Under, Over, or Optimal Commitment? Attachment Insecurities and Commitment Issues in Relationally Distressed Couples

Abstract

Using a new multidimensional model of relationship commitment, this study examined the association among attachment insecurities (avoidance and anxiety) and commitment (optimal, over, and under) in 159 relationally distressed, monogamous and mainly heterosexual couples. Dyadic analyses revealed that avoidant individuals reported less optimal and less over-commitment, as well as more under-commitment. Their partners also reported less over-commitment. Moreover, whereas anxious individuals reported more over-commitment, their partners reported less optimal commitment and more under-commitment. Moderation analyses showed that anxious individuals reported more optimal commitment when their partners reported very high levels of avoidance. The findings suggest nuanced implications for couple therapy.

Acknowledgments

We thank the therapists at the Clinique de Consultation Conjugale et Familiale Poitras-Wright, Côté for providing access to their data, as well as all the research assistants that have contributed to data collection.

Notes

1 Depression symptoms were assessed using the Psychiatric Symptom Index (Ilfeld, 1976).

Additional information

Funding

1) Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Société et Culture; 2) Interdisciplinary Research Center on Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse (CRIPCAS).