Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Psyc 474 > Nov 14 > Flashcards

Nov 14 Flashcards

1
Q

qualitative study examining Ps in DISSOLUTION CONSIDERATION phase setup

A

mostly dating couples

some married/common law

focus on Ps CURRENTLY contemplating breakups (this helps mitigate memory biases)

what are some reasons for wanting to STAY/LEAVE current partner?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

qualitative study examining Ps in DISSOLUTION CONSIDERATION phase results

A

generated 27 distinct reasons for staying

23 for leaving

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

reasons for wanting to STAY in relationship

A

(from most to least common)

  1. emotional intimacy
  2. emotional investment
  3. family duty

desirable partner personality traits, enjoyment, emotional security, physical intimacy, financial benefits, compatibility, concern for partner, optimism, validation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

reasons for wanting to LEAVE relationship

A

(from most to least common)

  1. partner flaws
  2. breach of trust
  3. partner withdrawal

external reasons (ie. relocation), physical distance, conflict, incompatibility, emotional distance, lack of validation, lack of financial benefits, lack of enjoyment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

what is common when partners are deciding whether to stay or leave?

A

AMBIVALENCE

49% report higher-than-midpoint STAY and LEAVE motivation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

ambivalence about stay/leave is particularly pronounced for…

A

anxiously attached individuals

strong desire for relationship & reliance on partner for validation

mixed with heightened sensitivity to negativity within relationship

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

relationship ambivalence associated with…

A
  1. NEG HEALTH OUTCOMES (ie. coronary heart disease)
  2. GREATER PHYSIOLOGICAL AROUSAL
  3. MORE NEG EMOTIONS
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

meta analysis of non-marital breakups SETUP

A

Q = what factors predict breakups?

meta analysis of 137 longitudinal studies, conducted over 30 years, N = 37,700

studies included if they:
- were LONGITUDINAL
- assessed 1+ relevant predictors
- assessed RELATIONSHIP STABILITY at a later time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

meta analysis of non-marital breakups LARGE EFFECT PREDICTORS

A

a) positive illusions
b) commitment
c) love

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

meta analysis of non-marital breakups MODERATE EFFECT PREDICTORS

A

a) self-other overlap
b) trust
c) closeness
d) quality of alternatives
e) investment
f) satisfaction
g) network support

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

meta analysis of non-marital breakups SMALL EFFECTS

A

a) relationship duration
b) avoidant attachment (leave)
c) conflict
d) anxious attachment (leave)
e) destiny beliefs
f) agreeableness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

meta analysis of non-marital breakups EFFECT PATTERN

A

INDIVIDUAL level factors like ATTACHMENT STYLE & BIG 5 personality traits

showed relatively SMALL or NULL effects

RELATIONSHIP-level factors show STRONGER effects

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

although people in relationships (and often, researchers) tend to focus on INDIVIDUAL & RELATIONAL factors…

A

relationships exist in BROADER CONTEXT

individual, relational and external context factors INTERACT in complex ways to shape BREAKUP RISK

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

model that takes into account complex stay/leave factors

A

vulnerability-stress-adaptation (VSA) model of marriage

considers individual, relational and external context factors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

vulnerability-stress-adaptation model (VSA)

A
  1. enduring Vulnerabilities
  2. Stressful events
  3. Adaptive processes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

VSA: enduring vulnerabilities examples

A

adverse experiences in family of origin

insecure attachment

neuroticism

impulsivity

low education levels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

VSA: stressful events examples

A

unemployment

life transitions

illness

childbirth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

VSA: adaptive processes

A

ways in which couples deal with challenges/conflict

ie. communication styles, stress management

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

VSA: reciprocal relationship between…

A

adaptive processes and marital quality

ie. low marital quality = less motivated to engage in adaptive processes

ie. less adaptive processes = lower marital quality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

stress

A

set of physiological, emotional, cognitive changes in response to a demanding challenge in the environment (a stressor)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

stress spillover

A

many of the stressors couples face are EXTERNAL to their relationship

ie. financial strain, debt, high workloads

but these have the power to AFFECT THE RELATIONSHIP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

stress drives attentional…

A

shift to what is SALIENT in the environment

heightens SENSITIVITY to THREAT

^ ie. like an insensitive remark made by spouse

INTERFERES with more complex forms of cognitive processing

^ ie. like taking contextual factors into account

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

stress impedes…

A

ACCOMMODATION

ie. physiological arousal during marital discussion is associated with increased NEGATIVE RECIPROCITY

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

studies of how stress impedes accommodation

A
  1. dairy study - negative marital interactions more likely to be reported on days that have been stressful

^ also more likely on weekdays vs weekends

  1. air traffic controller study - higher workload predicts greater withdrawal at home
  2. wives more likely to make blame attributions for negative partner behaviour when under stress
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
enduring vulnerabilities affect both...
1. propensity to EXPERIENCE stress (path C) 2. ability to COPE with stress (path b)
26
examples of how enduring vulnerabilities affect both propensity to EXPERIENCE stress and ability to COPE with stress
1. parental discord & divorce associated with lower accomplishment (path C) as well as poorer social skills as adults (path B) 2. individuals high in negative affectivity (ie. neuroticism) more likely to appraise situations as stressful, and make more negative attributions for partner behaviour
27
couples who are more supportive & have stronger coping skills are not as...
not as negatively impacted by stressful events may even experience boosts to relationship satisfaction after stressful events
28
disapproval from couple's social network...
may place ADDITIONAL STRAIN on relationships ^ implications for couples in same-sex relationships (although no evidence that same-sex relationships are less satisfying despite external stressors) having supportive social network may be especially important when facing other difficulties (ie. financial strain)
29
although disapproval of relationship from social network may place added strain on relationships...
determinants of martial quality and stability are MULTIFACTORIAL - individual & relational factors influence adjustment
30
historical trends in divorce in the US
increased since mid-1930s appears to be slowing down, but 50% of US marriages will end in separation
31
changes in expectations of marriage quote
"today, we turn to one person to provide what an entire village once did: a sense of grounding, meaning and continuity. at the same time, we expect our committed relationships to be romantic as well as emotionally and sexually fulfilling. is it any wonder that so many relationships crumble under the weight of it all?"
32
trends in "very happily" married people
consistently decreasing maybe marriages aren't getting objectively worse, but maybe the gap between our expectations and outcomes is widening
33
what's one of the best predictors of divorce?
the disillusionment model
34
disillusionment model
couples typically begin their marriages with rosy, romanticized views of their relationship that are unrealistically positive, setting them up for disappointment these relationships don't necessarily turn acrimonious, but the STEEP DECLINES in relationship satisfaction produce instability
35
increasing individualism and divorce
another reason why divorce levels are increasing Western culture is becoming more individualistic ^ less tied to communities and less likely to live near extended family this means LESS SOCIAL SUPPORT and COMPANIONSHIP which has implications a) ask more of our spouse than we did in the past b) can put strain on relationship
36
implications for marriage caused by increasing individualism
1. ASK MORE of our spouses than we did in the past 2. can put a STRAIN on the relationship
37
"with whom do you discuss important matters?" from 1985 to 2004
used to turn to parents, siblings, coworkers, friends now more people say they turn to SPOUSE (marker of increasing individualism and people having smaller circles = bigger role of spouse)
38
increasing individualism means we're less affected by...
community norms that might discourage from divorce recall that BARRIERS reduce the attractiveness of leaving a relationship
39
financial independence of women
another reason why divorce is on the rise women have ECONOMIC FREEDOM to LEAVE dissatisfying relationships REDUCED BARRIERS, HIGHER QUALITY ALTERNATIVES
40
financial independence of women: spouses report more conflict between...
work and family the more hours a wife works outside the home, the lower the quality of the marriage HIGHER COSTS and, the amount of TIME spouses spend together has declined
41
5 reasons for increasing levels of divorce
1. changing expectations 2. increasing individualism 3. financial independence of women 4. changing perceptions of divorce 5. increased exposure to divorce
42
changing perceptions of divorce
now LESS SHAMEFUL (no longer seen as personal failure) and EASIER TO OBTAIN (from legal perspective) shared perceptions of divorce are a lot less negative ^ another example of REDUCED BARRIERS
43
reduced barriers to divorce
1. financial independence of women 2. changing perceptions of divorce
44
if divorce is seen as less negative, there may be less...
efforts to save a faltering relationship divorce may seem like an EASIER ALTERNATIVE
45
increased exposure to divorce
there are more CHILDREN OF DIVORCE: ^ children who experience divorce of their parents are more likely to divorce themselves when they become adults more of us have DIVORCED FRIENDS: ^when others in our social networks divorce, we're more likely to do so as well
46
what about divorce rates in Canada?
lower in Canada compared to US and are on the DECLINE
47
why are divorce rates in Canada lower than those in the US, and why are they declining?
1. not as many people are getting married 2. getting married LATER and tend to have MORE EDUCATION (protective factors) 3. maybe selecting for especially strong unions? ^ enduring dynamics model also predictive of divorce (marriages that start with higher levels of problems & ambiguity are less satisfying & stable)
48
although Canada divorce rates are generally on the decline, in...
older populations rates of divorce are increasing differential shift across age groups
49
7 breakup tactics
1. avoidance/withdrawal 2. positive tone/self-blame 3. open confrontation 4. cost escalation 5. manipulation 6. distant/mediated communication 7. de-escalation
50
avoidance/withdrawal breakup tactic
increasing distance decreasing intimacy & affection
51
positive tone/self-blame breakup tactic
"it's not you, it's me" taking responsibility for the breakup trying to spare partner's feelings
52
open confrontation breakup tactic
direct and honest openly communicating desire for breakup
53
cost escalation breakup tactic
increasing partner's costs (making relationship less rewarding) to motivate them to break up with you first
54
manipulation breakup tactic
ie. using mutual friends to convey dissatisfaction spreading rumours, hoping partner will hear them and break up with you
55
distant/mediated communication breakup tactic
changing facebook status breakup texts
56
de-escalation breakup tactic
taking a break
57
indirect breakup strategies reflect less...
less COMPASSION for the recipient associated with GREATER DISTRESS post breakup
58
direct breakup strategies are seen...
more positively
59
use of positive tone in breakup strategies has...
(positive tone ie. taking responsibility for breakup, "it's not you, it's me") has INCONSISTENT effects 1. seen as COMPASSIONATE 2. but associated with NEG outcomes for recipient (ie. depression) 3. may be used by dis-engagers to decrease current level of intimacy while LEAVING DOOR OPEN for increased intimacy later on
60
using positive tone in breakup is associated with likelihood of...
RE-ENTERING relationship aka CHURNING
61
churning is associated with...
greater UNCERTAINTY STRESS LESS SATISFACTION
62
positive tone is more likely to be used if the dis-engager feels...
feels that the target won't be able to cope
63
when are direct breakup strategies more likely to be used?
HIGH INTIMACY HIGH CLOSENESS HIGH SOCIAL NETWORK OVERLAP
64
when are indirect breakup strategies more likely to be used?
LOW INTIMACY LOW CLOSENESS
65
attachment avoidance and breakup strategies
1. more INDIRECT strategies (avoidance/withdrawal) 2. FEWER strategies that LEAVE DOOR OPEN to reconnection (ie. positive tone)
66
attachment anxiety and breakup strategies
more strategies that allow for LATER RECONNECTION and POSTPONE the breakup (ie. positive tone/self-blame and de-escalation/taking a break) ^ consistent with research on stay/leave decision conflicts, association between attachment anxiety & tendency to have on-again/off-again relationships
67
ghosting
breaking up by AVOIDING ONLINE & OFFLINE CONTACT lack of EXPLICIT breakup DECLARATION or EXPLANATION for breakup recall discussion on negative effects of ostracism...
68
ghosting and ostracism
surprisingly, research so far has NOT FOUND ghosting to be WORSE than more direct strategies
69
ghosting is seen as more acceptable in...
short-term relationships but in one study of ghosting, relationships in which ghosting occurred lasted 6 months on average and commitment ratings were above 4 on a 1-7 scale
70
ghosting dis-engagers are motivated by...
feelings of DISINTEREST
71
those with stronger _______ ______ are more likely to ghost
destiny beliefs if believe relationship isn't meant to work out, then there's no point in trying to maintain it
72
what are two of the most highly ranked stressful life events?
marital dissolution & death of spouse
73
host of negative effects associated with breakups
sadness anxiety anger low self-esteem loss of appetite trouble sleeping
74
romantic breakups in young adulthood increase risk for...
negative mental health outcomes including first onset of major depressive disorder
75
reactions to breakups: one-sided vs mutual
individuals who INITIATED BREAKUP as well as individuals in MUTUALLY DISSOLVED relationships generally experience LESS STRESS relative to individuals who were broken up with ^ UNCONTROLLABLE events tend to be more distressing BUT some mixed evidence for effect of breakup role (recall earlier research on ambivalence around stay/leave decisions)
76
2 theoretical perspectives helpful in understanding the strength of negative reactions to breakups
1. attachment theory 2. self-expansion theory
77
attachment theory as theoretical explanation for neg reactions to breakups
in adulthood, romantic partners serve as PRIMARY ATTACHMENT FIGURE 1. termination of relationship reps LOSS of SAFE HAVEN and SECURE BASE ^ necessitates RE-ORGANIZATION of attachment hierarchy 2. potential damage to MODELS of OTHER & SELF
78
social pain theory
social attachment system built on top of PHYSICAL SYSTEMS one potential reason that breakups may hurt so much is because they engage some of the SAME BRAIN MECHANISMS involved in physical pain
79
self expansion theory as theoretical explanation for neg reactions to breakups
breakups generate distress by leading to CONTRACTION & DE-STABILIZATION of self-concept ^ SIZE of self-concept & self-concept CLARITY (extent to which feel certain about aspects of the self and perceive them to be internally consistent & temporally stable) ^ particularly true for those who experienced more self-expansion in relationship "I don't even know who I am anymore" ^ rediscovery of self is associated with better breakup recovery and breakup-related growth
80
while adjusting to a breakup does take time...
distress does fade
81
advice for getting over a breakup
1. don't stalk their social media 2. don't ruminate, but do reflect 3. seek support 4. remind yourself of alternatives (esp if you're higher in attachment anxiety) 5. pursue self-expanding activities and rediscover your sense of self 6. remember that you're a worthwhile human being

Psyc 474 (23 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions