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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
[Differences in relationship quality and dyadic coping for attachment-related couple types].
Simona Gagliardi1, Guy Bodenmann, Nina Heinrichs
1Klinische Psychologie Kinder/Jugendliche & Paare/Familien, Universität Zürich, 8050 Zürich, Schweiz. simona.gagliardi@uzh.ch
Summary
Secure couples report higher relationship quality and better dyadic coping. This study identified three attachment-related couple types, offering insights for marital therapy and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Context:
- Attachment theory is foundational to understanding interpersonal dynamics.
- Individual attachment styles (anxiety, avoidance) significantly influence relationship functioning.
- Previous research has explored individual attachment, but couple-level typologies are less understood.
Purpose:
- To identify distinct couple types based on partners' attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance).
- To examine differences in relationship quality and dyadic coping across these identified couple types.
- To explore the clinical implications of attachment-based couple typologies in diagnostics and therapy.
Summary:
- A cluster analysis of 304 couples identified three attachment-related types: secure, fearful-avoidant, and mixed.
- Secure couples (low anxiety/avoidance) exhibited superior relationship quality and dyadic coping compared to other types.
- Fearful-avoidant couples and mixed couples (male anxiety-dominant) reported lower relationship quality and less adaptive coping.
Impact:
- Findings suggest incorporating partner attachment profiles into clinical assessments for relationship issues.
- The identified couple types offer a framework for tailoring interventions in marital and couples therapy.
- Understanding these attachment dynamics can enhance therapeutic outcomes by addressing specific relational patterns.
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