Question

In a study of relationship satisfaction and stability over a 3-year period, which of the following types of partnerships was most vulnerable to break up?

a. Anxious man with secure woman
b. Avoidant man with secure woman
c. Anxious man with avoidant woman
d. Avoidant man with anxious woman

Answer 1

An anxious man with an avoidant woman is the most vulnerable partnership to break up due to the conflicting nature of their attachment styles, where one desires closeness and the other seeks distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The partnership most vulnerable to break up is likely the one where there is an anxious man with an avoidant woman. Attachment theory suggests that individuals with an anxious attachment style are often preoccupied with their relationships and may be overly needy or require constant reassurance, while avoidant individuals are likely to distance themselves emotionally from partners and dismiss the importance of close relationships. This dynamic can create a vicious cycle where the anxious partner's need for closeness triggers the avoidant partner's need for distance, leading to instability in the relationship and a higher likelihood of breakup.