Relationship satisfaction: The role of attachment, conflict, empathy, & forgiveness
Abstract
Using structural equation modeling, the present study examined how attachment, conflict, empathy, and forgiveness are related, and how they contribute to relationship satisfaction. University students (N = 312) completed the following questionnaires: (a) Experiences in Close Relationships (Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998), (b) Feelings about Conflict (Pistole & Arricale, 2003), (c) a measure of affective empathy (Coke et al., 1978; Toi & Baston, 1982), (d) Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Inventory (McCullough et al., 1998), (e) Satisfaction subscale of the Investment Model Scale (Rusbult, Martz, & Agnew, 1998), and (f) a demographic sheet. Higher attachment security was associated with higher forgiveness, partially mediated by more adaptive feelings about conflict and higher empathy toward the transgressor. Higher forgiveness was associated with higher relationship satisfaction, but attachment was a better predictor of relationship satisfaction. Results indicated that insecurely attached individuals are more likely to feel threatened by conflict, less empathic toward their partners, less forgiving of partners after transgressions, and less satisfied in their romantic relationships. Implications for this study include being able to provide more targeted interventions (e.g., fostering attachment security and promoting forgiveness) in couples counseling in order to improve relationship satisfaction. Further implications and areas of future research are suggested.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Pistole, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social psychology
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