Exploring gender difference in attachment styles among married couples

Abstract

The present study focuses on the gender differences in attachment styles among  married couples in Oman. It aimed to examine the prevailing attachment style among couples in Oman and examine the relationship between different attachment style (Secure, Anxious-preoccupied, Avoidant-dismissive, Fearful Avoidant).The researchers in this study  used a descriptive and quantitative research design. The sample consisted of 50 husbands and 50 wives, which was collected through non-probability sample design. Results were analyzed using different statistical techniques using  both descriptive and inferential type done by PSPP. The results indicated that the Dismissive-Ambivalent attachment is the highest in terms of Mean among male and female, which is equal to (M=10.26), (SD =3.42) for female and (M=9.88), (SD =3.71) for male. The findings also indicated a significant difference in the Anxious-Preoccupied attachment style between genders, with males showing higher levels of this attachment style than females (p = .044), below the conventional threshold of .05).  Through the understanding of attachment styles, it will help the couples  to identify effective communication strategies and methods for resolving conflicts and problems that they face, which will contribute to the well-being of the family and thus society in general.

Key words: Attachment - Attachment styles- Gender-Male& Female, Married couples.