Attachment Style, Marital Satisfaction, and Mutual Support Attachment Style in Qatar

Abstract

This study assessed, for the first time, the relationship between security attachment and marital satisfaction in an Arab country, Qatar. Accordingly, we used the marital satisfaction assessment, the Experiences in Close Relationships Revised attachment style questionnaire, and the Goldsmith Support Measure. Using a path analysis model, the results showed that secured attachment style positively influenced marital satisfaction but did not positively influence mutual support in a relationship. Unsecure attachment styles negatively influenced the level of mutual support and marital satisfaction. Importantly, the findings revealed a gender effect, with females receiving less mutual support from their male partners, than vice versa. We discuss the importance of these results in the context of Arab culture and gender differences.