With or without you: The impact of partner presence and attachment on exploration

Past research has examined the link of attachment anxiety and avoidance with exploration in adults, though results have been inconsistent and have relied primarily on self-reports. We hypothesized that the presence of the attachment figure (i.e., romantic partner) would play a critical moderating ro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of experimental social psychology 2012, Vol.48 (1), p.411-415
Main Authors: Coy, Anthony E., Green, Jeffrey D., Davis, Jody L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
APIM
Attachment
Avoidance
Behavioural psychology
Couples
Emotions
Exploration
Interpersonal relations
Partner
Partners
Personal relationships
Psychological effects
Social interaction
Social psychology
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Summary:Past research has examined the link of attachment anxiety and avoidance with exploration in adults, though results have been inconsistent and have relied primarily on self-reports. We hypothesized that the presence of the attachment figure (i.e., romantic partner) would play a critical moderating role on exploration duration and enjoyment. Eighty-six couples were randomly assigned to explore alone or with the partner in order to examine the moderating effect of partner presence on the effects of individuals' anxiety and avoidance as well as the partner's anxiety and avoidance. Consistent with hypotheses, there were significant two-way interactions of partner presence with anxiety, avoidance, and partner anxiety. When exploring alone, more (vs. less) anxious individuals spent less time exploring and felt less positive affect. When exploring with the partner, more (vs. less) avoidant individuals spent less time exploring and felt less positive affect. Individuals with more anxious partners felt more positive affect after exploring alone than with the partner, whereas individuals with more avoidant partners were not affected by the partner's presence. Above and beyond individuals' attachment style, partner presence and partner attachment style have implications for exploratory behavior. ► Examined the moderating effects of partner presence on exploration. ► More anxious individuals explored less and felt less positive affect when alone. ► More avoidant individuals explored less and felt less positive when with the partner. ► Individuals with more anxious partners felt more positive after exploring alone. ► Partner presence and attachment style have implications for exploratory behavior.
ISSN:0022-1031
1096-0465
DOI:10.1016/j.jesp.2011.08.008