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Published on: September 27, 2020
Balancing connectedness and self-protection goals in close relationships: a levels-of-processing perspective on risk
Sandra L Murray1, Jaye L Derrick, Sadie Leder
1Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-4110, USA. smurray@buffalo.edu
Abstract:
A model of risk regulation is proposed to explain how low and high self-esteem people balance the tension between self-protection and connectedness goals in romantic relationships. This model assumes that interpersonal risk automatically activates connectedness and self-protection goals. The activation of these competing goals then triggers an executive control system that resolves this goal conflict. One correlational study and 8 experiments manipulating risk, goal strength, and executive strength and then measuring implicit and explicit goal activation and execution strongly supported the model. For people high in self-esteem, risk triggers a control system that directs them toward the situations of dependence within their relationship that can fulfill connectedness goals. For people low in self-esteem, however, the activation of connectedness goals triggers a control system that prioritizes self-protection goals and directs them away from situations where they need to trust or depend on their partner.
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