Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Facilitating autonomy in interdependent relationships: Invisible support facilitates highly avoidant individuals'

Yuthika U Girme1, Nickola C Overall2, Matthew D Hammond3

  • 1Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University.

Journal of Family Psychology : JFP : Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43)
|February 8, 2019
PubMed
Summary

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Temporal Structures of Physiological Influence During Couples' Support Discussions: An Application of Continuous-time SEM.

Biopsychosocial science and medicine·2026
Same author

Men's dependence in intimate relationships has broader harm beyond men's wellbeing.

The Behavioral and brain sciences·2026
Same author

Comparing Trait-Wise and Profile-Wise Approaches to Assess the Links Between Metaperceptions and Romantic Interest During Speed-Dating.

Personality & social psychology bulletin·2026
Same author

The Hidden Costs of Authority Transfer Relationships.

Archives of sexual behavior·2026
Same author

Women Are Slightly More Sexually Satisfied in Their Romantic Relationships Than Men: An Integrative Data Analytic Approach.

Archives of sexual behavior·2026
Same author

Bias in Perceptions of Power in Close Relationships: The Role of Self-Protection, Pro-Relationship, and Power Motives.

Personality & social psychology bulletin·2026

Invisible support helps people high in attachment avoidance maintain autonomy in relationships. This subtle support minimizes dependence, allowing individuals to feel more independent and committed, even during goal discussions.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Relationship Science

Background:

  • Maintaining autonomy is difficult in interdependent relationships, especially for individuals high in attachment avoidance who value independence.
  • Invisible support, characterized by subtle, indirect behaviors, can mitigate dependence and promote self-driven problem-solving.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if partners' invisible support enhances goal-related autonomy for individuals high in attachment avoidance.
  • To examine the immediate and long-term effects of invisible support on autonomy and commitment.

Main Methods:

  • Dyadic discussions of personal goals involving 200 couples.
  • Measurement of invisible support provided by partners.
  • Assessment of recipient autonomy and commitment, particularly for those high in attachment avoidance.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • High attachment avoidance was linked to lower immediate autonomy after dependence-based discussions.
  • Invisible support equalized autonomy levels between highly avoidant and less avoidant individuals.
  • Greater autonomy, facilitated by invisible support, led to commitment levels comparable to those low in avoidance.

Conclusions:

  • Invisible support is a key factor in fostering autonomy and commitment for individuals high in attachment avoidance.
  • Bridging self-determination and attachment theories offers insights into relationship need fulfillment.
  • Subtle, supportive behaviors can significantly enhance relationship satisfaction and individual well-being.