Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction Among Gay Men: the Mediating Role of Well-Being

Introduction Gay men form and maintain romantic relationships in the face of stigma and discrimination, negatively impacting their well-being. Early experiences with caregivers likely influence well-being and may later impact the satisfaction felt in the romantic relationships of gay men. Method Following the 2017 legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia, 198 self-identified gay men were surveyed between June and July2019, to examine the role of well-being in the association between attachment style and relationship satisfaction. Results Results revealed securely attached men demonstrated higher levels of well-being and relationship satisfaction. Men with higher levels of anxiety and avoidant attachment had lower well-being and relationship satisfaction. Well-being partially mediated the relationship between attachment style and relationship satisfaction. Conclusions Results highlight the significant contributing role of well-being among gay men in the association between attachment processes and the satisfaction felt in their romantic relationships. Our findings suggest that insecure attachment styles are associated with reduced well-being and may place gay men at risk for poorer relationship outcomes. Policy Implications Our findings support the idea for researchers and clinicians to be mindful of the influence of attachment processes on well-being when working with gay male couples. Ongoing practitioner training should include a focus on these predictors of relationship quality for gay men. As social and public policy continues to move forward, it will be important to monitor how marriage equality evolves and the impact it continues to have on same-sex relationship outcomes.