From strangers to spouses: Exploring dyadic effects of insecure attachment and responsiveness on we-ness in Indian arranged marriages

Abstract

Dyadic studies have shown that insecure attachment styles, anxiety and avoidance, influence relationship outcomes such as relationship satisfaction, quality, and well-being. However, most of these studies have involved couples in choice-based marriages. Few dyadic studies have investigated the actor-partner effects of insecure attachment in arranged marriages. The present study (N = 96 dyads, 192 individuals) explored the mediating effects of perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) on the relationship between attachment insecurities and an individual’s sense of we-ness. Strong statistical support emerged for actor effects; however, partner effects were only partially supported. While wives’ avoidance attachment was indirectly and negatively associated with husbands’ we-ness through wives’ and husbands’ PPR, the vice-versa was not supported. Moreover, husbands’ anxious attachment was indirectly and negatively associated with wives’ we-ness, and wives’ anxious attachment was indirectly and negatively associated with husbands’ we-ness through husbands’ and wives’ PPR, respectively. The study attempts to unfold the complexity emerging from partners' interactions in Indian arranged marriages.