Scientists have identified a trait that causes couples to argue and break up more often

People with insecure attachment styles are less likely to compromise during arguments with their partner, more likely to show aggression, and more often consider breaking up. This conclusion was reached by American psychologists. The work was published in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy (SRT).

Conflicts are a natural part of romantic relationships, arising from differences in needs, values, and expectations. The strength and duration of the relationship largely depends on how partners handle disagreements: constructive disputes strengthen trust, while destructive ones undermine it.

Researchers from Northwestern University in the USA surveyed 365 students who had been in relationships for at least six months. Participants completed questionnaires about experienced traumas, attachment style, and behavioral strategies during conflicts.

It was found that 85% of students had experienced interpersonal trauma at least once - ranging from emotional to physical and sexual abuse. However, attachment characteristics, rather than the number of traumatic events, proved to be the decisive factor in how people behave during arguments.

Those who had an insecure attachment style (avoidant or anxious) were significantly less likely to compromise. Instead, they more often responded aggressively, tried to dominate or, conversely, submitted to their partner to avoid conflict, or considered the option of ending the relationship.

"Our data shows that experienced traumas are associated with the formation of insecure attachment, which in turn reduces willingness to compromise and intensifies conflict reactions," the authors of the study noted.