Examining the Mediating Role of Attachment Styles Between Perceived Partner Responsiveness and Marital Satisfaction: Evidence from Sikkimese Couples

The dyadic study investigated how attachment (avoidance and anxious styles) mediates the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and marital satisfaction with a sample of 152 couples from Northeast India. Data were collected through door-to-door surveys, and analysis was conducted using the Actor and Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM). Results indicate that husbands' avoidance attachment played a mediating role between the couples' perceived partner responsiveness and husbands' marital satisfaction, while anxious attachment showed no mediating relationship. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing avoidant attachment behaviors could enhance marital satisfaction, particularly in cultural contexts similar to Northeast India. These insights, discussed within the framework of the Attachment Security Enhancement Model (ASEM), highlight the importance of understanding cultural nuances in relationship dynamics. The study emphasizes the importance of considering diverse perspectives beyond traditional West vs East frameworks when examining relationship dynamics.