The Impact of Psychosocial Development and Attachment Styles on Subsequent Partner Selection and Marital Satisfaction in South Korea

Abstract

This study explores the impact of the psychosocial development and attachment styles of individuals on subsequent partner selection and marital satisfaction among Korean couples. A sample of 100 co-habiting Korean married couples (N=200) and 100 couples planning to marry (N=200) were collected via convenience sampling, and this research focuses on heterosexual couples. Data were assessed using four psychological measures consisting of 162 questions, which solicited socio-demographic data, the degree of unfulfilled psychosocial tasks and psychosocial resources, the attachment styles and the quality of the couple's relationship. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics: Chi-square, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA, and a Tukey post hoc analysis. The findings indicate that similarities exist between partners in partner selection in both married and planning to marry couples in their psychosocial development and attachment styles.