Abstract
Relationship beliefs are individual’s cognitive representations of interpersonal relationships found to contribute to the functioning, development and resolution of close relationships. The present study extends Rogge and Bradbury’s (2002) multidimensional approach to the understanding of relationship change by exploring the construct of change that involves both intentional interventions and naturally occurring changes. We conducted two studies on Singaporean Chinese adults, aged 18 to 29 years old. Study 1 explored the laypeople’s construct of relationship change through qualitative interviews. The responses were utilized to develop the Relationship Beliefs about Change (RBC) scale. Study 2 aimed to validate the RBC scale and found three dimensions: Agent of Change (AGC), Inevitable Change (IC), and Managing Change (MC). The RBC demonstrated adequate psychometric properties as an assessment of change beliefs in relationship. The scale revealed a multifaceted system of beliefs consisting of the constantly changing nature of relationship: AGC—who or what changes; IC—the belief system about change, and MC—the need for intervention to curb changes in relationships.
Highlights
IntroductionThe Construct of Change in Close Relationships
The qualitative study aimed to identify the relational beliefs in close relationships, the nature and causes for changes in these relationships
A third theme emerged suggesting that change in relationships is required as a form of maintenance to tackle the inevitable change or sometimes downturn in relationships
Summary
The Construct of Change in Close Relationships. It is essential for people to hold theories and beliefs about themselves and others to regulate their social interactions (Fletcher, et al, 2006). Recent studies in intimate relationships have explored the change-related beliefs people bring to their relationships. Discussions regarding “change” in human attributes and relationships are mainly concerned with malleability, the potential to change or mold. Rogge and Bradbury (2002) proposed a multidimensional ap-. Chang proach towards the understanding of change in intimate relationships to include both induced change (i.e., managed change) and natural change (i.e., spontaneous or naturally occurring changes overtime)
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