The Role of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance in Communication Modality and Relationship Quality of Romantic Relationships Initiated Online

Eric T. Goodcase, David P. Nalbone, Lorna L. Hecker, Christopher Latty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explores the relationships among an individual's attachment anxiety and avoidance, the ratio of technology mediated communication (TMC) in their relationship, and relationship quality for individuals who met their romantic partners online. Participants (N = 219) consisted of individuals between the ages of 18–25, who were US citizens, and met a romantic partner utilizing online dating, dating mobile web applications, social networking sites, online chatrooms, or any way of meeting through technology. A survey measuring relationship beliefs, relationship attitudes, and use of technology was distributed and completed via MTurk. Structural equation modeling revealed that anxious attachment was associated with a higher ratio of TMC, whereas avoidant attachment was not significantly related with the ratio of TMC. Higher ratios of TMC were associated with lower relationship quality. Implications for intervention are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)168-183
Number of pages16
JournalAmerican Journal of Family Therapy
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2018

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