The Effect of Adult Attachment on Conflict Resolution Styles in Couples Relationship

Abstract

Background: Relationship researchers have focused on the frequency of conflict in couples’ relationships and the manner in which couples engage in and try to resolve conflicts. Conflict occurs regularly in most close relationships and dealing with conflict, under some conditions, may facilitate the development and maintenance of intimacy and satisfaction in a relationship. conflict resolution style can be developed through different developmental experiences and practices. The present researcher tried to understand conflict resolution behavior from attachment perspective. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine individual differences in conflict resolution behavior using attachment theory as a framework. Methodology: Community based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed in Yeka Sub-city of Addis Ababa. A total of 306 (159 female and 147 male) participants were included from community sample. Three Kebeles in Yeka sub-city of Addis Ababa were selected randomly. Data were collected on demographic factors, adult attachment style and conflict resolution style. For the standard constructs namely attachment style, Experience in Close Relationship Scale-Revised (ECR-R, Fraley et al., 2000 and for conflict resolution style, Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II, Rahim, 1983) were used. Result:  The standard regression revealed that both attachment dimensions (attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) predict conflict resolution behavior significantly. Attachment avoidant was more predictive of conflict resolution style than attachment anxiety. Conclusion: The attachment style or emotional bond between couples has true impact on how couples resolve the problem or conflict which is inevitable.