Attachment, Dyadic Adjustment, and Social Interest: An Indirect Effects Model

This study examined the contribution of social interest to the established link between adult attachment and well-being in romantic relationships (dyadic adjustment). Results from a sample of 246 university faculty, staff, and students indicated that both attachment avoidance (r = −.496, p < .01) and attachment anxiety (r = −.299, p < .01) negatively predict social interest, that social interest positively predicts dyadic adjustment (r = .218, p < .01), and indicated the presence of a significant indirect effect of attachment anxiety on dyadic adjustment through social interest (B = −.242, CI95 [−.566, −.033]). These results are consistent with an ecosystemic view of relational functioning and indicate the importance of developing social interest during clinical work with couples.