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ORCID

N/A

Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Degree Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Science (M.S.)

Year Degree Awarded

2017

Month Degree Awarded

September

Abstract

Because of the numerous ways to operationalize power, much of the literature about power in relationships has not been cohesive. However, to understand when and how perceptions of power are associated with behaviors in relationships, multiple conceptualizations of power must be considered along with personal characteristics. The present study tested how perceptions of general power and situational power interact to predict negative behaviors during relationship conflict for people of various attachment orientations. Additionally, we tested if effects remained stable or changed over the early years of marriage. We found that low general and low situational influence did interact to predict less hostility than different combinations of influence, which did not support my hypothesis. Largely, we did not find systematic support that attachment style was a relevant moderator in considering influence and negative conflict behavior, with one interaction between general influence, situational influence, gender, and avoidance as an exception. Finally, we found that the proposed effects did not differ over time.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/10320816

First Advisor

Paula R. Pietromonaco

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