Attachment, disability, and romantic relationships

This study examined the relationship between physical disability, attachment in intimate relationships, and psychological adjustment. Fifty individuals with adult onset spinal cord injuries (SCI) were compared to 50 individuals with congenital disabilities (CON) on such outcomes as attachment style, dyadic adjustment, self esteem, and life satisfaction. Results indicate that the two groups differed slightly on attachment style ratings. Attachment style was not a moderating variable between disability variables and all outcome measures; however, the association between physical independence and life satisfaction was revealed to be much more complex when subjects were divided up according to subject group and attachment style. Clinical implications are discussed.