Attachment Style and Dissolution of Romantic Relationships: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, Or Is It?

This study investigated the correlation between attachment and dissolution of romantic relationships in college students. More secure attachment was associated with less apprehension about seeing the ex-partner again, less blame assigned to the partner for breaking up, less likely to get back into the relationship, and readiness to start dating again. Secure attachment was associated to a modest degree with a more amicable breakup. An amicable breakup also correlated with less apprehension, greater willingness to get back together again, less blaming the ex-partner, greater willingness to remain friends, and readiness to start dating again. The implications of secure attachment for the successful dissolution of relationships and the importance of investigating attachment and relationship dissolution in a college population were discussed.