Couple conflict: insights from an attachment perspective
Section snippets
Attachment and conflict: empirical research
A huge body of research has addressed attachment-related differences in conflict behavior. The earliest research relied on global self-reports of conflict, but many subsequent studies have examined specific interactions, or used multiple reporters and/or research methods. This review focuses on the latter studies.
In the 1990s, two laboratory studies of dating couples tested the proposition that severe or persistent conflict activates attachment concerns. Simpson et al. [11] randomly assigned
Conclusions
Research using diverse methods supports the negative effects of attachment insecurities on conflict behaviors and relationship outcomes. However, several issues require further study. First, although robust evidence links attachment anxiety to hyperactivating strategies, and avoidance to deactivating strategies, partner's attachment and other moderating variables can exacerbate or dampen these tendencies. Second, some research findings are method-specific, a finding which is important in its
References and recommended reading
Papers of particular interest, published within the period of review, have been highlighted as:
• of special interest
•• of outstanding interest
Conflict of interest statement
Nothing declared.
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