May 2007
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160 Reads
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37 Citations
Attachment theory was used to conceptualize the supervisory relationship. The type of attachment that supervisees reported in their close relationships was used to determine whether or not their feelings toward their supervisor revealed a relationship of attachment. The sample consisted of 90 distinct supervisor-supervisee dyads from diverse professional backgrounds. Supervisees classified as secure, preoccupied, fearful, or dismissive in their close relationships were similarly attached in relationship to their clinical supervisor. Further, supervisees with an insecure attachment to their supervisor demonstrated low levels of professional development when professional development was based on self-report but not when it was based on supervisor report. Results are discussed in light of the role that attachment plays in the training of supervisees.