An Attachment Perspective on the Links between Intimate Relationships, Health, and Well-Being

Intimate relationships are frequently listed among the factors that make life most meaningful, and relationship quality is vital to general health and well-being over time. In this talk, I will discuss my program of research investigating the elements of relationships that are important predictors of health and well-being, focusing specifically on (a) individual differences in attachment and (b) perceptions of partner responsiveness.

I will also present data concerning the psychological mechanisms that underlie the links between relationships and health outcomes. Overall, I argue that enhancing relationship strengths is equally as important as minimizing relationship strains when considering health and well-being, and offer hypotheses regarding the nature of interventions that may be developed to help romantic partners enjoy happier and healthier lives.