WE-NESS IN INDIAN ARRANGED MARRIAGES: ROLE OF ATTACHMENT AND RESPONSIVENESS

Abstract

This cross-sectional study explores the relationship functioning of north-Indian arranged marriages. Although relationship studies have increased in recent decades, two limitations outweigh this growth. First, most studies on relationships have remained focused on the WEIRD (western, educated, industrialized, rich, and developed) samples. Second, most of these studies have assumed the independence of data received from the participants and have ignored the inter-dependence effects that could arise from being in the relationship. The present study attempted to contribute to these limitations and gaps in relationship studies by investigating the predictions of attachment theory and the interpersonal process model of intimacy in a non-WEIRD context. Past studies on Indian arranged marriages suggest that these marriages have similar affectionate bonding as the choice-based marriages of the west. However, the antecedents of relational bonding are less explored in arranged marriages. The study involved 311 participants (community sample, 54.01% women). Translated versions of Experiences in close relationships – revised (ECR-R), Perceived partner responsiveness scale (PPRS), Relational-Interdependent self-construal (RISC), Relationship centrality scale, and Inclusion of others in self scale (IOS) were used to collect data on predictor and outcome variables. A subset of data consisting of 96 dyads (or 192 individuals) was used to explore the actor-partner interdependence mediation effects (APIMeM). An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) was carried out to ensure each questionnaire's internal consistency. The analysis results supported the two-factor model for the ECR-R scale, i.e., avoidant and anxious attachment. The CFA analysis of PPRS supported a unidimensional scale. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested that RISC, Relationship centrality, and IOS shared a common factor—couple identity. The investigative mediational analyses supported the prediction that insecure attachments (avoidant and anxious attachment) and Perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) played an influential role in predicting the couple identity of the individuals. Insecure attachment styles were negatively and significantly correlated with PPR and couple identity. PPR was positively and significantly associated with the couple identity of individuals. Moreover, PPR mediated the relationship between insecure attachment and couple identity. The exploratory analyses using the APIMeM model suggested that the actor effects were statistically significant for both husbands and wives. In other words, the respective PPR x of husbands and wives mediated the relationship between their insecure attachment (both avoidance and anxiety) and couple identity. However, the results for partner effects showed a different pattern. None of the partner effects were statistically significant for wives when avoidance attachment was the predictor. Attachment avoidance of wives did not influence husbands’ couple identity. On the other hand, two of the three partner effects were statistically significant for husbands. Wives’ avoidance attachment indirectly and significantly influenced husbands’ couple identity through husbands’ and wives’ PPR. One partner effect was statistically significant for both husbands and wives when anxious attachment was the predictor. Husbands’ anxious attachment indirectly influenced wives’ couple identity through husbands’ PPR and wives’ anxious attachment indirectly influenced husbands’ couple identity through wives PPR. By investigating the predictions of attachment theory and interpersonal process model of intimacy and exploring APIMeM analyses in Indian arranged marriages, this study contributes to our understanding of relational processes in a non-WEIRD context. The study's findings substantially add to our information about the functioning of north Indian arranged marriages, particularly the role that individual attributes and partners' responsiveness play in developing a sense of we-ness in the relationship. The findings of the study have theoretical, methodological, and practical implications. These findings can be valuable not just for intimate marital bonds but also for other close relationships such as friendships and relationships with colleagues.