Abstract

Romantic relationships can serve as a source of intimacy, security, support, and comfort for many individuals. Many studies have identified adult attachment as an important predictor of romantic relationship/marital satisfaction. However, many studies have found anxious attachment to be a predictor of poor relationship satisfaction. Moreover, individuals high in attachment anxiety have been found to constantly worry and ruminate about their relationships, specifically, about the fear of being abandoned or rejected by their romantic partner. As such, it is important to further understand which factors strengthen or weaken relationship/marital satisfaction in anxiously attached adults. This systematic review aimed to answer the following questions: (a) What are the risk and protective factors that strengthen and weaken relationship/marital satisfaction in adults with anxious attachment? (b) What are the moderating effects of interpersonal trauma on relationship/marital satisfaction in adults with anxious attachment? The results of this systematic review revealed 22 risk factors and 17 protective factors for relationship/marital satisfaction in adults with anxious attachment. Specifically, this systematic review found perceptions to be both a significant risk and protective factor for relationship/marital satisfaction in adults with anxious attachment. In addition, this systematic review found Emotion focused couple therapy (EFT) to be a significant protective factor for relationship/marital satisfaction in anxious adults. Lastly, this review found that anxious partners perpetrate more psychological abuse against their partners.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Anxiety; Attachment behavior; Couples--Satisfaction

Date of Award

2023

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Amy Tuttle-Guerrero

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Psychology Commons

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