Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation model of relationship satisfaction: the role of attachment, social support and stressors during confinement / Modelo de Vulnerabilidad-Estrés-Adaptación de la satisfacción en la relación: el papel del apego, el apoyo social y los estresores durante el confinamiento

This study tested the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation (VSA) model of change in relationship satisfaction in a highly stressful context (i.e., the pandemic lockdown). We examined whether conflict resolution strategies (i.e., own situational withdrawal, perceived partner demands and perceived partner use of positive problem-solving strategies), confinement-specific variables (i.e., space for oneself, changes in sleep, social life routines and sport habits) and partner’s perceived support may act as adaptive processes through which avoidance attachment influences relationship satisfaction. Data were collected via an online survey from 236 individuals confined at home with their partners in Spain during April 2020. Structural equation modelling was employed. Avoidant attachment orientation along with own withdrawal was negatively linked with relationship satisfaction. Stressors during confinement, own withdrawal, perceived partner’s use of positive problem-solving strategy and perceived partner support mediated the link between avoidant attachment orientation and relationship satisfaction. These results underscore the importance of adaptive processes in mitigating the negative effects of avoidant attachment orientation and stressors, offering valuable insights into relationship dynamics under stress as well as expanding the applicability of the VSA model to extreme and contextualized stress environments.