ATTACHMENT STYLES, SOCIAL MEDIA COMPARISON, AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DATING RELATIONSHIP

Abstract

Young adults’ romantic relationships are increasingly influenced by digital interactions, yet limited research has examined how attachment styles and social media comparison affect relationship satisfaction. The main objective of the present study investigated the relationship between attachment styles, social media comparison, and couple satisfaction among young adults in dating relationships. A purposive sample of 255 participants (144 males, 111 females) aged 18–27 years was taken using scales; Adult Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ), Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) and Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI).. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression were employed to analyze the data. Results revealed that avoidant and anxious attachment styles were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, while higher engagement in ability-based and opinion-based social media comparison also predicted lower satisfaction. Regression findings highlighted avoidant attachment and ability-based comparisons as significant negative predictors of couple satisfaction. Gender differences indicated that males reported higher couple satisfaction compared to females, while relationship duration was found to significantly influence satisfaction levels. These findings underscore the psychological and relational risks posed by insecure attachment and excessive social comparison in the digital era, offering insights for future research and potential intervention development.