Attachment styles and strategies for resolving conflict

Abstract

Infants who are placed in the strange situation involving separations from and reunions with their mothers can be classified into one of three attachment style categories: secure, avoidant, or anxious/ambivalent. Previous research has found that the three attachment style classifications are appropriate for adults as well as children. Furthermore, research has found that adult attachment styles relate to aspects of romantic relationships including conflict resolution. In the present research, subjects watched a videotape of a staged interpersonal conflict between actors (a male and a female) portrayed as dating partners. The subjects then selected the types of conflict resolution strategies (integrating, avoiding, dominating, obliging, compromising) they would employ if they were in the situation in the position of the same gender actor. The most prominent result was that avoidant individuals tend to endorse the avoiding conflict resolution strategy more than secure individuals and the integrating conflict resolution strategy less. Arousal level was controlled for and had no impact on the results. The results are discussed in terms of attachment styles and conflict resolution strategies.