The attachment system in fledgling relationships: an activating role for attachment anxiety

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Paul W Eastwick, Eli J Finkel

Abstract

Is it sensible to study attachment dynamics between potential romantic partners before they share a full-fledged attachment bond? The present data indicate that such an approach may reveal novel insights about initial attraction processes. Four studies suggest that the state-like experience of attachment anxiety has functional implications within fledgling (i.e., desired or undeveloped) romantic relationships, well before the formation of an attachment bond. Studies 1 and 3 reveal that attachment anxiety directed toward a particular romantic interest is elevated before (in comparison with after) participants report being in an established relationship. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrate that such partner-specific attachment anxiety predicts attachment-relevant outcomes in fledgling relationships, including proximity seeking, safe haven, secure base, passionate love, and other approach behaviors. These associations were reliable above and beyond (and were typically as strong as or stronger than) the effect of sexual desire. Finally, Study 4 presents evidence that partner-specific attachment anxiety may cause several of these attachment-relevant outcomes. Attachment anxiety seems to be a normative experience and may signal the activatio...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 7, 2011·Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·Bianca P AcevedoLucy L Brown
Apr 7, 2011·Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·C Nathan DeWallNaomi I Eisenberger
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Sep 22, 2011·Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin·Paul W Eastwick, Eli J Finkel
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Jul 13, 2021·Personality and Social Psychology Review : an Official Journal of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc·Samantha Joel, Geoff MacDonald

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