Longitudinal Impact of Communication Patterns on Romantic Attachment and Symptoms of Depression

This study investigated how communication patterns, romantic attachment, symptoms of depression, and perceptions of relationship quality are related concurrently and prospectively within monogamous dating relationships. Participants completed two self-report assessments at six-month intervals. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that for males, mutual constructive communication was associated with decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas demand-withdraw communication was associated with increases in attachment avoidance and depressive symptoms from T1 to T2. The same variables were not associated with changes in attachment or depressive symptoms for females. Mixed model ANOVAs revealed insecure attachment, symptoms of depression, and negative perceptions of relationship quality were significantly higher for broken up individuals than for those whose relationships remained intact.