The Influence of Adult Attachment Styles on Marital Satisfaction among Married Couples

Abstract

Previous studies indicate a strong relationship between adult attachment styles and marital satisfaction. It is revealed that individuals with secure attachment style are the most satisfied with their marriage compared to those having an ambivalent or avoidant attachment style while individuals with ambivalent attachment style are the least satisfied with their married life. This study aims at studying the influence of attachment style on marital satisfaction among married couples in Sri Lanka. Since this area has not been studied in relation to the Sri Lankan context, this study looks into identifying the dynamics among Sri Lankan married couples. Based on the notions from the previous studies, it is hypothesized that there will be a positive correlation between secure attachment style and marital satisfaction while ambivalent attachment style would result in less marital satisfaction. Two separate questionnaires are administered to identify the attachment style and level of marital satisfaction of 68 married couples (N = 136) who have been married at least for one year. Adult attachment style is identified through Experience in Close Relationships Scale and marital satisfaction is measured by Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The correlation between adult attachment style and one‟s level of marital satisfaction is analyzed for its statistical significance. Results indicate a positive correlation between secure attachment style and marital satisfaction. As hypothesized, ambivalently attached individuals reported the least marital satisfaction with an insignificant difference to the results of the previous studies. The findings will be useful to family therapists and marital counsellors to understand the expectations of partners in a marriage.