Communication patterns in intimate relationships: An attachment perspective

Communication is an important issue for couples, as well as a priority topic for marital therapy research. Attachment styles have also been shown to have an impact on communication in couples. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of communication patterns and attachment/intimacy of partners in distressed intimate relationships. As well, the experience of couples counselling for these partners was explored to determine what aspects of therapy were perceived as helpful in improving their communication and strengthening their attachment bonds to one another. A basic interpretive qualitative inquiry method was used and data analysis was guided by suggestions regarding qualitative research by Merriam (2002), Lanigan (1992), and Patton (2002). Participants included the partners of five couples in distressed intimate relationships who have previously participated in marital therapy. Each partner was interviewed separately so as to feel open in discussing his or her own experience of the intimate relationship and couples counselling.;Themes identified those aspects of communication that the partners of the couples described as creating barriers to communication, as well as what contributed to more effective communication. Those behaviours that created barriers to the couple's attachment bond and those behaviours that created closeness and connection were also identified by the participants. As well, themes arose regarding those aspects of marital therapy that the partners perceived as being helpful or not helpful in improving their communication or attachment bonds to one another. The findings were then placed in context of the existing literature in these topic areas. Lastly, implications for counselling couples dealing with communication issues, considerations of the study, and suggestions for future research were discussed.