The Adult Attachment Interview (AAI)

The Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) is a structured, conversational assessment used by psychologists to explore how adults perceive and recount their childhood relationships with caregivers. It helps identify patterns of attachment—whether individuals felt secure, anxious, or disconnected—by examining their consistency, emotional openness, and coherence when discussing their early experiences. The AAI provides insights into how these attachment styles influence current relationships and emotional functioning. It is primarily used in research and clinical settings to understand attachment history and its impact on adult life.