Couple Connectedness in Corrections: Attachment, Childhood Parental Stability, and Dyadic Adjustment in Romantic Relationships With an Incarcerated Partner

Abstract

Attachment styles within dyadic relationships affect multiple levels of the family structure that include: the relationship, the ability to navigate and adjust to change as a couple, as well as the implications it has on children. Utilizing data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering [MFS-IP], Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling was used to address the correlation between dyadic adjustment and attachment between couples, as well as addressing factors of race on this correlation. Results yielded that higher rates of attachment were associated with better dyadic adjustment, especially if one partner had a higher rate of attachment.