Theoretical perspectives of the attachment system emphasize the situation-contingent nature of its operations. The present investigation sought to model these dynamic components through the use of ...situational descriptions of relationship-related events and challenges. After several stages of scenario development, participants in Study 1 (n = 148) were asked how they would respond to a series of situations and the relevant responses were then matched to a prototype of the securely attached relationship partner, resulting in implicit security index (ISI) scores. Participants who obtained higher scores were more satisfied with their relationships and reported lesser disagreement with their partners. Such findings were bolstered by Study 2, which showed that participants (n = 174) with higher ISI scores had romantic partners (n = 174) who were more satisfied and involved with them. Altogether, the findings provide support for a novel way of thinking about, and assessing, individual differences in attachment security.
•Investigated romantic competence (RC) in established relationships.•High RC participants viewed relationships and their partners more favorably.•Partners characterized high RC participants as more ...supportive.•The RC levels of participants and partners were systematically correlated.•Results highlight multiple mechanisms linking RC to relationship functioning.
Romantic competence (RC) may benefit relationships, but the mechanisms responsible for such links have yet to receive sufficient attention. The present investigation assessed RC levels among participants and their romantic partners (171 couples) using a recently-developed situational judgment test and the design of the study permitted the examination of multiple pathways through which RC could benefit relationships. High RC participants generally viewed relationships in more positive terms and they were also more satisfied with their current relationships. They contributed to the relationship satisfaction of their partners through behavioral pathways and the RC levels of participants and partners were systematically correlated. Altogether, the research highlights multiple mechanisms that link romantic competence to relationship functioning.
