{"title":"Implicit Theories of Relationships and Conflict Communication Patterns in Romantic Relationships: A Dyadic Perspective","authors":"Taylor Dovala, Matt Hawrilenko, J. Córdova","doi":"10.1017/jrr.2018.11","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"The present study examined the relationship between dyadic interaction patterns and implicit theories of relationships (ITRs; deeply held beliefs about the nature of relationships) using a sample of N = 104 couples. We hypothesised that destiny beliefs would predict greater avoidance in conflict interactions, while growth beliefs would predict more constructive communication. Surprisingly, the results of the current study challenge the existing literature by indicating that neither destiny nor growth beliefs predict constructive communication or mutual avoidance for the couple. Further, while destiny beliefs were related to increased withdrawal in a demand-withdraw pattern, growth beliefs related to both demand and withdraw in a demand-withdraw pattern. These findings suggest that assessing the relationship between ITRs and communication patterns at the couple level introduces complexity that is underexplored in the current literature on implicit theories of relationships.","PeriodicalId":37757,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Relationships Research","volume":"66 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0000,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1017/jrr.2018.11","citationCount":"3","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Relationships Research","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1017/jrr.2018.11","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"Psychology","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 3
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between dyadic interaction patterns and implicit theories of relationships (ITRs; deeply held beliefs about the nature of relationships) using a sample of N = 104 couples. We hypothesised that destiny beliefs would predict greater avoidance in conflict interactions, while growth beliefs would predict more constructive communication. Surprisingly, the results of the current study challenge the existing literature by indicating that neither destiny nor growth beliefs predict constructive communication or mutual avoidance for the couple. Further, while destiny beliefs were related to increased withdrawal in a demand-withdraw pattern, growth beliefs related to both demand and withdraw in a demand-withdraw pattern. These findings suggest that assessing the relationship between ITRs and communication patterns at the couple level introduces complexity that is underexplored in the current literature on implicit theories of relationships.
期刊介绍:
This innovative journal provides researchers and practitioners with access to quality, interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed articles covering the entire range of fields associated with personal, intimate, organizational and family, and social relationships, development, training and analysis of human relationship skills across the life-span. Originally an initiative of the Psychology of Relationships Interest Group of the Australian Psychological Society, the journal became independent within its first year with the intention of publishing papers from the full array of researchers of relationship. The journal features an experienced and eclectic international Editorial Board and is international in its reach. There is a special emphasis on contributions from Asia, including the subcontinent and Pacific regions but the journal welcomes papers from all other parts of the world.