Gender differences in couple attachment behaviors as predictors of dietary habits and physical activity levels

Abstract

This study used an Actor–Partner Interdependence Model to examine the relationship between attachment behaviors and health practices, as measured by physical activity levels and dietary habits. The sample included 1031 married couples, the majority of which is Caucasian (83.8%). Results suggest that women’s attachment behaviors significantly influenced their own health practices ( p = .038), such that for every unit increase in poor attachment behaviors, women were 199.8 percent more likely to have poor diet and low physical activity levels ( exp(1.098) = 2.998). Men’s attachment behaviors were not significantly related to their own health practices. There were also no significant partner paths. Implications for treating women who present with health problems are discussed, as are directions for future research.