ATTACHMENT STYLE IN FAMILIES: A META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that attachment style in the family affects the relationship satisfaction in couples. Nevertheless, the correlation between attachment style and relationship satisfaction showed varying results. The meta-analysis aims to see how the consistency of the correlation between avoidance attachment style, anxiety attachment style, and relationship satisfaction. The study used were 22 studies with 5796 subjects. The results of the meta-analysis showed that avoidance attachment style and anxiety attachment styles negatively correlated with the satisfaction of relationships in a couple. Avoidance attachment style had negative correlations were moderate (r = -0.402) refers to a 95% confidence interval, limits of acceptance are between -0.663 <r <-0.141, so the correlation coefficient of -0.402 is within the limits of acceptance. That is, a significant negative correlation between avoidance attachment style and relationship satisfaction is acceptable. In the style of anxiety attachment, a negative correlation is a low level (r = -0.278). Referring to the 95% confidence interval, limits of acceptance are between -0.591 <r <0.035, so the correlation coefficient of -0.278 is within the limits of acceptance. That is, a significant negative correlation between anxiety attachment style and relationship satisfaction is acceptable. The difference correlation values between avoidance attachment style and anxiety attachment styles as predictors of relationship satisfaction because of differences in regulatory strategy in establishing a relationship with a partner.

Keywords: Psychology, Attachment Style, Relationship Satisfaction