A Qualitative Examination of the Relationship Attachment Model (RAM) with Married Individuals

The current study explored the theoretical underpinnings of the Relationship Attachment Model, an alternative model to understanding closeness in relationships, using deductive qualitative analysis (DQA; Gilgun, 2010). Qualitative data from married couples was used to explore whether the five bonding dynamics (i.e. know, trust, rely, commit, and sex), proposed by the RAM, existed in their marital relationships. Additionally, this study examined whether the RAM could explain fluctuations in closeness and distance in the couple’s marriage and how married couples described and talked about love in their relationship. The findings of this research indicated that the five bonding dynamics put forth by the RAM did exist in marital relationships of these couples and that the complicated dynamics that occur in marital relationships could be captured on the RAM. This research supported findings from past research on close relationships and added to the literature by proposing another model to understanding and conceptualizing close relationship dynamics. The findings of this study are discussed in terms of implications for therapists who work with couples and relationship researchers.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counseling Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Akron

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Van Epp , Morgan C.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Quener, John

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Social Research
• Counseling Psychology
• Counseling Education
• attachment
• interpersonal relationships
• marriage
• close relationships
• intimacy
• closeness
• love
• marital relationships
• relationship theory
• attachment theory

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1365099833

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:akron1365099833