Research Article Critique

Research Article Critique

Associations between Working Models of Attachment and Conflict Management Behavior in Romantic Couples by Gary Creasey

The research question is to specify relations between internal working models of attachment (IWM) and conflict management behaviors in a sample of young adults involved in romantic relationships.

Design used in this research project was observational and correlational research design. Researchers measure variables through observation or surveys to describe and predict behavior. Creasey in this research project used a large questionnaire packet 2 weeks before the experiment then he administered the Adult Attachment Interview which was audiotaped with each partner separately. Next, they were asked to wait 15 minutes in a waiting room which was videotaped through a one-way mirror. Then the couples were asked questions about the common problems in romantic relationships and to rate the frequency and intensity with a research assistant independently. Then they were asked about conflict management for 15 more minutes.

Methods used in this research project were: One hundred forty-five romantic couples were recruited to address this goal. All participants were administered the 20-Item Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan, & Main, 1996) and observed across 2 experimental conditions designed to simulate waiting room and conflict management contexts.

Analysis: To test the hypothesis in terms of predicting male positive behavior, a 5 (Male IWM) x 2 (Experimental Condition) mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. The results determined that preoccupied and dismissing males were not significantly different than secure males. Also it was discovered that preoccupied males and dismissing males were not much different in exhibiting positive behaviors. Finally, unresolved/insecure males did display less positive behavior than insecure males and that unresolved/secure males were not notably distinctive than unresolved/insecure males concerning positive behavior.

In terms of predicting male negative behavior a 5 (Male IWM) x 2 (Experimental Condition) revealed significant main effects for experimental condition. As predicted, a significant IWM x Experimental condition interaction was visible. As hypothesized, an investigation of the means determined that associations between IWM and male behavior were notable in the conflict condition. Secure males showed less negative behavior in the conflict management condition than dismissing/preoccupied males. Differing to Creasey’s predictions, preoccupied males did not display more negative behavior than dismissing males. As predicted, unresolved/insecure males displayed more negative behavior in the conflict management condition when contrasted to unresolved/secure males, as well as men who were secure.

To test the hypothesis of female relations between IWM, positive and negative behavior within the experimental conditions, a similar set of analysis was used. In terms of predicting female positive behavior, significant main effects for experimental condition were documented. The interaction between the experimental condition and IWM was not considerable. It was discovered that secure women displayed more positive behavior than dismissing and preoccupied women did. In addition, when comparing dismissing females to preoccupied females, preoccupied females showed less positive behavior. Also, unresolved/secure women displayed much more positive behavior across the experimental conditions than unresolved/insecure women. Finally, insecure women were not considerably different than unresolved/insecure women in stipulations of positive behavior.

In the final analysis of negative behavior in females, the ANOVA showed significant main effects for experimental condition. As predicted, a significant experimental condition x IWM interaction was also documented. The association between the IWM and the female behavior was most notable in the conflict condition. Additionally, insecure showed more negative behavior than secure females. There were little differences in both the dismissing females and preoccupied females. As predicted, unresolved/insecure females in the conflict management condition showed more negative behavior than unresolved/secure females. Finally, insecure females were less negative