Attachment and attraction toward romantic partners versus relevant alternatives within daily interactions

Abstract

Using a diary study, this research examined the links between attachment avoidance (and anxiety) and romantic attraction felt toward current romantic partners versus relevant alternatives (i.e., non-familial interactants of the same gender as participants’ romantic partner) within daily social interactions. Hierarchical Linear Modelling analyses revealed that participants reported greater romantic attraction within interactions with their current romantic partner than within social interactions with relevant alternatives. However, despite experiencing greater romantic attraction toward current versus alternative partners, a more avoidant attachment orientation was associated with experiencing relatively (a) lower romantic attraction during interactions with current partners as well as (b) greater romantic attraction when interacting with relevant alternatives. These results indicate that highly avoidant individuals will be more likely to respond favourably to relationship alternatives in the course of their daily interactions, and, in doing so, undermine relationship satisfaction and stability.