ATTITUDE ALIGNMENT AMONG COUPLES IN THE FACE OF BELONGING THREAT

Abstract

ATTITUDE ALIGNMENT AMONG COUPLES IN THE FACE OF BELONGING THREAT By: Chelsea A. Reid, B. A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Co-Director: Dr. Jeffrey D. Green, Associate Professor of Psychology Co-Director: Dr. Jody L. Davis, Assistant Professor of Psychology The present research sought to expand upon previous research demonstrating that individuals shift their attitudes to match the attitudes of their romantic partner. This research examined whether attitude alignment is influenced, in part, by belonging threats. Participants reported their attitudes about social issues and were randomly assigned to receive a belonging threat (or acceptance) in the form of feedback about their future relationships prior to discussing issues about which they disagreed with their partner. Partners discussed issues that were central to self peripheral to partner and peripheral to self central to partner. Attitude alignment was measured following discussion and at a one-week follow-up. Attitude alignment was expected to vary as a function of belonging threat, centrality of issue, and strength of unit relationship. Results did not support hypotheses, but did reveal noteworthy points to be considered for future work in this area.