GOING THE DISTANCE: EXAMINING ATTACHMENT, IMPLICIT THEORY OF RELATIONSHIPS AND PHYSICAL SEPARATION IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

How do long-distance relationships (LDRs) evolve in real time? In examining the effects of prolonged separation on relationship processes among LDR couples, the present research used a dyadic diary approach to follow up 34 LDR couples over their 20-week separation period, focusing on how adult attachment, implicit relationship beliefs and homebound-traveller status affected the couples' relationship well-being in the transitory period. Analyses employed the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model suggest that, prior to separation, attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with pessimistic attitudes towards LDRs. Effects were more salient in homebound individuals than travellers. However, multilevel modeling analyses with the diary data showed that the above pattern was not present during separation. Instead, anxiously attached individuals engaged in more relationship maintenance processes in order to alleviate separation effects. The same pattern was found for individuals with high growth and destiny beliefs. Consequently, commitment and relationship quality did not decline significantly over time. Taken together, this research suggests that in spite of physical separation, success is possible when couples are cognizant of the constraints that accompany their relationships.