Dynamic Systems Analysis of Adult Attachment Styles, Affect, and Flexiblity in Marital Interaction

Abstract

This study explored adult attachment, affect, and flexibility during marital interaction through the dynamic systems method of state space grid analyses. Secure and insecurely attached couples affect were compared in measures of flexibility and negativity during a negative and positive conversation. I hypothesized that insecure attachment influenced the frequency and duration of negative affect, constricting the couples' ability to transition from negative affect. I hypothesized that secure attachment influenced the frequency and duration of positive affect, promoting a couples' ability to transition into positive affect. The study revealed significant results and nonsignificant trends concerning for the tested variables. For measures of flexibility, nonsignificant trends indicate that secure couples were more flexible when compared with insecure couples. The measures of negativity did reveal significant results. Secure couples had lower durations in negative affect and fewer visits to negative affect in the marital interaction episode when compared to insecure couples.