Attachment and the Use of Negative Relational Maintenance Behaviors in Romantic Relationships

The purpose of this study was to examine the link between adult attachment (i.e., secure, preoccupied, fearful-avoidant, and dismissive) and the use of negative relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., jealousy induction, avoidance, spying, infidelity, destructive conflict, and allowing control) in romantic relationships. Participants were 232 adults who completed a questionnaire and were currently involved in a romantic relationship. Results revealed inverse relationships between secure attachment and the use of negative relational maintenance behaviors, as well as positive relationships between dismissive and fearful-avoidant attachments and some negative relational maintenance behaviors. After controlling for the influence of relationship satisfaction, the dismissive and preoccupied attachment styles were the most salient predictors of negative relational maintenance.