Conflict in close relationships: an attachment perspective.
This study investigated how perceptions of current dating partners and relationships change after people with different attachment orientations attempt to resolve a problem in their relationship. Dating couples were videotaped while they tried to resolve either a major or a minor problem. Confirming predictions from attachment theory, men and women who had a more ambivalent orientation perceived their partner and relationship in relatively less positive terms after discussing a major problem. Observer ratings revealed that more ambivalent women who tried to resolve a major problem displayed particularly strong stress and anxiety and engaged in more negative behaviors. Conversely, men with a more avoidant orientation were rated as less warm and supportive, especially if they discussed a major problem. These results are discussed in terms of how highly ambivalent and highly avoidant people differentially perceive and respond to distressing events.
Simpson
J A
JA
Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4235, USA. jas@psyc.tamu.edu
Rholes
W S
WS
Phillips
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003380:Courtship; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009769:Object Attachment; D010553:Personality Development; D011340:Problem Solving