2016 Research in the Capitol

Presentation Type

Open Access Poster Presentation

Keywords

Interpersonal relations--Psychological aspects; Couples--Psychology;

Abstract

How a person handles conflict in a romantic relationship is closely linked with his or her relationship satisfaction. Seeking positive outcomes is correlated with greater satisfaction, while avoiding negative outcomes is correlated with lesser satisfaction. Whether a person tends to seek positives vs. avoid negatives is related to personality, but this study tested whether it also might be affected by aspects of the relationship itself. 114 undergraduates indicated how they were likely to respond in three romantic relationship conflict scenarios that varied the level of a person’s relationship investment, their level of relationship alternatives, and perceived relationship repair/dissolution. I also measured participants’ personalities, goals, and relationship experience. I will assess to what extent tendencies to avoid negative outcomes (e.g., conflict) vs. seek positive outcomes (e.g., intimacy) are affected by aspects of the situation and to what extent they are affected by personality.

Start Date

29-3-2016 11:30 AM

End Date

29-3-2016 1:30 PM

Event Host

University Honors Programs, Iowa Regent Universities

Faculty Advisor

Helen Harton

Department

Department of Psychology

Comments

Location: Iowa State House, Rotunda, Des Moines, Iowa

File Format

application/pdf

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Mar 29th, 11:30 AM Mar 29th, 1:30 PM

The Power of the Situation: Approach and Avoidance Tendencies in Romantic Relationships

How a person handles conflict in a romantic relationship is closely linked with his or her relationship satisfaction. Seeking positive outcomes is correlated with greater satisfaction, while avoiding negative outcomes is correlated with lesser satisfaction. Whether a person tends to seek positives vs. avoid negatives is related to personality, but this study tested whether it also might be affected by aspects of the relationship itself. 114 undergraduates indicated how they were likely to respond in three romantic relationship conflict scenarios that varied the level of a person’s relationship investment, their level of relationship alternatives, and perceived relationship repair/dissolution. I also measured participants’ personalities, goals, and relationship experience. I will assess to what extent tendencies to avoid negative outcomes (e.g., conflict) vs. seek positive outcomes (e.g., intimacy) are affected by aspects of the situation and to what extent they are affected by personality.