The Research Desk
Scientists at Comenius University found that regard and attraction, not just attachment, are key to relationship satisfaction.
The Great EFT Schism: Testing Johnson's and Greenberg's Alternative Models of What Drives Couple Satisfaction.
- Relationships
- Meaning
Halamová, J.
In plain language
This study examines two models of understanding what drives satisfaction in romantic relationships: the attachment-based model and a multi-motivational model that includes attraction and regard. Using a large sample of couples, the research tested which model better explains relationship satisfaction. The findings suggest that while attachment is important, regard and attraction play significant roles, with regard being the strongest predictor of satisfaction.
The results challenge the notion that attachment alone is the primary driver of relationship satisfaction. Instead, they support a more nuanced view that incorporates multiple factors, offering a broader perspective on how couples experience satisfaction in their relationships.
Key findings
- The multi-motivational model explained more variance in relationship satisfaction than the attachment-only model.
- Regard emerged as the strongest predictor of relationship satisfaction, explaining 41.3% of the variance.
- Interpersonal attraction accounted for 29.8% of the explained variance in satisfaction.
- Attachment behaviors explained 29.0% of the variance in relationship satisfaction.
- Perceived partner regard significantly predicted relationship satisfaction, while self-reported regard did not.
Why it matters
This research highlights the complexity of relationship satisfaction, emphasizing that factors beyond attachment, such as regard and attraction, are crucial for understanding what makes relationships fulfilling.
Try this today
Readers can consider focusing on nurturing mutual regard and attraction in their relationships, alongside attachment, to enhance satisfaction and overall relationship quality.