aec poster
TRANSCRIPT
Abstract
The study aims to investigate the effect that the attachment style has on the physiological responses and their romantic relationship satisfaction. Researcher tests participant’s attachment style with their parents, measures physiological responses to video clips displaying different conflict types, and surveys their current romantic relationship satisfaction. Other than a requirement of 18 years of age, there are no exclusionary criteria for participants. The Security Scale and The Coping Strategies Questionnaire measure attachment. The Couple’s Satisfaction Index measures relationship satisfaction. Heart rate, skin responses, and breathing patterns are measured for the participant’s physiological responses.
Introduction
The purpose of this study is to examine the association between attachment style and relationship satisfaction with the mediation of physiological response to different forms of conflict. • It is expected that individuals with secure
attachment will be less aroused by a validating conflict style and therefore have higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
• Where as it is expected participants having avoidant attachment characteristics would be less aroused by conflict avoidant styles resulting in negative relationship satisfaction.
• Ambivalent attachment characteristics would be less aroused by volatile and non-regulated conflict also resulting in negative relationship satisfaction.
MethodsParticipants:• Keene State College students, no
exclusionary criteria. Students will be given an anchor scale asking the question, “In the past year, how would you rate the seriousness of your relationship?” These reports will be taken into account when examining the results.
Measures• Consent Form and Demographics • Kern’s Security Scale: assesses the
level of security, dependence and availability, the child feels with both his or her mother and father
• Coping Strategies Questionnaire (1996) : access their preoccupied and avoidant characteristics with both mother and father
• Couple Satisfaction Index: used to measure the level of satisfaction in their relationship or past relationship.
Video Clips• It’s a Disaster (2012): validating
conflict style, described as openly resolving differences
• Pursuit of Happiness (2006): conflict-avoiding
• The Break-Up (2006): volatile conflict• Revolutionary Road (2008: non-
regulated resolution style,)
Physiological • GSR (galvanic skin response):
measuring electrical conductance or the sweat glands giving insight into psychological or physiological arousal
Results
Descriptive Statistics:• 32 participants
• 23 Female, 8 Male• Age Range 18-25• 18 in a relationship; 13 not in
relationshipMain Analysis• Correlations Study• ANOVA: statistical test to compare the
groups of participants• GSR results will be analyzed for the most
arousal per video clip; the peaks will be counted and compared
(Participant’s results while viewing clips)
Results Significant negative correlation between father attachment security and skin conductance responsitivity r=-.57, p<.05• This means that the more reactive a
participant was to the relationship conflict video stimulus, the less securely attached he/she reported with his/her father
Significant positive correlation between mother and father attachment security r=.59, p<.05• This means that the more securely attached
the participant was with his/her mother, the more attached he/she reported with his/her father
DiscussionSignificant results were found regarding the
participant’s attachment with his or her father and the participant’s responsitivity to the video
clips; the less attachment security the participant had with his/her father, the more
reactive the participant was to the video clips. There were also significant results between
attachment with mother and attachment with father; the more attachment security the
participant had with his/her mother the more attachment security he/her had with his/her
father. However, this finding was not related to the hypotheses. The one significant finding does show promise for future research because there
are many areas for improvement within the study.
Limitations• Small sample population• Not an even number of gender• Limited age range• Convenient sampleStrengths• The video clip room was highly controlled• Construct Validity• Convergent Validity • Providing research in an area that is lacking:
little research on physiological responses in relation to attachment and romantic relationship satisfaction
ReferencesFinnegan, R. A., Hodges, E. E., & Perry, D. G. (1996). Preoccupied and avoidant coping during middle childhood. Child Development, 67(4), 1318-1328. doi:10.2307/1131702Funk, J. L. & Rogge, R. D. (2007). Testing the ruler with
item response theory: Increasing precision of measurement for relationship satisfaction with the Couples Satisfaction Index. Journal of Family Psychology, 21, 572-583.Kerns, K. A., Klepac, L., & Cole, A. (1996). Peer relationships and preadolescents' perceptions of security in the child- mother relationship. Developmental psychology, 32(3), 457.
Madison Smith, B.A.Department of Psychology
Keene State College
Nashla Feres, Ph.D.Department of Psychology
Keene State College
The Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction