Association between attachment insecurity and couple adjustment: Moderation by couple memory networks. Issue 1 (25th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lejeune, Alexandre; Bouizegarene, Nabil; Philippe, Frederick L.
• Is Part Of: Personal relationships. Volume 28:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2020-11-25
• Subjects: attachment -- couple adjustment -- memory -- memory network -- need satisfaction; Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1111/pere.12360
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4126

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated whether couple‐related memories and their organization in memory networks could act as cognitive resources to protect against the negative impact of insecure attachment on couple adjustment. In two studies ( n 1 = 153, n 2 = 567), participants in a romantic relationship described a significant couple‐related memory and provided networked memories associated with their couple‐related memory, to assess its organization in the memory system, and rated each memory for its level of need satisfaction. Findings across the two studies revealed significant moderations of need satisfaction in couple‐related memory networks, such that a higher level of satisfaction need within couple‐related memory networks was associated with a reduced negative association of attachment anxiety and avoidance with couple adjustment. When examined separately, it was shown that need‐satisfying networked memories, but not main couple‐related memories, moderated the negative association of insecure attachment with couple adjustment.