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Pursuing Safety in Social Connection: A Flexibly Fluid Perspective on Risk Regulation in Relationships.
Sandra L Murray1, Gabriela S Pascuzzi1
1Department of Psychology, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA; email: smurray@buffalo.edu, gspascuz@buffalo.edu.
Annual Review of Psychology
|August 16, 2023
Summary
People seek safe social connections, especially in romantic relationships, to feel cared for and protected. This study explores how relational cues and trust influence our need for safety in relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Humans have a fundamental need for safe social connections.
- Romantic relationships are vital for fulfilling this need for safety and security.
- Existing models of risk regulation are reconceptualized to include relational safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how individuals utilize experiences within and outside romantic relationships to satisfy their need for safety.
- To examine direct and indirect cues that signal social connection safety.
- To understand the role of chronic trust capacity in modulating responses to safety cues.
Main Methods:
- Review of direct relational cues: partner's touch, responsiveness, and power dynamics.
- Review of indirect cues: bodily sensations, social value, and living conditions.
- Examination of how chronic trust influences sensitivity to safety signals.
Main Results:
- Direct and indirect cues signal the safety of social connections, influencing approach or avoidance behaviors.
- A partner's affectionate touch, responsiveness, and power dynamics are key relational safety indicators.
- Individual differences in trust capacity significantly affect reactivity to safety cues.
Conclusions:
- Reconceptualized risk-regulation model integrates relational experiences for safety.
- Understanding safety cues and trust is crucial for maintaining healthy social bonds.
- Future research should further investigate these mechanisms in diverse relational contexts.
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