Perceptions of Parents' Marriage Predicting Marital Satisfaction: The Moderating Role of Attachment Behaviors

Keywords

Attachment behaviors, couples, perception, relationship quality

Abstract

This study sought to examine the relationship between perception of parents' marriage, marital satisfaction, and attachment behaviors. Participants included 521 married couples taken from the RELATE project. Gender differences were found between husbands and wives perception of parents' marriage and marital satisfaction. Results also indicated that attachment behaviors were positively and significantly related to increased martial satisfaction for both husbands and wives. Additionally, attachment behaviors moderated the relationship between perception of parents' marriage and marital satisfaction. When perception of parents' marriage was negative but attachment behaviors were high, marital satisfaction increased. These findings underscore the importance attachment behaviors play in married relationships. Clinical implications and future research are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Alder, M.C., Yorgason, J.B., Sandberg, J.G., & Davis, S.D. (2018). Perceptions of parents’ marriage predicting marital satisfaction: The moderating role of attachment behaviors. Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy, 17(2), 146-164.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2017-10-16

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5241

Publisher

Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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