Association between attachment, power and conflict resolution in heterosexual women
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24265/liberabit.2026.v32n1.1250Palavras-chave:
attachment, conflict resolution, interpersonal dependency, power, romantic relationshipsResumo
Background: Previous research has shown that anxious attachment is associated with patterns of insecurity and less adaptive coping strategies in romantic relationships, but there is still limited evidence on the mechanisms that could mediate this association. Objective: To examine the association between anxious attachment towards the partner and the use of passive conflict resolution strategies, considering exclusive dependence on the partner and the partner-outcome power as mediating variables. Method: A correlational, cross sectional study was conducted involving 210 heterosexual Spanish women. Results: Anxious attachment was indirectly associated with higher passive conflict resolution through the perception of higher partner-outcome power, but not through exclusive dependence towards the partner. Conclusion: These findings suggest that emotional insecurity linked to anxious attachment may increase the tendency to adopt passive responses to conflict by enhancing the perception of having less control or influence in decision-making within the relationship. Therefore, the need to design interventions aimed at preventing unbalanced power dynamics in intimate relationships is highlighted.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gonzalo Peña-Muñante, Jorge Borja-Chávez
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