Attachment and Relationship Functioning: The Role of Relational Attitudes and Dysfunctional Beliefs

Research applying the principles of attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) to couple relationships (Hazan & Shaver, 1987) has led to increased interest in adults’ attachment behaviour and its effects on relational outcomes. This study examined the associations between attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) and relationship functioning (constructive communication and relationship quality), and the possible mediating role of dysfunctional relationship beliefs and relational uncertainty. In addition, it investigated whether social comparison tendencies would moderate the associations between attachment insecurities and relationship functioning. An online survey was completed by 167 participants, all of whom were aged 18 years or over and currently involved in a romantic relationship of at least three months duration. Consistent with predictions, attachment dimensions were generally negatively associated with indices of relationship functioning. Further, attachment anxiety was associated positively with the dysfunctional beliefs of disagreement is destructive and sexual perfectionism, while attachment avoidance was associated positively with the beliefs of partners cannot change and sexual perfectionism. Attachment insecurity was also linked to higher relational uncertainty. As hypothesized, dysfunctional relationship beliefs and relational uncertainty were generally negatively related to relationship functioning, with their roles as mediators partially supported. Finally, with regards to moderation, the combination of low social comparison tendencies and low attachment insecurity was associated with higher relationship quality. The findings highlight the complex effects of adult attachment insecurities, and the utility of attachment theory in understanding individual differences in relational processes and outcomes. Future research could include both members of couples, as well as use a longitudinal approach to fully assess these associations over time