Need Satisfaction, Partner Attachment, and Romantic Relationship Quality: A Multiple Mediation Model

Abstract

Research findings underscore the importance of need satisfaction on romantic relationship quality. However, there is a need for research to explore the mechanism that account for the relationship between need satisfaction and relationship quality. The present study examines direct and indirect effects of need satisfaction on romantic relationship quality through partner attachment avoidance and anxiety. Data were collected from 309 emerging adults (Mage = 20.91 years, SD = 1.96; 81.6% female) currently being in a romantic relationship. Participants completed a battery of measures assessing need satisfaction, partner attachment, and relationship quality. After removing missing values and outliers, a total of 290 cases were retained for the analyses. Consistent with self-determination theory, results indicated that need satisfaction was associated with relationship quality and that this association was partially mediated through partner attachment avoidance. Counter to expectations, partner attachment anxiety did not mediate the relationship between need satisfaction and relationship quality. Findings highlight the role of need satisfaction and partner attachment avoidance in contributing to emerging adults’ relationship quality. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.