Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Reactions to Snooping: The Role of Attachment Characteristics

Although snooping is common in romantic relationships, there has been limited research on reactions to being snooped by a romantic partner. This study was designed to examine the role of attachment style in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to partner snooping. Participants (n = 491) read one of four hypothetical scenarios that involved partner snooping through electronic or nonelectronic belongings and reported their reactions in an online study. Results showed that overall, an electronic snooping offense was associated with greater negative reactions, such as greater tendencies to attribute the partner and the self to the offense, and being less forgiving of the partner. Anxious attachment predicted greater positive emotional reactions to partner snooping, whereas avoidance predicted greater negative emotional reactions and being less forgiving of the partner. Finally, relationship status was a robust predictor of reactions such that being in a committed relationship was associated with lesser negative emotional reactions and greater positive emotional reactions to snooping, lesser tendencies to attribute the partner to the offense, and being more forgiving of the partner. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings were discussed.