Perceptions of Attachment Style and Marital Quality in Midlife Marriage

Keywords

attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, marriage, midlife couples

Abstract

Based on attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) theorizes that attachment styles influence marital quality. Although research supports this relationship among young couples, no research has examined attachment styles and marital quality in midlife marriages. We examined this issue using data from 429 married people between the ages of 40 and 50. Results indicated that insecure attachment styles were associated with marital quality, whereas secure attachment was not. These results suggest that EFT therapists can help midlife couples in distressed relationships move from insecure to secure attachment styles. However, the use of EFT to help these couples who have secure attachment styles is questioned.

Original Publication Citation

Hollist, C.S. and Miller, R.B. (2005), Perceptions of Attachment Style and Marital Quality in Midlife Marriage*. Family Relations, 54: 46-57.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2005-1

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6780

Publisher

Family Relations

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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