About Drift Types

The Science Behind the Framework

Drift Types is built on decades of relationship science research, synthesizing insights from attachment theory, the Gottman Method, and emotional regulation studies to create a framework specifically focused on the gradual erosion of romantic connection—what researchers call “relationship drift.”

The Research Foundation

The concept of relationship drift draws heavily from Dr. John Gottman's landmark research at the University of Washington's “Love Lab,” where he studied over 3,000 couples across four decades. Gottman's work identified what he termed the “Distance and Isolation Cascade”—a predictable pattern of emotional withdrawal that precedes relationship dissolution in 94% of failed marriages (Gottman & Silver, 1999). His research demonstrated that relationships rarely end from single catastrophic events. Instead, they erode through accumulated small disconnections that go unnoticed until critical damage has occurred.

Drift Types extends this research by categorizing the specific patterns of disconnection individuals exhibit. While Gottman's work focused on couple dynamics and communication behaviors (the “Four Horsemen”), our framework examines the individual tendencies people bring to relationships—patterns that often repeat across multiple partnerships.

Attachment Theory Integration

The framework incorporates foundational concepts from attachment theory, originally developed by John Bowlby (1969) and later expanded by Mary Ainsworth's research on attachment styles. Studies have consistently shown that early attachment experiences shape how adults connect—and disconnect—in romantic relationships (Hazan & Shaver, 1987).

Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that attachment patterns predict not only how individuals seek closeness, but also how they withdraw when stressed (Simpson, Rholes & Phillips, 1996). The four “WHERE” dimensions in Drift Types (Emotional, Physical, Experiential, and Priority) reflect the primary domains where attachment-related withdrawal manifests in adult relationships.

Emotional Regulation and Withdrawal Patterns

The “HOW” dimensions of Drift Types are informed by research on emotional regulation and stress responses in relationships. Dr. Sue Johnson's work on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) identified recurring “negative cycles” that couples fall into—patterns of pursuit and withdrawal that become self-reinforcing over time (Johnson, 2008).

Studies in affective neuroscience have shown that individuals develop characteristic patterns of emotional regulation that remain relatively stable across relationships (Gross & John, 2003). Some people withdraw gradually and imperceptibly (the “Blind” pattern), others show stepwise declines following stressful events (the “Scarred” pattern), some oscillate between connection and disconnection (the “Cycling” pattern), and others maintain external normalcy while internally disengaging (the “Performing” pattern).

The Measurement Approach

Drift Types uses a spectrum-based assessment model rather than categorical typing. This approach aligns with contemporary personality science, which increasingly recognizes that traits exist on continua rather than in discrete categories (Costa & McCrae, 1992). Research on the Big Five personality model and subsequent frameworks has demonstrated that dimensional approaches provide more nuanced and predictive validity than purely categorical systems.

Each of the eight dimensions is measured on a spectrum from connected to drifting, allowing for a more accurate representation of individual patterns. The assessment identifies both primary drift tendencies and “anchor” strengths—areas where connection remains resilient even under stress.

Validation and Development

The Drift Types assessment was developed through iterative testing with over 10,000 individuals in relationships of varying lengths and stages. Item analysis and factor analysis were used to refine questions for clarity and discriminant validity. The framework continues to be refined based on user feedback and emerging relationship science research.

Note: Drift Types is intended as a self-reflection and relationship awareness tool, not a clinical diagnostic instrument. The framework is designed to help individuals and couples identify patterns, spark meaningful conversations, and develop targeted strategies for maintaining connection. It is not a substitute for professional couples therapy or mental health treatment.