Being in the Moment So You Can Keep Moving Forward: Mindfulness and Rumination Mediate the Relationship between Attachment Orientations and Negative Conflict Styles.

Rachael E Quickert,Tara K Macdonald

doi:10.3390/ijerph17186472

Rachael E Quickert, Tara K Macdonald

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186472

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Abstract

Attachment insecurity has been associated with negative behaviors during conflict and decreased relationship satisfaction. We theorize that individuals high in attachment anxiety and/or avoidance are less mindful during conflict with their romantic partners, and thus more likely to ruminate. Decreased mindfulness and higher levels of rumination may be important mechanisms in the relationship between attachment insecurity and conflict behavior, as it may be more difficult to engage in constructive problem-solving skills when one is distracted from the present moment. We conducted an online survey assessing 360 participants’ attachment orientations, levels of mindfulness and rumination, behavior during conflict, and experience with mindfulness activities. Using a serial mediation model, we found that mindfulness and rumination mediated the relationship between attachment insecurity and negative conflict behaviors. We further discovered that individuals high in attachment insecurity were more likely to report negative experiences with mindfulness activities (i.e., meditation and yoga), and that this relationship was mediated by higher levels of experiential avoidance, or a fear of engaging with one’s own thoughts and feelings. We discuss the importance of increasing mindfulness and decreasing both rumination and experiential avoidance to assist individuals high in attachment insecurity in navigating relationship conflict using more constructive and relationship-promoting strategies.

Highlights

IntroductionAttachment theory posits that children create “working models” of expectations in relationships (i.e., whether others can be relied upon during difficult times)
Attachment anxiety and avoidance were not associated with less positive experiences during mindfulness activities or difficulties with non-attachment, and attachment anxiety was not associated with less attention to the present
This research provides a unique contribution to the literature, exploring how mindfulness and attachment orientations relate to specific behaviors during conflict in relationships

Summary

Introduction

Attachment theory posits that children create “working models” of expectations in relationships (i.e., whether others can be relied upon during difficult times). These working models are developed and refined over time by experiences in close relationships and influence how individuals perceive and react to their adult romantic partners as well [4]. Individuals high in attachment anxiety fear rejection and/or abandonment by romantic partners, whereas individuals high in attachment avoidance are uncomfortable with emotional intimacy and/or closeness [5]. Individuals high in either dimension of attachment ( referred to as “attachment insecurity”) are more likely to experience strong emotional and behavioral reactions to conflict in relationships.

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Conclusion