Preferred Strategies for Female and Male Initiators İn Romantic Relationship Initiation: The Role of Stereotypes Related to Romantic Relationships, Rejection Sensitivity and Relationship Anxiety

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between preferences about which strategy (e.g. direct, indirect or pasive strategies) should be used by women and men in order to initiate relationship, attitudes toward stereotypes related to romantic relationships, rejection sensitivity and relationship anxiety. It is also aimed to evaluate to what extent rejection sensitivity and relationship anxiety determine the stereotypical attitudes concerning men’s initiation in relationships. The sample of the study included 373 participants (228 women - 145 men) between the ages of 18 - 37 (X = 22.08, SD = 2.18). The questionaire that consisted of demografic information form, Relationship Fear/Anxiety Subscale of Multidimensional Relationship Scale, Attitudes Toward Stereotypes Related to Romantic Relationships Scale and Rejection Sensitivity Scale were administered to the participants in person as printed forms or by internet as online forms. Findings showed that both female and male participants mostly supported indirect strategy for female initiators, and direct strategy for male ones. Female participants’ support for direct strategy was found to be greater than male participants’ support for direct strategy where the initiator was male (p DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n1s1p195