Investigating the Predictive Effects of Attachment Styles on Coping Styles with Jealousy in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

Purpose: Jealousy in romantic relationships is a risk factor for individuals' happiness and relationship quality. Therefore, coping style with jealousy is important in addressing problems related to jealousy in relationships. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive effects of attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) on coping styles with jealousy (constructive, destructive-avoidant, and rival-focused) in romantic relationships. Methodology: The sample of this study consisted of 301 people, 236 female and 65 males, who were in a romantic relationship. The Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised and the Communicative Responses to Jealousy Scale were used to collect the data. Linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. Findings: The results showed that anxious attachment positively and avoidant attachment negatively predicted coping with jealousy in constructive communication. Both anxious and avoidant attachment positively predicted the style of coping with jealousy in destructive-avoidant communication. Anxious attachment positively predicted coping with jealousy in rival-focused communication, while avoidant attachment did not have a significant effect. Highlights: The results showed that attachment styles are important in understanding the styles of coping with jealousy. The results were discussed along with the previous findings, and implications were provided for practitioners and future studies.