The dyadic role of attachment in the relational maintenance of cohabitating couples during COVID-19

This study examined the role of attachment styles in relational maintenance behaviors among cohabitating couples during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a dyadic approach, the associations among anxious and avoidant attachment styles and personal and partner maintenance behaviors during the pandemic were explored. The role of COVID-related anxiety was also investigated as a potential moderator of attachment insecurity and relational maintenance behaviors. Dyadic analyses demonstrated significant negative actor and partner associations between attachment avoidance and the use of relational maintenance behaviors, whereas no significant associations were found between attachment anxiety and maintenance behavior. Additionally, COVID-anxiety was not a significant moderator of the association between attachment and relational maintenance. The findings provide insights into how couples navigated the heightened challenges of cohabitation during this period, offering implications for potential support strategies.