Attachment and emotion regulation in romantic relationships

This PhD project aims to investigate the mechanisms through which attachment orientations are associated with emotion regulation in romantic relationships. We will particularly investigate if higher attachment insecurity is associated with lower regulatory flexibility and thus worse emotion regulation outcome. Additionally, we will develop a new dynamic dyadic attachment-based model of emotion regulation. We will use multiple methodologies including systematic literature review, experience sampling methodology, and behavioral observation of romantic couples. The results will provide insights on development of tailored support for adults with attachment insecurity to improve their emotion regulation and quality of their romantic relationships.