A Socio-Epistemic Theory of Attachment: Part III. A Relevance-Based Taxonomy for the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) Coding System

In the third and last part of this article, we consider a possible extension of the socio-epistemic theory of attachment-related differences, and we apply the theory to other previously underexplored aspects of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) coding system. Building on our earlier proposal that attachment patterns reflect differences in epistemic trust, we examine how this framework can illuminate three further key areas of AAI classification: (1) the AAI subclassifications (2) the unresolved/disorganized (U/d) classification; and (3) additional features typical of speakers who are assigned the secure/autonomous AAI classification, including mentalizing. By integrating Relevance Theory, we argue that these dimensions of variation reflect epistemic styles, or systematic differences in how individuals evaluate and share knowledge within interpersonal exchanges. This approach refines our understanding of the AAI coding system and further supports a possible theoretical shift toward conceptualizing attachment differences as fundamental variations in socio-epistemic processes.