The conflict resolution tactics in various attachment styles of couples

Although conflict is a universal phenomenon, yet the ways in which couples can manage their conflicts is largely different. One of paradigm that has been used to explain conflict and domestic violence is the attachment theory. This study aimed to examine individual’s differences with various attachment styles on conflict resolution tactics. So, during a cross-sectional study of couples in Tehran, 265 patients (140 females and 125 males) were selected from available samples. They were tested in terms of conflict resolution, attachment styles and related experiences of close relationships. Results indicated the differences in the individuals with secure attachment and insecure attachment style were in the techniques of resolving conflicts and the differences of individuals with avoidant attachment and anxious style was at the subscale of mental-cognition violence. Also, it turned out that individuals with a secure attachment style compared to those with insecure attachment styles and avoidant individuals, compared to the anxiety types, have inappropriate functioning in conflict resolution. These results, approves the relation of avoidance and anxiety dimensions with conflict resolution tactics. Thus, according to the findings of this study it can be said that the quality of attachment relationships can determine the pattern of marital conflict behaviors.