The Mary Main Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) is a widely used and respected tool for assessing adult attachment patterns and their influence on relationships and psychological well-being. Developed by psychologist Mary Main and her colleagues, the AAI provides valuable insights into individuals’ internal working models of attachment, shedding light on their relationship dynamics, coping strategies, and emotional regulation.
The AAI is a semi-structured interview designed to explore individuals’ experiences and memories of their early attachment relationships with caregivers. During the interview, participants are asked to reflect on their childhood experiences, including their relationships with their parents or primary caregivers, as well as their current relationships and attachment-related experiences.
One of the key objectives of the AAI is to identify individuals’ attachment classifications based on their responses to the interview questions. These classifications are based on the four main attachment styles identified in attachment theory: secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant.
Individuals with a secure attachment classification tend to have a coherent and balanced narrative of their early attachment experiences. They are able to recall both positive and negative aspects of their relationships with caregivers, and they demonstrate a sense of comfort with intimacy and autonomy in their adult relationships.
In contrast, individuals with an anxious-preoccupied attachment classification may exhibit a preoccupation with attachment-related concerns and experiences of insecurity and fear of abandonment. They may struggle with self-worth and dependency needs, and they may seek excessive reassurance and validation from their partners.
Those with a dismissive-avoidant attachment classification may downplay the importance of attachment relationships and exhibit a tendency to minimize or dismiss emotions and vulnerability. They may emphasize self-reliance and independence in their relationships, and they may have difficulty expressing their emotions and needs to their partners.
Lastly, individuals with a fearful-avoidant attachment classification may exhibit a combination of anxious and avoidant tendencies, experiencing conflicting desires for intimacy and independence. They may fear rejection and abandonment while also avoiding emotional closeness and vulnerability.
The AAI provides valuable insights into individuals’ attachment patterns and their impact on relationships and psychological well-being. By identifying attachment classifications, the AAI can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their relationship dynamics, coping strategies, and emotional regulation tendencies.
Moreover, the AAI can be used as a therapeutic tool to inform intervention strategies and treatment approaches for individuals experiencing attachment-related difficulties. Therapists trained in attachment theory can use the AAI to explore clients’ attachment histories, identify maladaptive patterns, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
In conclusion, the Mary Main Adult Attachment Interview is a valuable tool for assessing adult attachment patterns and their influence on relationships and psychological well-being. By providing insights into individuals’ attachment classifications, the AAI can help inform therapeutic interventions and support individuals in cultivating healthier and more secure relationships. Let us embrace the insights provided by the AAI as a pathway to deeper self-understanding and relationship growth.
Disclaimer: As of November 3, 2025, this information is true as per the body of work in the field.
