EXAMINING LINKS AMONG ATTACHMENT, COMMITMENT, RELATIONSHIP WORK, AND SATISFACTION IN YOUNG ADULT COUPLES

Abstract

Using dyadic data, this study explored the relationships between attachment, commitment, relationship work (RW) and satisfaction within young adult couples (n=71). RW is operationalized as discussing romantic challenges with partners and friends (Jensen & Rauer, 2014). Research suggests that an individual's attachment is one of the most fundamental ways people form secure bonds with others (Bello et al., 2008). Attachment has been linked to several relationship outcomes (Feeney, 2016). While many studies have found individual links between attachment and our variables of interest, few have examined them simultaneously using dyadic data. Given the nature of these variables, and the connections between them, we expected that considering them simultaneously would deepen our understanding of these relational interactions. Our Actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) considered actor and partner effects of attachment on commitment, RW, and relationship satisfaction. Findings suggested important gender differences for both partners. These findings not only provide recommendations that will be beneficial for future research, but also provide clinicians important insights when working with couples.