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The Role of Attachment Styles in Marital Stability: A Psychological Approach to Strengthening Relationships

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  • Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo

Abstract

Purpose: The present study attempts to establish how attaching styles influence marital stability. To help determine how the various attachment patterns or styles-secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized-influence communication quality, conflict resolution, and overall marital satisfaction. Provide an understanding of how attachment styles, which are developed during one's childhood years, impinge on adult-to-adult relationships, particularly in marriage. Understand the rise in divorce rates and marital problems based on exploration of attachment styles that strengthen or weaken the marital bond. Add to the increasing scientific knowledge repository by focusing on real-life marital outcomes related to psychological theories of attachment. Material and Methods: The research design for this study is a mixed-methods design, which includes the following; Quantitative Component: Standardized questionnaires related to attachment style and relationship satisfaction scales will be administered to 200 couples. Qualitative Component: 20 couples from each category of different attachment styles will be interviewed in depth. This will be done at the marriage counseling centers in Houston, Texas. Population: Married individuals from different age brackets and years of marriage. Sampling: Stratified random sampling to ensure that there is a fair representation of marital backgrounds. Statistical Analysis: Application of correlation and regression analysis will help identify if attachment styles significantly predict marital outcomes. Findings: The key results of the study are that secure Attachment: Couples with at least one partner showing a secure attachment style exhibit: Improved communication, Successful conflict resolution, Overall relationship satisfaction, Insecure Attachment Styles, Anxious and avoidant are attached to less satisfaction and more conflict in marriage. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on this research, our recommendations in the present study are as follows: The need for Attachment-Based Interventions and Relationship Education Programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo, 2024. "The Role of Attachment Styles in Marital Stability: A Psychological Approach to Strengthening Relationships," American Journal of Psychology, AJPO, vol. 6(4), pages 35-50.
  • Handle: RePEc:bfy:ojtajp:v:6:y:2024:i:4:p:35-50:id:2474
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