Psychopathology of Couple Relationship: A Moderation Analysis on Love Addiction

Abstract

In recent decades, a new clinical condition has been proposed as a potential psychopathological disorder warranting further investigation. Love addiction (LA) is characterised by an overwhelming investment in romantic relationships, resulting in excessive dependence on the partner, expressed through obsessive behaviours and beliefs. Although current literature suggests that LA may best fit within the behavioural addictions diagnostic cluster, several authors emphasise the relational nature of the disorder. We conducted two moderation analyses to examine associations with LA. In Study 1, we tested the moderation role of attachment (ECR-SF) in the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCI) and LA (assessed by the LAI). In Study 2, we explored the moderating role of dyadic emotion dysregulation (DDY) in the relationship between self-defeating tendencies (SELF-DISS) and LA. Study 1 involved a sample of 720 adults, and Study 2 included 672 adults. A significant and positive interaction was found between anxious attachment and relational obsessive-compulsive disorder (Study 1) as well as between self-defeating and dyadic emotion dysregulation (Study 2) in their associations with Love Addiction. These preliminary findings contribute to the current understanding of Love Addiction, highlighting the significant role of relational dimensions in its development.