LE3 .A278 2010

2010

Holmberg, Diane

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

Fifty- four couples completed a series of background measures and a five day diary study examining attachment in romantic relationships and coping with daily stressors. Partners were randomly assigned to the roles of support- seekers ( reporting on their own daily stressors) and support- givers ( reporting on coping with their partner’s stressors). The first aim of this study was to add to the literature examining associations between support- seeker attachment dimensions ( i. e., attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and coping strategies. Secondly, the study sought to explore the relationship between support- seekers’ coping strategies and support- givers’ well- being, as moderated by support- givers’ attachment styles. Findings suggest that seeking more support from one’s partner as a strategy for coping with stress is positively associated with attachment anxiety, and negatively associated with attachment avoidance. As support- seekers engaged in more emotion- focused coping, fearfully and securely attached support- givers showed increased psychological and relational well- being, while dismissing and preoccupied individuals reported decreased well- being.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:150