Secure attachment is generally associated with which outcome for CL?

• A. Higher CL
• B. Lower CL
• C. No effect on CL
• D. Inconsistent effect on CL

Answer: (A)

Secure attachment tends to lift the standards people hold for their relationship, which shows up as a higher comparison level (CL) in social-exchange terms. When someone is securely attached, they typically trust their partner, expect reliable support, and view the relationship as stable and valuable. That positive outlook raises what they perceive as the minimum acceptable level of outcomes from the relationship. So, they judge interactions against a higher bar: as long as the relationship meets or exceeds this elevated standard, they feel satisfied and are more likely to invest and stay committed. This is why secure attachment is associated with a higher CL.