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Updated: Sep 24, 2025
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Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
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Relationship functioning following a large-scale sacrifice: Perceived partner prosociality buffers attachment
Gabriela C M Murphy1, Rebecca M Horne1, Mariko L Visserman2
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto.
Summary
Relocating for a partner impacts relationship quality, especially for those with insecure attachment styles. However, perceived partner gratitude and sacrifice can protect relationship quality and benefits for accompanying partners.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Relocation for a partner's career or education is a significant life event.
- Accompanying partners may experience challenges to their relationship functioning.
- Attachment insecurities can influence how individuals cope with relationship transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between attachment insecurities and relationship functioning in accompanying partners.
- To examine the buffering effects of perceived partner prosociality (gratitude and sacrifice) on these associations.
- To understand the implications of large-scale sacrifice in the context of job relocation.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 229 individuals who relocated for their partner's job or schooling.
- Assessed attachment anxiety and avoidance, relationship quality, conflict, and benefits.
- Measured perceived partner gratitude (move-related and general) and sacrifice (behaviors and willingness).
Main Results:
- Insecurely attached accompanying partners reported worse relationship functioning post-move.
- Perceived partner gratitude and sacrifice partially buffered avoidantly attached individuals from lower relationship quality.
- Perceived partner sacrifice behaviors buffered anxiously attached individuals from lower relationship quality.
Conclusions:
- Attachment insecurities negatively impact relationship functioning for accompanying partners after relocation.
- Perceived partner prosociality, particularly gratitude and sacrifice, can protect relationship quality.
- This study highlights the importance of partner support during major life transitions for relationship success.
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