The Effect of Adult Attachment Style on Couples Relationship Satisfaction

Background: There are different factors that contribute for the presence or absence of couple relationship satisfaction. However, very little is known about individual’s characteristics that bring into their relationships which influence couple’s relationship satisfaction. Adult attachment style is the one among these factors. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine individual differences in relationship satisfaction using attachment theory as a framework. Methodology: A total of 306 (159 female and 147 male) participants were included from community sample. Three Kebeles in Yeka sub-city of Addis Ababa were selected randomly. Data were collected on relationship satisfaction and adult attachment. The constructs were measured by Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS, Hendrick, 1988) and Experience in Close Relationship Scale-Revised (ECR-R, Fraley et al., 2000). Pearson correlation and multiple regressions were run to check association and prediction among variables under study respectively. Result and Conclusion: The result confirmed that statistically significant correlation was found between/among most variables/constructs in the study. The standard regression revealed that both attachment dimensions (attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) predicted relationship satisfaction. Participants who scored lower on both attachment dimensions reported higher relationship satisfaction. Implication: The research result has both theoretical and practical implications. Practically the study is beneficial for those policy makers and practitioners who work in the area of family (marriage) counseling and rights and well being of children.