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Ex-couples' unwanted pursuit behavior: an actor-partner interdependence model approach
Olivia De Smet1, Tom Loeys, Ann Buysse
1Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, Ghent, Belgium. Olivia.DeSmet@UGent.be
Summary
Post-breakup unwanted pursuit behavior (UPB) is influenced by both partners, not just the individual. Understanding relationship dynamics is key to addressing UPB perpetration after divorce.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Unwanted pursuit behavior (UPB) involves repeated, unwanted intrusions in pursuit of a relationship, often post-breakup.
- Existing research on post-breakup UPB primarily focuses on individual (actor) effects, neglecting relational dynamics.
- The concept of interdependence suggests that relationship behaviors are influenced by both partners within a dyad.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate partner effects that contribute to unwanted pursuit behavior (UPB) perpetration after relationship dissolution.
- To examine how interdependence, including actor, partner, and gender effects, influences post-divorce UPB.
- To explore the roles of anxious attachment, relationship satisfaction, alternatives, investments, and conflict in UPB perpetration.
Main Methods:
- Employed actor-partner interdependence models (APIM) with a sample of 46 heterosexual divorced couples from Flanders.
- Analyzed actor, partner, and gender main and interaction effects for key relationship variables.
- Assessed predictors including anxious attachment, satisfaction, quality of alternatives, investments, and relational conflict.
Main Results:
- Significant Partner × Gender interactions were found for anxious attachment and relationship satisfaction.
- Actor × Partner interactions for anxious attachment and quality of alternatives were significant.
- A marginally significant partner effect of relational conflict further highlighted dyadic influences on UPB perpetration.
Conclusions:
- UPB perpetration is significantly influenced by dyadic factors, extending beyond individual psychological explanations.
- Partner effects and gender interactions play a crucial role in understanding post-divorce unwanted pursuit behavior.
- A systemic, dyadic approach is recommended for clinical interventions addressing unwanted pursuit behavior.
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