Actor and Partner Effects of Adolescents' Romantic Working Models and Styles on Interactions with Romantic Partners

Abstract

The present study examined how adolescents' and their romantic partners' romantic working models and relational styles were related to their interactions with each other. Sixty-five couples (M age = 18.1 years) were observed interacting. Romantic working models were assessed in interviews about their romantic experiences; romantic styles were assessed by self-report. Data were analyzed using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model. Working models of romantic relationships, especially girls' models, were predictive of their behavior, the partners' behavior, and the dyads' behavior. Fewer links were found between relational styles and observed behavior. The present study extends past work by showing that representations of romantic relationships influence or are influenced by romantic interactions, even as these representations and relationships are just developing.

One-sided and mutually aggressive couples: Differences in attachment, conflict prevalence, and coping

“…There is a large body of literature documenting associations between attachment security, health, and romantic functioning (e.g., Davila, Steinberg, Kachadourian, Cobb, & Fincham, 2004;Hazan & Shaver, 1987). Working models of attachment originally developed for parent-child relationships are often applied to romantic partnerships (Furman & Simon, 2006). Accordingly, in romantic relationships, secure individuals are comfortable being intimate and are able to turn to and effectively use partners for support.…”

Analyzing Mixed-Dyadic Data Using Structural Equation Models

“…Y 1 ; an intrapersonal or "actor" effect), and if the predictor variable score of the first dyad member is significantly related to the response variable score of the second dyad member (i.e., X 1 ! Y 2 ; an interpersonal or "partner" effect; Cook & Kenny, 2005;Furman & Simon, 2006;Kenny, 1996). A traditional SEM analysis model used to answer research questions involving dyadic intrapersonal and interpersonal relationship patterns is the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM; cf.…”

Peer Relationships in Adolescence

“…For example, there is a small cadre of studies that conceives of certain peer alliances in terms of attachment relationships (e.g., Freeman & Brown, 2001 ;Furman & Simon, 2006 ;Marsh et al, 2006 ); this is most common with reference to romantic issues (see chapter 4 , this volume). Studies of attachment to friends or lovers, or investigations of how working models or attachment state of mind affects the course of peer relationships, are important to pursue.…”