RELATIONAL SATISFACTION AMONG NON-PROXIMAL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS USING ADULT ATTACHMENT THEORY

Sherry Craft

RELATIONAL SATISFACTION AMONG NON-PROXIMAL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS USING ADULT ATTACHMENT THEORY Abstract by Sherry Ann Craft, M.A. Washington State University July 2018 Chair: Phyllis Erdman, Ph.D. There is a scarcity of scholarly literature examining relational satisfaction among long distance (non-proximal) romantic relationships (NPRRs). Understanding the unique constructs and contextual factors of this population through an adult attachment theoretical lens has implications for clinical practice and future research. Non-proximal romantic relationships serve as an increasing relational form given modern social mobility and technological advances. Distanced couples challenge Western relational ideals that postulate frequent face-to-face communication and proximal shared activities are critical for relational satisfaction, quality and longevity. Most published studies lack a theoretical framework for understanding relational dynamics of distanced dyads. The current study applied adult attachment theory to examine specific domains of relational satisfaction reported by NPRRs, utilizing attachment style (i.e., secure, fearful, dismissing, preoccupied) as a moderator. Participants included 126 self-identified NPRR partners who completed a demographic questionnaire, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, Revised (ECR-R), and the Marital Satisfaction Inventory, Revised (MSI-R). Results indicated that securely attached partners had higher levels of relational satisfaction than insecure partners (i.e., fearful, dismissive, preoccupied) in the areas of global satisfaction, affective communication, problem-solving skills, time spent together or common interests, finances, and sexual relations. Conversely, the fearfully attached NPRR partners reported the least satisfaction in each domain. Significant findings were not found for an interaction of relationship cycle (separation versus reunion) and attachment style on the level of relational satisfaction. The results determined there was no correlation between frequency of face-to-face visits with relational satisfaction. The current study provides clinical implications for understanding relating at a distance (i.e., communication dynamics) using attachment-based therapies (i.e., Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy), and offers valuable insight and perspectives for clinical practice. This study also provides a novel approach to relational satisfaction by identifying specific domains of relational distress (i.e., problem-solving skills, finances, and sexual relations) in relation to adult attachment style. Overall, the current findings indicate attachment style is a salient construct in distanced romantic partners’ relational satisfaction regardless of contextual variations (i.e., frequency of face-to-face visits). Interpretation and limitations of the findings, applied clinical implications, and future directions are discussed.

RELATIONAL SATISFACTION AMONG NON-PROXIMAL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS USING ADULT ATTACHMENT THEORY

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details