Key Points
Rationale
Attachment theory, originally focused on the relationship between infants and caregivers, has been extended to understand adult romantic relationships (Hazan & Shaver, 1987).
While research onattachment stylesand marital satisfaction has been conducted in Western cultures, there is a lack of studies examining these concepts in non-Western contexts like Malaysia (Sümer & Güngör, 1999).
Cultural beliefs and norms may influence attachment patterns and relationship dynamics differently across societies (Rothbaum et al., 2000; Wang & Mallinckrodt, 2006).
The findings contribute to expanding attachment theory beyond Western contexts and inform counseling practices for enhancing marital relationships in diverse cultural settings.
Method
The study employed a quantitative survey design using self-report questionnaires.
Respondents completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECR) to assess their attachment styles with their spouse and the Relational Assessment Scale (RAS) to measure marital satisfaction.
The sample consisted of 400 married individuals in Penang, Malaysia, with equal representation across gender, ethnicity (Chinese, Malay, Indian), and four stages of family life cycle.
Measures
Statistical measures
Results
ANOVA results indicated significant differences in marital satisfaction across attachment styles, with secure individuals reporting the highest satisfaction levels compared to the insecure styles.
Insight
This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of different attachment styles and their relationship with marital satisfaction in the Malaysian context.
The findings highlight the importance of secure attachment for maintaining satisfying marriages and suggest that cultural factors may influence the distribution of attachment patterns.
People with secure attachment styles are able to have affection and trust towards their partners and are comfortable with both autonomy and dependency.
As a result, they approach their relationships with realistic expectations (Farinelli & Guerrero, 2011) and experience complete satisfaction and long-lasting partnerships (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2003).
The positive traits associated with secure attachment enable these individuals to communicate openly, handle arguments effectively, and address marital problems constructively (Pistole & Arricale, 2003).
The distribution of attachment styles differed from Western cultures, highlighting the role of culture in shaping romantic attachment.
However, the association between attachment styles and marital satisfaction was not culturally based, with secure attachment linked to higher satisfaction levels across cultures.
The findings align with previous research showing cultural variations in attachment patterns but universal benefits of secure attachment for relationship quality.
Future studies could explore the specific cultural beliefs and practices that shape attachment styles and relationship dynamics in Malaysia and other Asian societies.
Strengths
Limitations
Clinical Implications
The findings have significant implications for counseling and therapy practices aimed at enhancing marital relationships in Malaysia.
By identifying clients’ attachment styles using the ECR, counselors can tailor interventions to promote secure attachment and improve marital satisfaction.
The study also highlights the need for culturally sensitive approaches that consider the unique beliefs and norms shaping romantic relationships in different societies.
Furthermore, the research underscores the universal relevance of attachment theory in understanding adult love and intimacy across diverse contexts.
References
Primary reference
Mohd Hasim, M. J., Hashim, N. H., & Mustafa, H. (2023). Married life: Measuring adult romantic attachment and satisfaction.Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 12(3), 119 131.https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000188
Other references
Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511-524.https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2003). The attachment behavioral system in adulthood: Activation,psychodynamics and interpersonal Process. In M. P. Zanna (Ed.),Advances in experimental social psychology(Vol. 35, pp. 53–152). Academic Press.
Pistole, M. C., & Arricale, F. (2003). Understanding attachment: Beliefs about conflict.Journal of Counseling and Development, 81, 318–328.
Rothbaum, F., Weisz, J., Pott, M., Miyake, K., & Morelli, G. (2000). Attachment and culture: Security in the United States and Japan.American Psychologist, 55(10), 1093-1104.https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.10.1093
Sümer, N., & Güngör, D. (1999). Psychometric evaluation of adult attachment measures in Turkish samples and across-cultural comparison.Turkish Journal of Psychology, 14, 71-109.
Wang, C. D., & Mallinckrodt, B. S. (2006). Differences between Taiwanese and U.S. cultural beliefs about ideal adult attachment.Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(2), 192-204.https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.53.2.192
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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
