Library Dissertation Showcase

The effect attachment styles have on commitment uncertainty and relationship labels in adult romantic relationships

  • Year of Publication:
  • 2024

Derived from attachment theory, insecure attachment styles display a collection of detrimental characteristics and behaviours, considered specifically harmful within adult romantic relationships. Recognising the centrality of commitment in romantic relationships, this study aimed to explore the intricate interplay of the effects insecure attachment orientations have on commitment uncertainty, with consideration to relationship labels explaining commitment levels. 109 participants were asked to assign themselves to their appropriate relationship label: Relationship, Situationship, Casual, or Single, and completed the Adult Disorganised Attachment scale (ADA), the Commitment Uncertainty Short Scale (CUSS), and the Experiences in Close Relationships scale (ECR-12). Results showed a significant interaction between insecure attachment orientations and commitment uncertainty. Conversely, all groups, except the ‘Relationship’ group, showed significant correlations with insecure attachment orientations. Interestingly, the anxious attachment orientation showed no significant intergroup differences. These findings have important implications for the role attachment orientations have on an individual’s ability to commit to their romantic partner, as indicated by their chosen romantic relationship label. Future research should address demographic differences in correlation to specific attachment orientations, and adapt to the continuous evolving cultural shifts of relationship terminology.

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