Relationship Dissolution and Disengagement Flashcards
1
Q
Romantic dissolution in Canada (from StatsCan)
A
- In 2011, 2 million Canadians reported a break-up
- Half ended a marriage (time together: 14.3 years)
- Half ended a common law relationships (time together: 4.3 years)
2
Q
Le at al meta-analysis: reasons for non-marital dissolution
A
- Looked at predictors of non-marital romantic relationship dissolution
- Strongest predictors:
- – Commitment
- – Love
- – Inclusion of other in the self (how close you feel to them)
- – Dependence
- Modest predictors:
- – Satisfaction
- – Perception of alternatives
- – Social network support (how much people in your life support your relationship)
3
Q
Huston et al’s Process of Adaptation in Intimate Relationships (PAIR) study (relates to reasons for marital dissolution)
A
- 30-year study focusing on how couples adapted to their lives together
- Notable findings:
- After 13 years of marriage:
- – 35% had divorced
- – 20% were not happy, but still together
- – 45% happily married, but less satisfied compared to the day they married
4
Q
3 models that can be used to explain the findings of Huston et al’s PAIR study
A
- enduring dynamics model
- emergent distress model
- disillusionment model
5
Q
3 models that can be used to explain the findings of Huston et al’s PAIR study: enduring dynamics model
A
- Spouses enter the marriage less in love and more at odds with each other
- Bring problems, incompatibilities, and vulnerabilities that occured when dating
- Aware of these frustrations and marry regardless → weakens relationship and can lead to divorce
6
Q
3 models that can be used to explain the findings of Huston et al’s PAIR study: emergent distress model
A
- Problematic behaviour that destroys the relationship; begins after they marry
- Fall into a pattern of increasing conflict and negativity that did not exist when the marriage began; challenges develop over time
- No issues prior to the marriage
7
Q
3 models that can be used to explain the findings of Huston et al’s PAIR study: disillusionment model
A
- Begin marriage with romanticized view of the relationship that is unrealistically positive
- Then romance fades → stop trying to be adorable and charming; some of this is normal in relationships
- Disappointment gradually sets in; see each other as less wonderful than they originally seemed
8
Q
Joel et al study: why delay romantic dissolution?
A
- Looked at participants who were contemplating a break-up over a 2-month period to see how they decided to stay or leave a relationship
- Results:
- If the individual perceived that their partner was more dependent on the relationship, less likely to break up with them → altruistic motives
- This finding was also consistent for people who weren’t really committed or less satisfied
9
Q
Boelen et al study: effects of romantic dissolution –> basics
A
- Explored the relationship between negative cognitions (ie. your thoughts about yourself) and emotional problems following a relationship break-up (participants either initiated it, were broken up with, or broke up mutually)
- Measures: complicated grief, grief recognition, depression, anxiety, attachment, neuroticism, level of commitment, and time since break-up
10
Q
Boelen et al study: effects of romantic dissolution –> results
A
- The stronger the commitment in the relationship, the higher your complicated grief
- Sudden break-ups had highest complicated grief scores followed by non-initiators and then initiators
- More negative beliefs about yourself (ie. self-blame) associated with anxiety, depression, and grief when compared to a control group
11
Q
what to consider when breaking up with dignity?
A
- Think over what you want to say and why (be honest, not brutal)
- Think about what you’ll say and how the other person might react (put yourself in their position - thoughts, feelings, choices)
- Have good intentions
- Say it in person (don’t avoid them or the conversation)
12
Q
how to manage a break-up
A
- Acknowledge and let your feelings out
- Do something everyday
- Take your time - “time heals all wounds”
- Find emotional support (from friends, family, or a professional)
- Establish boundaries with your ex-partner (do you want to have contact with them? Or do you want some distance?)
13
Q
Sbarra et al: adjustment to dissolution study
A
- Daily reports of young adults in the month after they ended a meaningful romantic relationship (carried beepers to randomly prompt them to record their feelings)
- Results:
- Initially: angry, sad, reduced feelings of relief, courage, and strength
- 2 weeks later: reduced anger and sadness, but relief still low
- Another 2 weeks later: not sad anymore, increased relief
- 1 month: less in love and increases in courage and strength
14
Q
On-again/off-again relationships
A
- Churning: break-up, reconcile, and then get back together
- More common during adolescence, but ⅓ of cohabiting and ¼ of married couples have also experienced it
- Problems: associated with stress, uncertainty, lower satisfaction even when relationship continues
15
Q
5 models of dissolution
A
- intrapsychic processes
- dyadic processes
- social processes
- grave-dressing processes
- resurrection processes
16
Q
5 models of dissolution: intrapsychic processes
A
- Individual experiences feelings of resentment and a feeling of being under-benefited (ie. frustrated, disgruntled, dissatisfied)
- Social withdrawal: isolation from people they usually communicate with
