Long-distance romantic relationships: Attachment, closeness, and satisfaction

Amber Roberts, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine, from an attachment theoretical perspective, the relatedness of attachment, closeness, and satisfaction in college students' long-distance romantic relationships. To asses attachment orientation, the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ; Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991) and the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECR; Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998) were utilized. Two measures of relationship closeness were used, that is, the Relationship Closeness Inventory (RCI; Berscheid, Snyder, & Omoto, 1989b) and the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale (IOS; Aron, Aron, & Smollan, 1992). The Dyadic Satisfaction subscale of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; Spanier, 1976) was used to measure relationship satisfaction. A 3-way MANOVA (Sex x Relationship Structure x Attachment Style) of responses from 274 participants indicated that there were no significant differences between persons in geographically close romantic relationships (PRs) and persons in long-distance relationships (LDRs) on measures of relationship satisfaction and closeness. Persons who endorsed a secure attachment style scored significantly higher on measures of satisfaction and closeness than those who endorsed an insecure attachment style. Specifically, persons who endorsed secure attachment reported (a) being more interdependent in their relationships than did those who described themselves as avoidant and (b) greater relationship satisfaction than did those endorsing preoccupied and fearful attachment. Additional regression analyses indicated that, for persons in LDRs, high avoidance of attachment predicted low relationship satisfaction, and high relationship closeness (i.e., interdependence) predicted high relationship satisfaction. For persons in PRs, high avoidance of attachment, high anxiety about abandonment, and low closeness (i.e., connectedness) predicted low relationship satisfaction. These results are consistent with previous LDR research and with attachment theory findings. It seems that the process of managing distance, rather than physical distance, is paramount in the maintenance of relationships, as is consistent with research and theory suggesting that attachment organization contributes to the management of emotional, cognitive, and physical intimacy in love relationships. This research contributes to the partnered relationship theory base. Counseling psychology practice and research implications are discussed.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Pistole, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Academic guidance counseling|Social psychology|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology

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