Attachment theory and emotions in close relationships: Exploring the attachment-related dynamics of emotional reactions to relational events

TLDR

Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding affect regulation. The article investigates how attachment orientation shapes emotional reactions to interpersonal transactions in close relationships and outlines future research directions. The authors employ an integrative attachment‑system activation model to review evidence, present new findings, and propose hypotheses on how attachment styles influence emotional responses to partners’ behaviors and distress signals.

Abstract

Attachment theory is a powerful framework for understanding affect regulation. In this article, we examine the role played by attachment orientation in shaping emotional reactions to interpersonal transactions within close relationships. Using our recent integrative model of attachment-system activation and dynamics as a guide (M. Mikulincer & P. R. Shaver, 2003), we review relevant evidence, present new findings, and propose hypotheses concerning how people with different attachment styles are likely to react emotionally to relational events. Specifically, we focus on attachment-related variations in the emotional states elicited by a relationship partner's positive and negative behaviors and by signals of a partner's (relationship relevant or relationship irrelevant) distress or pleasure. In so doing, we organize existing knowledge and point the way to future research on attachment-related emotions in close relationships.