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Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the psychological mechanism underlying the relationship between attachment style and intimate relationship satisfaction in women. For this purpose, a cross-sectional research design was employed in which 233 women (Mage = 28.16 years) who were currently in a romantic relationship completed a questionnaire that assessed attachment style, relationship satisfaction, self-esteem, and flexible goal adjustment (FGA). The results showed that both high attachment anxiety and high attachment avoidance were associated with low relationship satisfaction. Self-esteem mediated the relationship between attachment insecurity and relationship satisfaction. Moreover, the mediation effect of self-esteem was moderated by FGA, such that only in women with high FGA was self-esteem a significant mediator in the relationship between an insecure attachment style and relationship satisfaction. The results have implications for enhancing women’s relationship satisfaction.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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Notes on contributors
Qin Sisi
Qin Sisi received her Bachelor degree of Petroleum Engineering from China University of Petroleum. Currently, as a graduate student in Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, she majors in psychological counseling. Her research interests include self-esteem, quality of romantic relationships, and interventions to enhance relationship satisfactory.
Zhang Jinfeng
Zhang Jinfeng obtained her PhD in Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Currently, she is an associate professor at School of Public Affairs, Chongqing University. Her research interests lie in the area of health psychology.
Wu Lili
Wu Lili is an Associate Professor at Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. She examines the beneficial effects of attachment security on mental health by using various approaches, including behavior, EEG, ERPs and fMRI. She is also interested in the development of effective interventions to promote attachment security.
Zhang Jianxin
Zhang Jianxin is a Professor at Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on personality psychology, with a particular emphasis on psychometrics, mental health and well-being.