Attachment Style and Perceived Effectiveness of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Strategies in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

This study explored the relationships between attachment styles and the perceived effectiveness of interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) provided by romantic partners. Specifically, the study tested whether more avoidantly attached individuals perceive interpersonal suppression and distraction as more effective than less avoidantly attached (H1) and whether more anxiously attached individuals perceive interpersonal strategies cognitive reappraisal and co-rumination provided by their partner as more effective than less anxiously attached (H2). The first hypothesis was partially supported: more avoidantly attached individuals perceive suppression as more effective but distraction as less effective. Additionally, they perceived both engaging strategies as less effective for regulating their emotions. Contrary to the second hypothesis, more anxiously attached individuals perceive cognitive reappraisal as less effective, with no significant effect on co-rumination. Moreover, they also perceived interpersonal suppression as less effective, with no relationship to interpersonal distraction. Even though the results did not fully support the hypotheses, they revealed important findings. These results highlight the nuanced roles of attachment styles in emotion regulation, suggesting the need for a tailored approach when regulating a partner's emotions according to their attachment style. Future research should explore a broader range of IER strategies to better understand preferences associated with different attachment styles which could potentially enhance partners' well-being and contribute to relationship satisfaction.