Attachment and Marital Maintenance

Is attachment theory a good fit for explaining differences in relationship maintenance? This study hypothesized that the secure attachment style would be positively associated with self-reported relationship maintenance, and that the dismissive style would be negatively associated with self-reported relationship maintenance. Further, it was proposed that individuals with negative views of others would be less likely to perceive their partner's use of maintenance. Survey data were collected from 179 married individuals. Results supported an attachment theory explanation for self-reported maintenance; a dismissive attachment was negatively associated with maintenance, and a secure attachment style reported was positively associated with maintenance. The fearful avoidant and preoccupied attachment styles were positively associated with the use of assurances, and negatively associated with the use of integrative conflict management and positivity. Finally, a dismissive attachment style was negatively associated with the perception of the partner's use of maintenance.