Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between adult attachment dimensions, stability, perceived quality of past and current romantic relationships and level of psychological distress. A sample of 103 women responded to a structured interview and self-report questionnaires assessing duration of romantic relationships, level of trust and satisfaction, adult attachment quality ("Experiences in Close Relationships"; ECR - Brennan, Clark & Shaver, 1998) and level of distress experienced during the last week ("Symptom Checklist-90"; SCL-90 - Derogatis, Lipman & Covi, 1973). Covariance analysis, multiple logistic regression and Cox regression results showed that Avoidance was associated with shorter relationships, greater likelihood of being single at the time of interview and lower willingness to continue a relationship. Both Anxiety and Avoidance were negatively associated with level of trust experienced during the last romantic relationship. Participants who scored high in Anxiety or were single, reported more intense psychological symptoms.