ATTACHMENT STYLES AND OTHER PREDICTORS OF RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION IN DATING COUPLES

A sample of 186 dating couples completed questionnaires in order to ex amine the relevance of attachment styles, romantic beliefs, self-estee m, and gender roles to relationship satisfaction. The aim was to asses s whether male and female anxiety over abandonment and comfort with cl oseness, and interactions among them, predicted satisfaction beyond th e contribution of the other variables. Using multiple-regression analy sis, it was found that attachment styles successfully predicted satisf action, after controlling for romantic beliefs, self-esteem, and gende r roles. Both partners were particularly dissatisfied when either part ner suffered high anxiety over abandonment or low comfort with closene ss. Implications Cor gender roles, relationship satisfaction, and atta chment styles are discussed.