Yeni evli kadınların benlik ayrımlaşma düzeylerinin, bağlanma stillerinin ve ilişkideki bağlanma davranışlarının romantik ilişki mutluluklarına etkisi

The aim of the present study was to investigate the direct and indirect contributions of differentiation of self, attachment styles, and attachment behaviors, on relationship happiness. The sample consisted of 194 Turkish women. Eligibility criteria included being a woman, being above the age of 25, being married for the first time and for a maximum of 5 years. The participation was online via Qualtrics. The survey set included demographic form, Differentiation of Self Inventory – Revised (DSI-R), Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised (ECRR), Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, Engagement Scale (BARE) and Relationship Happiness Questionnaire (RHQ) (Işık & Bulduk, 2015; Saydam et al., 2020; Sümer, 2006; Tuterel-Kışlak, 2002). Bivariate correlations and path analysis were run to test the hypotheses. The serial mediation model revealed that DoS predicted attachment behaviors through attachment avoidance, and attachment avoidance predicted relationship happiness through attachment behaviors. Overall, the ability to self-regulate and to remain both autonomous and connected in intimate relationships decreased the individual's discomfort with intimacy, and in turn, enabled the person to remain accessible, responsive, and engaged with their partner, which in turn improved their relationship happiness. These findings suggest that the ability to self-regulate is a prerequisite for avoidantly attached individuals to be able to coregulate with their partners, which will in turn enhance their relationship happiness. Findings are discussed in light of the previous literature considering clinical implications, limitations and future directions.