Subjective loneliness, well-being and marital satisfaction in couples with different attachment styles

Abstract

The basic principle of attachment theory is the assumption that early childhood attachment relationships with significant others (primary attachment figure) are the pattern for the later romantic relationships in adulthood (with a romantic partner). Four questionnaire methods were applied to diagnose the quality of relationships in adult life: Plopa’s Attachment Styles Questionnaire (KSM); Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in Juczyński adaptation, de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and Pospiszyl’s Marital Happiness Questionnaire (KSM). 250 married couples with different marital experience were subjected. The study proved the existence of statistical relationships between the secure attachment styles, well-being, loneliness and the marital satisfaction. The research confirmed the mediating impact of loneliness and psychological well-being on the marital satisfaction of adults with different attachment styles. As it turned out, the marital satisfaction can be seriously lessened by loneliness in safely attached adults and well-being can enhance this satisfaction in insecurely attached adults.