The interplay between adult attachment and perceived relationship value in close and long distance relationships: The functions of autobiographic memory

The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the mediator roles of autobiographical memory characteristics and functions in the relationship between adult attachment orientations and perceived relationship value in the context of distance between couples for long distance relationship and geographically close relationship groups. For this purpose, 212 participants, 128 women and 84 men, who is currently in a romantic relationship in a form of long distance relationship (N=87) or geographically close relationship (N=125) were sampled. For collection of the data, the participants filled Personal Information Form, Autobiographical Memory Emotional Recall Paradigm, Autobiographical Memory Functions Scale, Autobiographical Memory Characteristics Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory and Long-Distance Relationship Index in order. As a result of the analyzes, it was seen that perceived relationship value decreased when attachment avoidance and anxiety increased for all groups. It was found that perceived relationship value decreased when attachment avoidance increased in long and close distance groups and the effect of proximity function of autobiographical memory played a mediating role in this relationship. This research examines the relationship between distance difference in between partners and the perceived relationship value within the frameworkvii of attachment theory. This research is expected to present a new point of view about this relationship by entegrating autobiographical memory characteristics and functions to the model. Keywords: Adult Attachment, Long Distance Relationships, Autobiographic Memory Characteristics, Autobiographic Memory Functions, Perceived Relationship Value