Attachment Styles and Satisfaction With Different Aspects of Romantic Relationships: Dyadic Analysis

Abstract

The effects of attachment styles on the relationship satisfaction of both members of the couple were examined on a sample of 215 heterosexual romantic couples. The Interpersonal Relationship Questionnaire, which measures four attachment styles - secure, dismissive, preoccupied, and fearful - was used. Relationship satisfaction was operationalized by three indicators: perceived relationship quality, satisfaction with one’s partner, and relationship stability assessment. Based on these three indicators, an overall evaluation of the relationship was calculated. By its nature, relationship satisfaction is an interpersonal phenomenon, connected not only to one’s own characteristics but also to those of the partner. Therefore, the actor-partner interdependence model was used for data analysis, enabling the analysis of the relationship between an individual’s attachment styles and indicators of their relationship satisfaction (actor effects), as well as the relationship between their attachment styles and indicators of their partner’s relationship satisfaction (partner effects). The results showed that secure attachment has a positive actor effect on the quality and stability of men’s relationships, as well as on overall evaluation of the relationship, while fearful attachment has a negative actor effect on relationship quality, partner satisfaction, and overall evaluation of the relationship, also only in men. One partner effect was obtained, indicating that women are less satisfied with partners who have higher levels of fearful attachment. The importance of the results obtained in the context of previous research, which has mostly been conducted on individuals, was emphasized, and some  potential clinical implications were also mentioned.