Regulation of communal norms corresponding to partner responsiveness: The moderating effect of attachment anxiety

Abstract

Previous studies indicate that communal norms are ideal for close relationships. The present study investigated whether we flexibly regulate communal norms corresponding to our partner's responsiveness, rather than adhering to them as an expectation of any close relationship. This study also investigated whether attachment anxiety moderates the regulation of communal norms. The results of two surveys (150 participants in Survey 1; 188 participants in Survey 2) revealed that those who recollected their partner's (romantic, or close friend's) past unresponsive behavior, compared to those who did not, showed weaker adherence to communal norms. Such recollections, however, led those with high attachment anxiety to stronger adherence to communal norms, especially in romantic relationships. These results were discussed from the perspective of risk regulation in close relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)