Relationship authenticity partially mediates the effects of attachment on relationship satisfaction

Individuals with anxious and avoidant attachment tend to experience less satisfaction in their relationships. Past research suggests the negative effects of attachment on relationship satisfaction may be partially mediated by self-disclosure and self-concealment; the present study evaluated relationship authenticity as a potential additional mediator. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that relationship authenticity is distinct from self-disclosure and self-concealment. Relationship authenticity predicted additional variance in relationship satisfaction controlling for attachment, self-disclosure, and self-concealment. The results were consistent with relationship authenticity, along with self-disclosure and self-concealment, partially mediating the effects of attachment on relationship satisfaction. These findings suggest that relationship authenticity may play a unique role in understanding how attachment influences relationship satisfaction. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.