Relationship-induced self-concept change and the malleability of attachment security

Abstract

Romantic relationships have the potential to shape individuals’ self-concepts for better or worse. Because these changes to the self have the potential to modify working models of self and other, they may also be associated with individuals’ levels of attachment security. The current research sought to examine whether relationship-induced self-concept improvement and degradation is associated with attachment security. Across three correlational studies (Studies 1a-1c; overall N = 579) and one experiment (Study 2; N = 196), we found that relationship-induced concept improvement (vs. degradation) is associated with greater state attachment security and lower state attachment avoidance (but not state anxiety). Further, state attachment security and avoidance mediated the association between overall self-concept improvement and relationship quality. Overall, relationship-induced changes to the self-concept appear to modify attachment systems, which cultivate relationship quality.