Attachment and the Use of Negative Relational Maintenance Behaviors in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the link between adult attachment (i.e., secure, preoccupied, fearful-avoidant, and dismissive) and the use of negative relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., jealousy induction, avoidance, spying, infidelity, destructive conflict, and allowing control) in romantic relationships. Participants were 232 adults who completed a questionnaire and were currently involved in a romantic relationship. Results revealed inverse relationships between secure attachment and the use of negative relational maintenance behaviors, as well as positive relationships between dismissive and fearful-avoidant attachments and some negative relational maintenance behaviors. After controlling for the influence of relationship satisfaction, the dismissive and preoccupied attachment styles were the most salient predictors of negative relational maintenance.

Keywords:

• Attachment
• Negative Maintenance
• Relational Maintenance

Notes

Note. Wilks's Λ = .57; F(24, 772) = 5.66, p < .001.

Note. JI = jealousy induction; AV = avoidance; DC = destructive conflict; AC = allowing control; SPY = spying; INF = infidelity.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alan K. Goodboy

Alan K. Goodboy (PhD, West Virginia University, 2007) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Bloomsburg University.

San Bolkan

San Bolkan (PhD, University of Texas–Austin, 2007) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University–Long Beach.