Association between attachment insecurity and couple adjustment: Moderation by couple memory networks

Abstract

This study investigated whether couple-related memories and their organization in memory networks could act as cognitive resources to protect against the negative impact of insecure attachment on couple adjustment. In two studies (n1 = 153, n2 = 567), participants in a romantic relationship described a significant couple-related memory and provided networked memories associated with their couple-related memory, to assess its organization in the memory system, and rated each memory for its level of need satisfaction. Findings across the two studies revealed significant moderations of need satisfaction in couple-related memory networks, such that a higher level of satisfaction need within couple-related memory networks was associated with a reduced negative association of attachment anxiety and avoidance with couple adjustment. When examined separately, it was shown that need-satisfying networked memories, but not main couple-related memories, moderated the negative association of insecure attachment with couple adjustment.

Integration of sexual and relational mental representations in autobiographical memories is associated with sexual well-being

“…Similarly, sociosexual desire, which can be conceptualized as compulsive thoughts about sexuality occurring in potentially irrelevant contexts (e.g., spontaneous fantasies about having sex with someone you have just met) was also negatively associated with integration. Finally, need satisfaction in sexual memories was also found to be associated with sexual satisfaction and harmonious sexual passion, which extends findings of past research on the role of need satisfaction in memories and relational outcomes Lejeune et al, 2020;Philippe et al, 2013).…”