1
|
Yılmaz CD, Lajunen T, Sullman MJM. Trust in relationships: a preliminary investigation of the influence of parental divorce, breakup experiences, adult attachment style, and close relationship beliefs on dyadic trust. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1260480. [PMID: 38022978 PMCID: PMC10651749 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trust is essential for establishing stable and fulfilling romantic relationships between partners. Development of trust, however, can be assumed to depend on many factors related to an individual's earlier experiences and relationship-related beliefs. This study aimed to investigate how adult attachment style (anxious, avoidant), experiences about parents' divorce and breakdown of one's own romantic relationship, and relationship beliefs are related to the level of dyadic trust in romantic relationships. Methods The present study included 131 Turkish undergraduate university students (55.7% women) from different faculties. The research instrument had questions about parents' and respondents' own relationship status, Dyadic Trust Scale (DTS), Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory-Revised (ECR-R), and Inventory of Close Relationship Beliefs (ICRB), in addition to background questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlations, regression analyses and mediation analyses. Results Respondents whose parents had divorced or who had experienced a relationship breakdown had lower dyadic trust scores than those without these experiences. The trust scores correlated negatively with anxious and avoidant attachment styles and positively with relationship belief scales, although the correlations to "external factors" were not statistically significant. In regression analysis, anxious and avoidant attachment styles explained 42% and relationship beliefs 25% of the variance in trust. The only significant predictor among beliefs was "individuality." Mediation analysis showed that the effects of anxious attachment style on trust were fully mediated by the relationship belief in "individuality." The avoidant attachment style had a direct relationship to trust. Discussion The results show that anxious attachment style influences trust via relationship beliefs, while avoidant attachment style has a strong direct effect on trust as well as weaker effects via beliefs. The results are discussed in the context of Turkish culture and horizontal collectivism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ceren D. Yılmaz
- Department of Psychology, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Timo Lajunen
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mark J. M. Sullman
- Department of Social Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brar P, Boat AA, Brady SS. But He Loves Me: Teens' Comments about Healthy and Unhealthy Romantic Relationships. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2023; 38:632-665. [PMID: 38108018 PMCID: PMC10723266 DOI: 10.1177/07435584221079726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Romantic relationships can positively affect adolescent development. However, adolescents may not always have a clear understanding of what healthy dating looks like, which may place some adolescents at risk for dating violence. The present study examined the following research questions: (1) What are adolescents' perceptions of healthy and unhealthy attributes of romantic relationships? (2) How do adolescents perceive jealousy and potentially controlling behaviors? (3) What is the relationship between adolescents' attitudes towards jealousy and controlling behaviors and their willingness to intervene in a peer's unhealthy romantic relationship? The study included a predominantly female, ethnically diverse sample of 72 adolescents (M = 17.5 years) who participated in an internet-based health promotion intervention that allowed peers and health educators to interact. Adolescents commented on message boards and completed a survey. Findings showed that adolescents can articulate both healthy and unhealthy romantic relationship attributes. Some adolescents struggled to understand relationship attributes including jealousy and possessiveness, as these behaviors can be perceived as expressions of strong romantic interest. Adolescents may benefit from programs that strengthen healthy dating behaviors, teach youth to distinguish healthy from unhealthy behaviors, address conflict in respectful ways, and tactfully intervene when they witness abusive behaviors in the relationships of others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Brar
- Department of Family Studies and Community Development, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | | | - Sonya S. Brady
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Matson PA, Chung SE, Fortenberry JD, Lich KH, Ellen JM. The Impact of Relationship Stressors on Trust and Prorelationship Behavior Within Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Systems Approach. J Adolesc Health 2021; 68:558-564. [PMID: 32792258 PMCID: PMC7876155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trust is an essential component of romantic relationships. It is not understood how youth respond to a relationship stressor, which may impact trust, such as perceiving to be at risk for a sexually transmitted infection or their partner has other sex partners. We used a system science approach to examine feedback between trust and prorelationship behaviors within adolescent relationships. METHODS A prospective cohort of clinic-recruited young women (N = 122), aged 16-19 years, completed daily questionnaires on partner-specific feelings and risk perceptions for 18 months. Relationship stressor defined as either perceiving the risk of sexually transmitted infection from a partner or partner had other sex partners. Prorelationship behaviors were more time spent with partner, sex with partner, and/or gift from partner. Time-lagged generalized estimating equation models were used to examine whether a relationship stressor is associated with a decrease in trust and whether prorelationship behaviors changed following the stressor. RESULTS Experiencing a stressor was associated with threefold increased odds of having a decrease in trust in the same week (odds ratio [OR] = 3.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.30-4.72). Trust increased significantly the week following the stressor (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.54-2.85). An increase in trust relative to the week of the stressor was associated with a 65% increase in prorelationship behavior in the week following the stressor (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.20-2.26). CONCLUSIONS Data uniquely show that trust is impacted following a relationship stressor and that youth increase prorelationship behaviors following a drop in trust. The findings suggest that adolescents prioritize maintaining trust, which may impact engagement in protective health behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A. Matson
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shang-en Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J. Dennis Fortenberry
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kristen Hassmiller Lich
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Ellen
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tobore TO. Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Love: The Quadruple Theory. Front Psychol 2020; 11:862. [PMID: 32508711 PMCID: PMC7248243 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Scholars across an array of disciplines including social psychologists have been trying to explain the meaning of love for over a century but its polysemous nature has made it difficult to fully understand. In this paper, a quadruple framework of attraction, resonance or connection, trust, and respect are proposed to explain the meaning of love. The framework is used to explain how love grows and dies and to describe brand love, romantic love, and parental love. The synergistic relationship between the factors and how their variations modulate the intensity or levels of love are discussed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Arikewuyo AO, Eluwole KK, Özad B. Influence of Lack of Trust on Romantic Relationship Problems: The Mediating Role of Partner Cell Phone Snooping. Psychol Rep 2020; 124:348-365. [PMID: 31928378 DOI: 10.1177/0033294119899902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We investigated how a lack of trust in one's romantic partner exacerbates problems such as emotional instability, conflict, or intention to break up in relationships with the role of cell phone snooping as a mediator. A cross-sectional survey of married individuals (n = 329) was conducted using an online questionnaire. Results indicate that lack of trust is a significant predictor of romantic relationship problems. In addition, structural equation modeling results support the theoretical model indicating that cell phone snooping partially mediates the significant relationship between emotional instability, intention to break up, and conflicts. Findings support the development of trust in romantic partners as an approach to stability and avoidance of problems in romantic relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulgaffar O Arikewuyo
- Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Turkey
| | - Kayode K Eluwole
- Faculty of Tourism, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Turkey
| | - Bahire Özad
- Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Garceau C, Ronis ST. A qualitative investigation of expected versus actual initial sexual experiences before age 16. J Adolesc 2019; 71:38-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
7
|
Norona JC, Welsh DP, Olmstead SB, Bliton CF. The Symbolic Nature of Trust in Heterosexual Adolescent Romantic Relationships. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1673-1684. [PMID: 28508300 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-0971-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Trust contributes to young people's capacity for sustaining current and future successful relationships. To date, research has yet to examine the meaning of trust in early dating relationships and reasons for its deterioration. The present study focused on video-recorded conversations about trust between 34 heterosexual adolescent couples in dating relationships living in the U.S. Transcripts from these conversations were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis to identify adolescents' meanings of trust and reasons they provided for a lack of trust in their romantic partners. All 34 couples identified concerns specifically related to infidelity. Six major themes for not trusting romantic partners emerged. Results suggested that the lack of trust in romantic relationships might stem from several areas that are directly and indirectly related to the current relationship, including low self-esteem, the experience of betrayal in past romantic relationships, partners' extradyadic behaviors, and gossip among peers. Importantly, peers can play a defining role in influencing young people's perceptions of their romantic partners and developing or sustaining trust in their romantic relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerika C Norona
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
| | - Deborah P Welsh
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Spencer B Olmstead
- Department of Child and Family Studies, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Chloe F Bliton
- Department of Psychology, College of the Liberal Arts, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Templeton M, Lohan M, Kelly C, Lundy L. A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of adolescents' views of sexual readiness. J Adv Nurs 2016; 73:1288-1301. [PMID: 27862186 DOI: 10.1111/jan.13207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to synthesize the qualitative evidence investigating adolescents' views on heterosexual readiness. BACKGROUND Adolescents' understandings of sexual readiness are often missing in research and debates on sexual health and related concepts like sexual consent. Research to date has predominantly focussed on age and socio-cultural predictors of sexual debut, thus failing to explain how adolescents themselves conceptualize their readiness for heterosexual relations. DESIGN A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, Psychinfo, PubMed, Web of science were searched, 1985-Feb 2016. REVIEW METHODS Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist was used to assess methodological quality. A thematic synthesis focused on commonalities and variations in the data from included studies on adolescents' perspectives of their readiness for sex. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included. Themes identified were: social learning, relationships and implications for sexual health promotion and practice. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents may not view initiating sex as problematic, focusing instead on the rewards sex brings and less on health concerns. Adolescents tend to reproduce dominant gender norms of masculinity and femininity in communication about sexual decision-making, which are sometimes influenced by social scripts of career aspirations and ethnic identity. Age was also significant in adolescents' accounts. Early adolescence is a critical period when understandings of gender equality become embedded, thus an opportunity to engage adolescents in critiquing ideas about gender equality and sexual rights. Further research exploring adolescents' understandings of sexual readiness is required. We recommend a participatory approach to support the inclusion of adolescent voices to inform contextually relevant sexual health promotion strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Lohan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Carmel Kelly
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Laura Lundy
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mullinax M, Sanders S, Higgins J, Dennis B, Reece M, Fortenberry JD. Establishment of safety paradigms and trust in emerging adult relationships. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2016; 18:890-904. [PMID: 26943023 PMCID: PMC4914442 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1148779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
There is a critical need to understand the interplay between relationship trust and public health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of emerging adult women's processes of establishing trust in sexual relationships. Twenty-five women aged 18-24 years participated in semi-structured interviews. Throughout the interviews, women compared and contrasted experiences in which they felt comfortable engaging in sexual intercourse with a partner versus times in which they did not feel comfortable. Analysis was based on a critical qualitative research orientation. When asked to speak to instances when they felt comfortable having sex, most women spoke about relationship trust. Many participants conceptualised trust based on past experiences with bad relationships or sexual violence. Based on their previous experiences of feeling unsafe or undervalued, emotional and physical security became prioritised in relationship development. Trust was developed through friendship, communication over time, and through shared life experiences. This research is among the first to qualitatively investigate trust formation and other impersonal dynamics related to sexual health decision-making. Insights from this study should be translated into future action by public health practitioners to promote healthy sexual relationships and communication about sexual health topics as a form of trust building.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margo Mullinax
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
| | - Stephanie Sanders
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
- Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
| | - Jenny Higgins
- Department of Gender and Women’s Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Barbara Dennis
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
| | - Michael Reece
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
| | - J. Dennis Fortenberry
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
| |
Collapse
|