IMPACT OF ATTACHMENT STYLE ON REACTIONS TO ACCOMMODATIVE DILEMMAS IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS

Four studies examined reactions to accommodative dilemmas in ongoing c lose relationships, exploring the association between adult attachment style--secure, avoidant, and anxious-ambivalent-and four possible mod es of reaction--exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect. Consistent with pre dictions, it was shown that when close partners enact potentially dest ructive behaviors, insecurely attached individuals tend to react in a more defensive and destructive manner. Specifically, in comparison to secure individuals, insecure individuals were more likely to react to accommodative dilemmas with exit and neglect, and were less likely to react with voice. Contrary to predictions, individuals with avoidant a nd anxious-ambivalent styles did not differ in their reactions to acco mmodative dilemmas. The implications of these findings for understandi ng reactions to emotionally threatening interpersonal situations are d iscussed.