Correlates of False Self in Adolescent Romantic Relationships

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the association between interpersonal competencies in the peer domain and feelings of false self in romantic relationships. Participants included 238 White, middle-class boys and girls (Grades 10 and 11). Students completed self report measures of false self in romantic relationships and interpersonal competency in same-sex and other-sex peer relationships. Results indicate that boys experience higher levels of false self in romantic relationships when compared to girls. Conflict management in the context of other-sex peer relationships was negatively associated with feelings of false self in romantic relationships for both boys and girls. For girls, competency in the domain of emotional support in same-sex peer relationships was associated with lower levels of false self in romantic relationships. For boys, competency in the domains of self-disclosure and asserting influence with same-sex peers was associated with lower levels of false self in romantic relationships.