Attachment and Emotional Health: A Life Span Approach

Abstract

Recent research on the relation between quality of attachments and socio-emotional functioning in both childhood and marriage is briefly reviewed Attention is specifically drawn to processes linking quality of early attachment relationships to later marital quality, taking account of socio-emotional health, social support, and experienced stress. The empirical and theoretical literature is integrated into a comprehensive "continuity" model which is represented as a path diagram. Using data from a socio-economically diverse set of Australian couples, estimates were obtained for all paths specified in this predictive model. Examination of the model estimates revealed moderate support for the continuity model insofar as close social bonds were found to be formative for both men and women. Following initial similarities between partners in psychological status, the quality of the early marital relationship contributes to changes in the psychological health of both partners which, in turn, influences changes in that relationship.