Spouses' attachment orientations shape physiological responses to relational stress over time

This research examined how the interplay between spouses' attachment orientations contributes to physiological responses to relational stress. Mixed-gender newlyweds (N- Wave 1 = 218 couples; N- Wave 2 = 184 couples; N- Wave 3 = 164 couples) discussed relationship conflicts during three laboratory sessions over the first 3-4 years of marriage. Individuals provided saliva samples to assess their cortisol levels before, during, and after each conflict, which reflected physiological responses to stress. Across all three waves, anxiously-attached individuals showed greater cortisol reactivity (via faster rates of cortisol change and/or more exaggerated changes in cortisol slope) in anticipation of conflicts, especially when they had an avoidantly-attached partner. Findings highlight the dyadic nature of spouses' responses to relational stress.