The type of attachment acquired during childhood and adolescence influences interpersonal relationships in adulthood. The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the relationship between attachment style and family satisfaction and family stress in adult women; and (2) to explore, in a non-causal and descriptive manner, the associations between adult attachment dimensions, family functioning, and the presence of a stable partner.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 233 women aged 25 years or older (M = 34.21, SD = 7.72). Participants were recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling via social networks. Family satisfaction was assessed with the Family Satisfaction Scale, family stress with the Family Stress Scale, and adult attachment with the Adult Attachment Questionnaire, which evaluates low self-esteem, hostile conflict resolution, expression of feelings, and emotional self-sufficiency. The presence of a stable partner (≥ 6 months) was included as a dichotomous covariate. Descriptive statistics, k-means cluster analysis to classify secure versus insecure attachment, logistic regression, ANOVAs, and stepwise multiple linear regressions were performed.

Securely attached women reported significantly higher family satisfaction and lower family stress than those with insecure attachment. Low self-esteem and emotional self-sufficiency were positively associated with family stress and negatively associated with family satisfaction. In addition, women with a stable partner showed lower levels of low self-esteem and emotional self-sufficiency. Regression models indicated that family stress, family satisfaction, and partnership status accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in attachment dimensions.

These findings provide novel evidence on the links between adult attachment and family well-being in women, contributing to a better understanding of relational dynamics and informing potential psychological interventions to improve family and couple functioning.