Behavior In Romantic Relationships Research Articles

Insecure attachment and support-seeking during COVID-19: a sequential mixed methods investigation

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic led many couples to stay at home together with minimal contact with others. As social distancing measures reduced contact with outside households, many partners could seek support only from one another. In two studies using a sequential mixed methods design, we investigated support-seeking behaviors in romantic relationships during COVID-19. In the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews (n = 48) showed differences in how and why partners seek support with an initial consideration of the role of attachment. We identified the following themes: direct support-seeking, indirect support-seeking, (in)dependence, and gender dynamics. In the quantitative study (n = 588), high COVID-19 worry, high attachment anxiety, and low attachment avoidance were associated with more support-seeking. Interestingly, we also found that when COVID-19 worry was high, individuals high in attachment avoidance were more likely to report seeking support. The paper provides a unique insight into the impact of COVID-19 on support-seeking behaviors in romantic relationships.

Online and offline dating violence: same same, but different?

BackgroundViolent behaviors in romantic relationships among adolescents and young people are pressing social matter as they have an effect on both victims and aggressors. Moreover, in the last decades, new forms of harassment, control, and abuse through social networks and mobile phones have arisen. Therefore, now forms of online and offline dating violence coexist.ObjectivesThe aim was to analyze the prevalence rates by sex and age and the co-occurrence of online and offline dating violence. Moreover, the roles of online and offline dating violence aggressors and victims for their self-esteem, hostility, general psychological state, and emotional intelligence were investigated.MethodThree hundred forty-one university students from the Basque Country, Spain, participated in the study. They completed six validated instruments related to the mentioned variables.ResultsResults highlight the high prevalence of online and offline dating violence in the sample and the co-occurrence of both types. No gender nor sex differences were found for online and offline dating violence perpetration and victimization. The correlation between online and offline dating violence was confirmed, and the reciprocity of violence is greater for offline violence. In relation to the role, both types of victims (online and offline) showed higher levels of hostility and psychological symptomatology than non-victims, but differences in self-esteem and emotional regulation were found in these modalities. Online and offline perpetrators shared hostility and some psychological symptoms as characteristics compared to non-victims, but differed in other symptoms and emotional intelligence.ConclusionThere is a continuum between offline and online victimization perpetration albeit differences in the characteristics such as self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and general functioning exist.

When Modes Collide: A Daily Diary Study of Mixed-Media Use and Conflict Behavior in Romantic Relationships

ABSTRACT A 5-day diary study examined if and how conflict behavior moderates the association between mode integration and relational and conflict outcomes among individuals in romantic relationships. Participants recorded daily conflict, conflict behavior, mode integration, relational satisfaction, and conflict resolution. In line with the communication interdependence perspective, the more mode integration individuals reported in constructive conflict, the more relational satisfaction they experienced. The data also revealed that the less mode integration individuals reported in low destructive conflict, the more conflict resolution they experienced. The results highlight the importance of examining conflict behavior and media use in tandem when studying romantic conflict.

Social anhedonia, communication, and marital satisfaction in newlywed couples.

Social anhedonia is associated with disinterest in social interactions and poor relationship functioning, yet little is known about the specific mechanisms underlying associations between social anhedonia and romantic relationship behaviors and satisfaction. We examined the links between social anhedonia, perceptions of conflict communication patterns, and marital satisfaction. The current research examined the role of social anhedonia on marital quality and functioning longitudinally across a year in a sample of 100 newlywed couples using an actor-partner interdependence framework. Social anhedonia was negatively associated with own and partner's marital satisfaction. It was also negatively associated with constructive communication and positively associated with destructive communication. Furthermore, cross-sectional mediation analyses showed that communication patterns mediated the social anhedonia-satisfaction link. Taken together, these findings suggest that social anhedonia is likely to lead to lower marital satisfaction, partly through its effect on communication between partners.

MEDIA SOSIAL: PERILAKU SOSIAL ASMARA DALAM PERUBAHAN SOSIAL REMAJA

Teenagers are users who use social media as a forum for communication, seeking information, and being hyperactive in publishing daily life with a better lifestyle, even though it is completely untrustworthy or even used as a reference in socializing. Knowing the phenomenon of publication of social behavior in romantic relationships and very close relationships with each other, knowing as seen in the Citayam Teen phenomenon in romantic relationship behavior which is known to be viral on social media can affect teenagers social change, as the purpose of this study. This study uses qualitative research methods with the aim of looking at existing phenomena and then uses a descriptive approach to describe the impact of adolescent social behavior in social media that will affect social change for their adolescent peers. Based on the results of the study, the influence given can be in the form of positive and negative influences. Positive influence, can give youth space to innovate, be creative, and play a global role and get emotional support from others, as well as provide income. Meanwhile, by going viral on social media, the social behavior they display can have a negative effect, by expecting justification, and acknowledgment of the behavior of romantic relationships and friendships shown on social media without understanding that it has violated cultural norms by adopting people's cultures. outsiders who are considered to follow the development of modern times, then allow their peers and peers to make it as something that can be imitated by expecting popularity even though it has violated cultural norms. Likewise, these actions can also have a negative impact through negative comments on social media regarding their social behavior that is not in accordance with the surrounding norms and culture.

Effects of Social Control on Eating and Relational Behaviors in Romantic Relationships.

Prior research has shown that social control strategies can have either positive or negative effects on individuals' health behaviors. However, no research has examined the degree to which social control attempts enacted by romantic partners are associated with individuals' relational behaviors or whether perceptions of a partner's motivation to engage in social control moderate links between the use of social control and either health or relational behaviors. This study investigated (a) the degree to which two classes of social control strategies that romantic partners can use to improve their partners' eating behavior (autonomy-supportive and autonomy-limiting strategies) are associated with eating and relational behaviors, and (b) whether perceptions of the partner's motivation for using social control moderate associations between its use and an individual's eating and relational behavior. This study had a daily diary design. One hundred and forty-seven individuals in romantic relationships completed surveys for 14 consecutive days. On days when individuals reported that their partner used autonomy-supportive social control strategies, individuals reported healthier eating and more constructive relational behaviors. There were no effects of autonomy-limiting strategies on eating or relational behavior. Perceptions of a partner's motives did not moderate associations between reported social control and any behavioral outcomes. Moreover, there were no effects of either reported social control strategies or partner motive perceptions across time. Romantic partners' perceived use of autonomy-supportive-but not autonomy-limiting-social control has benefits for individuals' health behaviors without incurring notable costs to their romantic relationship.

Underlying Familial Factors for Aggressive Behavior in Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review.

Aggressive behavior in romantic relationship has serious effects, including both intra- and inter-personal issues. Aggressive behaviors in romantic relationships have been linked to underlying familial problems. While there have been previous reviews that studied on many interpersonal and dyadic implications of aggressive behavior in romantic relationships, there is nonetheless a lack of studies on the various components of familial factors for aggressive behavior in romantic relationships. The databases Scopus, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and SAGE Journals were used to search for terms that are related to familial factors (family factor, family support, family relationship) as well as terms related to aggressive behavior in romantic relationships (aggression in romantic relationship, violence in intimate relationship). The articles considered for this review were original studies, samples, or subsamples of males or females who reported any underlying familial factors in childhood or adulthood that contributed to aggressive behavior in romantic relationship, and the studies must be written in English. This review has 27 papers that met the inclusion criteria. The findings from this review revealed the presence of inconsistent conclusions between familial factors and aggressive behavior in romantic relationships, with some studies failing to establish such links. These findings are reviewed with regards to the existing gaps in the literature as well as potential research options.

Sexual and Affectionate Behaviors in Asexual and Allosexual Adults

ABSTRACT Prior experience with physical behaviors – both sexual and affectionate – is common among adults in romantic relationships. However, less is known about differences in physical behaviors for asexual and allosexual adults, and these differences may explain how asexual adults navigate sexuality in romantic relationships. In this study we used sexual script theory to examine asexual (n = 109; 59% women; Mage = 27.7) and allosexual adults’ (n = 403; 58% women; Mage = 29.0) prior experiences with and future likelihood to engage in sexual and affectionate behaviors in romantic relationships, and how these differences vary by gender. Asexual adults had less prior experience with and were less likely to intend to engage in future physical behaviors than allosexual adults. There were some gender differences in past experience and future likelihood. Prior experience with physical behaviors was associated with expected likelihood to engage in these behaviors for allosexual and asexual adults, although the association was stronger for asexual adults. These results have implications for how asexual adults engage in physical behaviors, and how differing interest in physical behaviors may cause conflict within asexual-allosexual couples.

The Implementation of Mental Contrasting in Romantic Relationship: A Review

Mental contrast is one of the self-regulation strategies. The contrast between the imagination of the desired goal and the reality of the obstacles motivates the individual to take effective action in the present to help achieve the goal. Mental contrast has been found to be effective in achieving goals in many aspects of life. This paper reviews the effectiveness of mental contrast in romantic relationship maintenance and conflict resolution. It addresses insecurity and reconciliation behaviors in romantic relationships and provides directions for future research.

Emotional approach coping and daily support behavior in romantic relationships

People differ in the degree to which they seek emotional support from romantic partners during times of stress. Moreover, receiving emotional support from partners is not always beneficial. Emotional approach coping (EAC)—the tendency to cope with stress by processing and expressing emotions—may play an important role in determining who seeks and who benefits from emotional support. This report used dyadic data from a two-week daily diary study ( N = 116 couples) to determine if those higher in EAC seek more emotional support, receive more emotional support, and perceive the support they receive from romantic partners as more effective than those lower in EAC. Further, we examined if these associations are stronger on days of above average perceived stress. Finally, we examined if participants higher in EAC, were more likely to benefit from receiving emotional support. Participants higher in EAC were more likely to seek emotional support from their partners. After adjusting for emotional support seeking, EAC was unrelated to receiving emotional support; however, participants higher in EAC rated the emotional support they received as more effective. Although participants reported greater individual well-being and higher relationship satisfaction on days they received emotional support from their partners, EAC did not moderate these associations. Taken together, these results suggest that people higher in EAC are more likely to experience benefits from receiving support because they seek more emotional support and report receiving more effective emotional support from their partners.

Surveilling and Spying on Romantic Partners in the United States: The Influence of Perceived Maternal Rejection and Psychological Maladjustment

According to interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory (IPARTheory), people who perceive rejection by important others experience more psychological maladjustment than those who do not perceive rejection. IPARTheory predicts universal responses to perceived rejection or acceptance, making it important to explore its predictive ability with theoretically-related constructs like romantic relationships. Participants (N = 443; Mage = 36.05 years; SD = 11.26; 46% identifying as men, 45.4% reported their assigned sex at birth as male) completed surveys regarding perceptions of their childhood relationships with their mother, interpersonal anxiety, engagement in romantic surveillance, jealousy, infidelity, sociosexual orientation, and gender norms. We examined how well perceived maternal acceptance-rejection (independent variable) predicted reasons to spy/stalk on a romantic partner and the likelihood of spying/stalking (dependent variables). For both models, we explored psychological maladjustment, interpersonal anxiety, jealousy, and sociosexuality as mediators and included correlated demographic variables as covariates in the models. Jealousy mediated perceived maternal rejection and increased surveilling. Our study broadens the understanding of variables that influence surveilling behaviors in romantic relationships in the United States, and provides support for the universal application and predictive ability of IPARTheory.

Erectile Dysfunction and Partner-Directed Behaviors in Romantic Relationships: The Mediating Role of Suspicious Jealousy

ABSTRACT Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been shown to have a considerable impact on romantic relationships. The purpose of the present research was to examine whether the associations that ED had with men’s mate retention behaviors, partner-directed insults, partner-directed violence, and injuries inflicted on the partner were mediated by suspicious jealousy but not reactive jealousy. These associations were examined using self-reports of men (Study 1) and partner-reports provided by women about their perceptions of their male partner (Study 2). The results of both studies indicated that suspicious jealousy (but not reactive jealousy) mediated the associations that ED had with the partner-directed behaviors of men in their romantic relationships. Specifically, higher levels of ED were associated with men experiencing (or being perceived to experience) more suspicious jealousy which, in turn, predicted their use of mate retention behaviors, partner-directed insults, and partner-directed violence as well as the infliction of injuries on their female partners. In our discussion, we address the evolutionary implications of these associations, as well as limitations and directions for future research on ED.

Associations of sexting with dating partners with adolescents’ romantic relationship behaviors and attitudes

Although most sexting among adolescents occurs in the context of romantic relationships, researchers have not fully investigated how relationships involving sexting differ from those that do not. This study assessed how individual and relationship characteristics differ by whether adolescent dating partners sext (N = 269). Adolescents in sexting relationships were more likely to report sexual intercourse with their dating partner compared to those who did not sext, scored lower on measures of self-reported relationship competency, and were in relationships characterized by more abusive behaviors and verbal conflict, as well as less positive support. Boys who sexted their dating partners reported less positive intimacy in their relationships than girls who sexted. Adolescents in relationships where one partner sent more sexts than the other did not report more negative relationship behaviors relative to non-sexters and those who sent equal numbers of sexts. Lastly, relationships with and without sexting did not differ on whether they had broken up six months later. Results suggest that sexting may be a characteristic of lower-quality adolescent romantic relationships, but more information about the sexting context is needed. Implications for understanding sexting as both a normative feature of adolescent romantic relationships and as a risky sexual behavior are discussed.

The (bidirectional) associations between romantic attachment orientations and mate retention behavior in male-female romantic couples

Attachment orientations of anxiety and avoidance are associated with many important romantic relationship outcomes. An evolutionary perspective has informed research on the associations between attachment orientations and mate retention behaviors, which individuals perform to retain their romantic partner and maintain their relationship. In the current article, we report two dyadic studies (n = 104, United States; n = 978, Germany, Switzerland, Austria) that evaluated: (1) whether bivariate associations between attachment orientations and mate retention domains are replicable; (2) whether an individual's attachment orientation predicts their partner's mate retention behaviors; and (3) whether, over time, mate retention behaviors predict attachment orientations within couples. Results of both studies replicated previous bivariate associations between attachment anxiety and cost-inflicting mate retention behaviors. Longitudinal dyadic data from Study 2 demonstrated that cost-inflicting mate retention behaviors, specifically, predict future attachment anxiety in romantic partners. These results contribute to the emerging body of research addressing the associations between attachment orientations and mate retention behaviors, and suggest an important (bidirectional) role of attachment anxiety in predicting negative partner-directed behaviors in romantic relationships.

The Role of Mating-relevant Factors in the Perpetration of Digital Dating Abuse.

Previous research has explored offline intimate partner violence from an evolutionary perspective, primarily focusing on the role of individual differences in perpetration and victimization. However, a current form of intimate partner violence is digital dating abuse, which involves abuse toward a romantic partner, occuring online through the use of electronic communication technology. This form of abuse differs from offline abuse, in that physical proximity is not required. Although research has focused on the effects digital dating abuse has on victims, little research has focused on the perpetration of digital dating abuse. This is important as research focused on perpetration can inform a wide range of initiatives geared toward understanding the factors which drive this behavior. Recent research has focused on evolutionary mating-relevant factors that drive the perpetration of digital dating abuse. Here, we extended and replicated previous work by reporting two studies (study 1, n = 114; study 2, n = 162) which explored the roles of mate value discrepancy, intrasexual competition, and relationship-contingent self-esteem in the perpetration of digital dating abuse. We found that mate value discrepancy (studies 1 and 2) and intrasexual competition (study 2) positively predicted the perpetration of digital dating abuse. To our knowledge, this article is the first to provide support that those who report high intrasexual competition, engage in greater levels of digital dating abuse, thus furthering theoretical advancements in this field by showing digital dating abuse is a mate retention tactic. Our findings further our understanding of online behavior in romantic relationships through an evolutionary psychological lens.

Romantic relationship trajectories among young African American men: The influence of adverse life contexts.

The development of supportive and committed romantic relationships during emerging adulthood forecasts relationship quality later in adulthood. Many emerging adult African American men are exposed to challenging socioeconomic environments that are known to undermine romantic relationships. Studies of African American men's romantic relationship quality and its antecedents during this developmental period are scarce. The present study investigates longitudinal trajectories of romantic relationship quality among African American emerging adult men and then tests a model linking them to adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic instability, community disadvantage, and defensive relational schemas. The analytic sample included 331 African American men who reported having a romantic partner, observed during three waves of data collection from ages 19 to age 26. Using men's reports of romantic relationship support, conflict, and dyadic trust, parallel growth mixture modeling was conducted to identify romantic relationship trajectory profiles. We identified three romantic relationship trajectory profiles: Normative, Uncertain, and Conflictual. Structural equation analyses revealed that adverse childhood experiences were associated positively with contemporaneous contextual risk factors (i.e., socioeconomic instability and community disadvantage), which in turn, were associated significantly with membership in Uncertain and Conflictual trajectories through defensive relational schemas. The present study reveals heterogeneous romantic relationships among African American emerging adult men. Findings support the conjoint influences of early adversity and contemporaneous stressors as robust antecedents of African American men's romantic relationship behaviors over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental contrasting and conciliatory behavior in romantic relationships

When people in a relationship offend each other, it is important for them to behave in a conciliatory manner if they wish to reconcile. We tested in two studies if mental contrasting (versus other modes of thoughts) is an effective strategy for people to self-regulate their conciliatory behavior. In Study 1, we assessed student participants’ spontaneous mode of thought when thinking about an unresolved interpersonal transgression and measured their commitment to reconcile. Eight days later, we assessed their conciliatory behavior. Participants who spontaneously mentally contrasted reported more commitment to reconcile and showed sensible conciliatory behavior (i.e., based on their expectations of solving their interpersonal concern). In Study 2, romantic couples were invited into the lab and asked to identify unresolved incidents in which one partner (the perpetrator) had offended the other (the victim). After perpetrators were induced to mentally contrast or indulge about a successful reconciliation, we videotaped the couples discussing the incident. Only perpetrators who mentally contrasted showed sensible conciliatory behavior and reached effective reconciliation (measured right after the experiment and 2 weeks later). The findings imply that mental contrasting supports perpetrators to show conciliatory behavior when it promises to be successful, but discourages it when it seems futile or adverse, thereby protecting the relationship from further harm.

The Emotional Bank Account and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Romantic Relationships of People with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Dyadic Observational Study.

Few studies have examined behaviors in romantic relationships associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). We assessed critical variables from marital research: the "emotional bank account" (positive-to-negative behaviors; Gottman, 1993) and the "four horsemen of the apocalypse" (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling; Gottman & Silver, 1999; Gottman & Krokoff, 1989). Couples (N = 130, or 260 participants) engaged in a conflict task and reported relationship satisfaction at intake and 12-months. Clinician-rated BPD and avoidant PD (APD) criteria were examined. People with more BPD symptoms and their partners were less satisfied, which worsened by follow-up. Conflict behaviors partially explained these associations. Partners of people with more BPD symptoms had a worse emotional bank account, which then predicted (a) poorer satisfaction for both members and (b) worsening partner satisfaction. People with more BPD symptoms criticized more; their partners defended and stonewalled more. APD predicted worsening satisfaction. BPD appears to link specifically with relationship dysfunction, partly through associations with partner behavior.

Beyond Simple Differences: Moderators of Gender Differences in Heteronormativity

ABSTRACTHeteronormativity is a culturally embedded system defining acceptable identities and behaviors in romantic relationships. Recent literature has suggested that heteronormativity is strongly associated with political attitudes, personality characteristics such as tolerance of ambiguity, and key demographic variables such as gender and sexual orientation. However, interactions between gender and other factors have not been thoroughly explored as predictors of heteronormative attitude and beliefs. The current study (N = 306) expands the understanding of predictors of heteronormativity, particularly as they interact with gender. In the current study, higher education was associated with lower heteronormativity among women, but not among men, and expressiveness was associated with lower heteronormativity among men, but not among women. Finally, a 3-way interaction showed that the relationship between education and heteronormativity for men (but not women) depended on trait expressiveness. Future studies are recommended, including observation of changes in heteronormativity over time and exploration of mechanisms that reinforce or reduce heteronormativity.

On love and darkness: The Dark Triad and mate retention behaviors in a non-Western culture

Researchers have been showing growing interest in the relationship between personality and mate retentions behaviors. There is evidence that the Dark Triad of personality (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) may be associated with mate retention behavior in romantic relationships. Yet, most of the mentioned studies have been conducted in Western samples. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the Dark Triad and mate retention behaviors in Iranian married individuals. Descriptive statistics and evaluation of sex differences suggested that Iranian men scored significantly higher on domains of mate retention. Women scored higher on narcissism. Correlational analyses indicated that Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy are positively correlated with Benefit-Provisioning, Cost-Inflicting, and overall mate retention. Therefore, individuals who score higher on the Dark Triad traits employ mate retention strategies to prevent dissolution of their marital relationships. The findings are clearly consistent with previous findings in Western cultures.