Two studies demonstrated that global and relationship-specific models of self and other are correlated but not redundant constructs. Relationship-specific models were operationalized in terms of significant role relationships (Study 1) and salient relationships (i.e., frequent interactions; Study 2). Longitudinal analyses (Study 1) suggested that specific models generalized to global ones over time and that global models had a small but significant effect in shaping specific models over time. Through an event-sampling method, Study 2 assessed the quality and intimacy of daily interactions over a 7-day period. In hierarchical linear modeling analyses, both global and specific relational models explained the experience of daily interactions within relationships. This research highlighted that relational or attachment models can be considered global and specific representational structures, reflecting relational and individual differences.

The authors used a relational schemas approach to test the effects of interpersonal expectations on responses to a stressful event. In Study 1, a subliminal priming technique was used to demonstrate the causal influence of experimentally activated interpersonal expectations on affect, support seeking, and coping responses to a hypothetical unplanned pregnancy. Activation of positive interpersonal expectations increased reports of seeking emotional support and decreased the use of self-denigrating coping. Activation of negative interpersonal expectations decreased reports of positive affect and tended to impede growth-oriented coping. Chronically accessible interpersonal expectations, assessed by an attachment questionnaire, were also associated with affect, seeking of support, and coping. Study 2 undermined the possibility that the experimental findings obtained with this priming procedure resulted from a mood manipulation.

No abstract

The uncertainty of relationship transitions should elicit more elaborate cognitive processing about one's relationship. As a result, reports of a type of relationship commitment distinctive from satisfaction-moral commitment-might be obtained from those about to begin long distance relationships. Students assessed prior to the academic year reported 2 types of commitment: moral and enthusiastic. Moral commitment was highly correlated with the meaning of the relationship and investment in the relationship, whereas enthusiastic commitment was highly correlated with satisfaction. Moral (but not enthusiastic) commitment predicted the subsequent survival of the relationship. Moral commitment also predicted appraisals of increased investment in and meaning of the relationship by the end of the term. Finally, moral commitment predicted negative affect and illness symptoms for those whose relationships ended. For people remaining in relationships, a new construct of moral burden emerged at Time 2. Burden was related to relationship dissatisfaction and stress and predicted the initiation of a subsequent breakup.