would differ from the normal population in object relations and attachment patterns, demonstrating difficulties in both realms.;The population used in this study is the American urban backpacker (budget traveler) traveling essentially alone for at least six months. Sixty three subjects completed a questionnaire including basic demographics, relationships history, travel history, the early memory test, Bell's Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI, Bell, 1991), and the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire, Revisited (ECR-R; Fraley et al., 2000). Four subjects were then interviewed in depth and the data was analyzed qualitatively.;Contrary to expectations, this population did not demonstrate gross psychopathology. On the BORRTI they did not differ from the non-clinical normative population. The early memory test suggested these subjects benefit from a consolidated ego identity. Their representations of others were generally balanced, nuanced, and included minimal splitting. On the attachment measure the population scored significantly lower on relationship-related anxiety than the normative population. However there was an over-representation of the Dismissive-Avoidant attachment style. A post hoc analysis of the data suggests that individuals with lower scores on both the relationship-related avoidance and anxiety dimension may be better suited for sustained long-term solo travel.;A number of theories are raised to explain the findings of this study with particular emphasis placed on Mahler's theory of separation-individuation. The rapprochement developmental stage and its inherent focus on negotiating dependency and autonomy needs is explored in relations to the quantitative and qualitative data obtained. The role of group-membership in the backpacking community and the use of internet contact with one's social support system back home are also explored to explain the findings.
-
Type
-
dissertation
-
Source
-
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
-
degree
-
Ph.D.
