An Exploratory Longitudinal Dyadic Analysis of Couple Attachment Trajectories

The purpose of this exploratory study was to first examine the dyadic trajectory of attachment change over a longer period (i.e., 5 years) than has been examined in previous research; second, to identify a mean trajectory of attachment security for couples with no history of contact with therapy as well as the effect of therapy utilization; and third, to examine couples’ attachment trajectories for gender differences. This study included 294 heterosexual married couples (78.6% European American). One-hundred and nine (37.07%) female partners and 121 (46.60%) male partners indicated that they had never utilized therapy prior to the study or during the study (had never utilized therapy at all). Research questions were explored using dyadic longitudinal multilevel modeling with pre-existing data. Results indicate overall that couples in this sample were low on attachment insecurity at the start of data collection and became slightly more insecure over a five-year span at a statistically significant, but likely unnoticeable rate. Couples with no therapy use-ever began the study with low attachment insecurity and remained relatively secure throughout the study. Couples who consistently received therapy before and during the study reported the highest levels of insecure attachment and increased in insecurity at a faster rate in comparison to those who had never attended therapy. Males who received consistent therapy before and during the study also demonstrated significantly greater attachment insecurity than their female partners. Therapy that does not specifically focus on attachment related issues is not likely to alter attachment styles. Clinicians may wish to investigate partners’ attachment histories, including complications from trauma or abuse, and tailor treatment to attachment related issues if attachment style change is a treatment goal. Future research could examine attachment change over time for couples of lower income, more diverse racial stratification, and experiencing greater relationship distress.