Attachment, Conflict Styles, and Relational Satisfaction of Long Distance Romantic Couples

• In Event: Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder! OR Does It?: Investigating Long Distance Relationships

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between attachment, conflict and relational satisfaction among college students in long distance romantic relationships (LDRs). Specifically, the study explored whether or not attachment style predicted conflict behaviors after controlling for the effect of relationship satisfaction and experiences in close relationships. An online survey was utilized to collect data and responses from 391 students at a large southwestern university were analyzed with hierarchical regression modeling. The most prevalent conflict style participants reported was validating, followed by volatile, avoiding, and hostile. Relational satisfaction significantly predicted all conflict styles, except for volatile conflict style. Attachment frustration and secure and dismissive attachment styles were significant predictors of volatile conflict style. Avoiding conflict style was significantly predicted by attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety. Hostile conflict style was significantly predicted by secure and preoccupied attachment style, and attachment closeness and avoidance. Lastly, attachment frustration predicted validating conflict style.

Authors

• Megan Bassick, University of Oklahoma

• Stacie Wilson Mumpower, U of Oklahoma

• Sun Kyong Lee, U of Oklahoma