The purpose of this chapter is to explore potential contributions of lifespan attachment research to an understanding of relationship satisfaction. The chapter begins with a discussion of the concepts of 'attachment' and 'satisfaction,' including a brief summary of the key elements of J. Bowlby and M. D. S. Ainsworth's attachment theory (1991). This is followed by a review of discoveries concerning parent-infant attachment relationships, with an emphasis on discoveries related to the processes underlying 'satisfaction.' The next 3 sections review studies of attachment and relationship quality in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, and old age. The chapter ends with implications for enhancing satisfaction in close relationships across the lifespan.

This summary was copied (with permission) from the following website:
Adult Attachment Lab, University of California at Davis