Counting down the weeks: Attachment, Savouring, Relationship Satisfaction and Subjective Wellbeing for members of Fly-in Fly-out Relationships

Abstract

Research into mental health and wellbeing in the Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) sector has predominantly focused on demographic and work-related factors, but there is little empirical evidence on individual difference or underlying psychological factors. Furthermore, while the benefits of close relationships to foster psychological and physical wellbeing are well documented, there are few quantitative studies of FIFO relationships. Savouring, the ability to upregulate positive emotions, has been linked to promoting positive affect, relationship quality and buffering negative effects of stress. The aim of this study is to take a preliminary look at some of the key psychological factors that have been applied in the broader area of long-distance relationship research, to investigate their relevance to FIFO relationships. This study examines six, relational and subjective wellbeing variables, within the guiding theoretical framework of attachment. Furthermore, the study investigates the relationship of savouring to these outcomes, both independently and in relation to attachment-related anxiety and avoidant attachment. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that attachment-anxiety is strongly associated with all relational and subjective wellbeing outcomes, while avoidant attachment, once attachment-anxiety was accounted for, was only associated with relationship satisfaction and satisfaction with life. Results showed savouring was not associated with relationship satisfaction, after attachment variables were accounted for, but was found to have a significant relationship with loneliness and subjective wellbeing outcomes.