The role of Gender differences and length of marriage in Attachment Styles, Marital Satisfaction, and Emotion Regulation

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the role of gender and length of marriage in different attachment styles and types of emotional regulation used by the individuals. The sample included married (n=385) males and females residing in Peshawar, Pakistan. Three self-report scales, namely, Experiences in Close-Relationships – Revised Questionnaire (Fraley et al., 2000), ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (Fowers & Olson, 1993) and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Gross et al., 2003) were applied on the sample. The results revealed that anxious and avoidant attachment style being more prevalent in females, as well as females scored significantly lower on marital satisfaction scale. Length of marriage was significantly positively correlated with cognitive reappraisal strategy whereas significantly negatively correlated with expressive suppression strategy. To better understand the complex nature of marital dynamics, it is crucial to gain insight into the underlying demographics like gender differences and length of marriage that could be useful in treatment implemented for specific culture, harboring different values and traditions.