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Attachment security in couple relationships: a systemic model and its implications for family dynamics
Mario Mikulincer1, Victor Florian, Philip A Cowan
1Dept. of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel. mikulm@mail.biu.ac.il
Family Process
|October 25, 2002
Summary
Adult attachment security significantly impacts couple relationship quality and stability. This review integrates findings to model how attachment influences relationships and family dynamics, including child development.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Adult attachment theory highlights the importance of security in romantic relationships.
- Attachment security influences cognitions, emotions, and behaviors within couples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on adult attachment style and couple relationships.
- To propose an integrative, systemic theoretical model of attachment and relationship quality.
- To explore implications for family systems and child development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on adult attachment, relational factors, and relationship outcomes.
- Synthesis of findings to develop a theoretical model.
- Discussion of measurement and design considerations in attachment research.
Main Results:
- Adult attachment style is a key factor in relationship formation, quality, and stability.
- Attachment security influences partners' relational cognitions, emotions, and behaviors.
- An integrative model is proposed to explain the link between attachment security and relationship quality.
Conclusions:
- Attachment security is fundamental to healthy couple relationships.
- The proposed model offers a framework for understanding attachment's role in relationship dynamics.
- Attachment and relationship quality have significant implications for the broader family system and child development.
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