Relationships with Romantic Partners

• What are the key components of attachment theory in relation to romantic relationships?

  • Early relationships shape later connections
  • Intimacy and bond formation explained
  • Internal working model influences choices
• How does an internal working model affect romantic relationships?

  It shapes expectations of relating to partners
• What might someone with an insecure attachment look for in partners?

  Partners who confirm negative views about intimacy
• What are the two main dimensions along which attachment styles are categorized?

  Anxiety and avoidance
• What do the four quadrants in the image represent?

  Relationship problems related to attachment patterns
• What is an internal working model?

  A mental blueprint from early childhood relationships
• If a person exhibits low anxiety and high avoidance, what attachment style do they likely have?

  Dismissive-Avoidant attachment
• What behavior characterizes Anxious-Preoccupied attachment?

  Needs constant reassurance and fears abandonment
• What are the common communication styles in romantic partnerships?

  • Assertive: Direct and respectful expression of needs
  • Aggressive: Dominates conversations and disregards others
  • Passive: Suppresses feelings and avoids confrontation
• If a couple wants to resolve conflicts effectively, which communication style should they adopt?

  Assertive communication style
• What does attachment theory describe?

  How early relationships shape later connections
• What level of anxiety is associated with Anxious-Preoccupied attachment?

  High
• If someone had a secure attachment in childhood, what type of relationships might they seek?

  Stable, trusting relationships
• Why do we seek intimacy according to attachment theory?

  It explains our need to form bonds
• What is the focus of couples therapy?

  Deepen understanding and manage conflicts
• How does an aggressive communication style affect conflict resolution?

  It escalates conflicts and creates tension
• What is the difference between assertive and aggressive communication styles?

  Assertive fosters understanding; aggressive creates tension
• What attachment style would you expect in someone with high anxiety and high avoidance?

  Fearful-Avoidant attachment
• What impact does attachment style have on relationship quality and longevity?

  It significantly affects both factors
• What are the four attachment styles and their relationship outcomes?

  • Secure: Stable, trusting relationships
  • Anxious: Fear abandonment, jealousy
  • Avoidant: Distant, independent
  • Fearful: Mixed emotions, uncertain
• What is a key characteristic of secure attachment in terms of intimacy?

  Seeking intimacy without excessive dependence
• What leads to a secure attachment pattern in romantic relationships?

  Positive early relationships
• What level of avoidance is associated with Dismissive-Avoidant attachment?

  High
• What is an internal working model in attachment theory?

  A mental blueprint based on past experiences
• What potential issue can arise from someone being overly dependent in a relationship?

  It can cause stress in the relationship
• What type of support do individuals with secure attachment provide in relationships?

  Consistent support and reassurance
• What does communication skills training aim to enhance?

  Communication clarity
• What do early childhood experiences form that influences romantic relationships?

  Internal working models
• What can insecure attachment patterns lead to in relationships?

  Difficulty with trust and increased conflict
• How does secure attachment from positive early relationships affect adult relationships?

  It promotes stability in adult relationships
• What level of anxiety is associated with Dismissive-Avoidant attachment?

  Low
• What behavior characterizes Dismissive-Avoidant attachment?

  Independent and avoids intimacy
• How do people with secure attachment patterns manage conflicts?

  Calmly and constructively
• How do these interventions help couples?

  • Build stronger relationships
  • Improve communication
  • Address conflict constructively
  • Promote mutual trust
• How do insecure attachment patterns differ from secure attachment?

  Insecure patterns have higher anxiety or avoidance
• What does couples therapy provide for partners?

  A safe space to address conflict
• How does an internal working model influence romantic choices?

  It shapes how we connect with partners
• What are the two main patterns of insecure attachment in romantic relationships?

  • Anxious-Preoccupied
  • Dismissive-Avoidant
• What develops when early relationships are inconsistent or rejecting?

  Insecure attachments
• How can insecure attachment patterns lead to relationship problems?

  • Anxious-Preoccupied: Constant reassurance needed
  • Dismissive-Avoidant: Avoids intimacy
  • Both create conflict and misunderstandings