Dyadic Coping and Attachment Dimensions in Young Adult Romantic Relationships

ABSTRACT: Dyadic coping conceives coping as a response in which partners support each other and cope with stress as a couple rather than individuals, but little is known of the factors that lead to dyadic coping. The present study aims to explore the relationship between dyadic coping and adult attachment. That is, to examine whether an individual’s attachment style is a predictor of their own dyadic coping style and their partner’s dyadic coping style. Online, survey data was collected from 74 childless couples, between the ages of 18 and 31, who had been in their relationships for over 6 months. Overall, analysis showed stronger associations between dyadic coping and attachment for females, with minimal associations for males. The results of the present study are supportive of the existing literature, though provide opportunities for further research.

KEYWORDS: dyadic coping, coping, attachment, romantic relationships, APIM