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A Dyadic Analysis of Attachment Insecurities and Romantic Disengagement among Couples Seeking Relationship Therapy
Author(s) -
Callaci Melissa,
Péloquin Katherine,
Barry Robin A.,
Tremblay Nadine
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/jmft.12422
Subject(s) - disengagement theory , psychology , intrapersonal communication , romance , attachment theory , anxiety , developmental psychology , psychological intervention , clinical psychology , social psychology , interpersonal communication , medicine , psychiatry , gerontology , psychoanalysis
This study sought to assess the role of attachment insecurities on romantic disengagement among couples seeking relationship therapy. Dyadic associations were examined between attachment insecurities and romantic disengagement, accounting for depression, relationship satisfaction, and commitment, using a sample of 171 couples. Partners completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale and the Romantic Disengagement Scale. Path analysis revealed that attachment‐related avoidance, but not anxiety, was associated with romantic disengagement. Men's attachment‐related anxiety was related to greater disengagement in their partner. The combination of men's attachment‐related avoidance and women's attachment‐related anxiety was also significantly associated with women's romantic disengagement. Although attachment insecurities were associated with romantic disengagement, contextual and intrapersonal factors also contributed to our understanding of disengagement. Findings are discussed in light of clinical interventions for couple therapy.