Working Models of Attachment and Attribution Processes in Intimate Relationships

Abstract

Two studies examined the link between working models of attachment and social construal processes in romantic relationships. In Study 1, individuals high in attachment-related anxiety responded to hypothetical partner transgressions by endorsing relationship-threatening attributions, experiencing emotional distress, and endorsing behavioral intentions that were likely to result in conflict. These effects emerged after controlling for pessimistic explanatory style, depressed mood, and self-esteem. In addition, the association between anxiety and emotional distress was mediated by attributions and attachment-related needs. In Study 2, anxious individuals endorsed relationship-threatening attributions for their partner's transgressions but less so for their partner's positive behaviors, and these effects occurred primarily among those in unhappy relationships. In contrast, avoidant individuals endorsed pessimistic attributions for their partner's positive behavior but less so for their partner's transgressions, and these effects occurred regardless of their level of relationship satisfaction.

Adult attachment and feedback‐seeking patterns in relationships and work

“…Whatever the motive behind this negative feedback-seeking, insecure people react negatively to negative feedback (Collins et al, 2006;Carnelley et al, 2007;Hepper & Carnelley, 2008); thus, in the long-term their behaviour results in lower self-esteem.…”

“…However, attachment differences in selfconcept and behaviour are more complex than valence, and have previously been independent of self-esteem (e.g., reactions to partner behaviour; Collins, Ford, Guichard, & Allard, 2006; coping with stress; Mikulincer & Florian, 1998). We thus predicted that attachment differences in feedback-seeking would not be explained solely by self-esteem (Hypothesis 3).…”

Tie-Up Cycles in Long-Term Mating. Part I: Theory

“…In its application to romantic relationships, couple formation and dynamics, AT postulates that the nature of the links that are created through this sort of interactions is the same as that regulating care-giving relationships, and reflects the same basic behavioral patterns: secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant [58]. It is therefore heavily conditioned by individuals' past history of parental relationships, especially as to their past experience of affective and physical security [59], while implying different patterns of information seeking, depending on the nature of the affective insecurity [60], and different interpretations of the acquired information [61]. AT also provides useful insight on the dynamic adjustment of partners during the early couple formation process, and in particular about how the consistency between ideal partner representations (whose more relevant aspects are trustworthiness, attractiveness, and resourcefulness-see [62]) and actually perceived ones is a crucial element of perceived relationship quality (whose more relevant aspects are intimacy and passion-see [62]).…”

Adolescents’ Intuitive Appraisal, Attributions and Emotions for their Relationships with their Parents

“…On the other had, the adolescents, by attributing their perceived bad relationships with their parents to parents" lack of care and understanding their adolescents" needs, along with external, personal uncontrollable and external controllable factors, protected themselves (see Collins et al, 2006;Stephanou, 2005Stephanou, , 2007Stephanou, , 2011Weiner, 2001). However, considering the parent as responsible for the perceived bad relationship does not facilitate future positive relationship, as researches have documented (Karney et al, 2003;Mason, 2001;Trope & Gaunt, 2005;Weiner, 1995).…”

“…More precisely, this investigation examines adolescents" intuitive and atributional appraisals of their relationships with their parents, since both concepts are significant contributors in the development and quality of a close relationship (Blas, 2007;Harvey, Pauwels, & Zickmund, 2005;Karney, McNulty, & Bradbury, 2003), and they have been central concepts examining close relationships (Collins, Ford, Guichard, & Allard, 2006;Fincham, 2003;Greitemeyer & Weiner, 2003;Harvey, 1987;Harvey & Omarzu, 1999;Prager, 1995;Reis & Patrick, 1996;Stephanou, 2005, in press;Weiner, 2001). Whether partners perceive their relationship as positive or negative, and which explanations or interpretations they make about the relationship influence their emotions, motivation and behaviour (Blascovich & Mandess, 2000;Fincham, 2003;Fincham, Beach, Arias, Brody, 1998;Fitness, Fletcher, & Overall, 2005;Flecher, Fitness, & Blampied, 1990;Flecher & Thomas, 2000, Stephanou, 2011Stephanou & Balkamou, 2011).…”