Spouses’ attachment orientations shape physiological responses to relational stress over time

Abstract

This research examined how the interplay between spouses’ attachment orientations contributes to physiological responses to relational stress. Mixed-gender newlyweds ( N Wave 1 = 218 couples; N Wave 2 = 184 couples; N Wave 3 = 164 couples) discussed relationship conflicts during three laboratory sessions over the first 3–4 years of marriage. Individuals provided saliva samples to assess their cortisol levels before, during, and after each conflict, which reflected physiological responses to stress. Across all three waves, anxiously-attached individuals showed greater cortisol reactivity (via faster rates of cortisol change and/or more exaggerated changes in cortisol slope) in anticipation of conflicts, especially when they had an avoidantly-attached partner. Findings highlight the dyadic nature of spouses’ responses to relational stress.