Longitudinal effect of defensive denial on relationship instability.

Abstract

Maladaptive communication may often undermine the long-term stability of romantic relationships. We hypothesized that defensive denial may be a salient type of maladaptive communication that erodes relationship stability over time because it may lead to more caustic conflict-escalating behaviors. Additionally, we hypothesized that defensive denial observed in romantic relationships could be linked back to defensive denial observed in the family of origin. Using data from the Family Transitions Project, we specified longitudinal models in which observed defensive denial in romantic relationships affected self-reported and partner-reported relationship instability both directly and indirectly through self-reported and partner-reported conflict-escalating behaviors. Models also traced defensive denial observed in romantic relationships back to defensive denial observed in the family of origin nearly 10 years earlier, while participants were in late adolescence. Results from structural equation models supported the first two hypotheses. For both men and women, defensive denial was mediated by conflict-escalating behaviors to cause greater relationship instability over time. Additionally, there was evidence that the expressions of defensive denial in romantic relationships may have been learned in the family of origin for women, but not for men.

Individual, couple, and contextual factors associated with same-sex relationship instability.

“…The final four items were: "I have thought that my relationship might be in trouble," "The thought of breaking up or ending the relationship has crossed my mind," "I have discussed ending my relationship with a close friend," and "My partner or I have seriously suggested the idea of ending our relationship." Similar revisions of this measure used with unmarried different-sex cohabitors have demonstrated good psychometric properties (Lannin, Bittner, & Lorenz, 2013). Participants responded to each item on a 5-point scale (0 ϭ never; 4 ϭ very often).…”

“…Specifically, we replaced the word “marriage” with “relationship” and “divorce” with “breaking up or ending my relationship” and deleted one item that asked about consulting an attorney regarding a possible divorce or separation, given that many same-sex couples do not have legal recognition. The final four items were: “I have thought that my relationship might be in trouble,” “The thought of breaking up or ending the relationship has crossed my mind,” “I have discussed ending my relationship with a close friend,” and “My partner or I have seriously suggested the idea of ending our relationship.” Similar revisions of this measure used with unmarried different-sex cohabitors have demonstrated good psychometric properties (Lannin, Bittner, & Lorenz, 2013). Participants responded to each item on a 5-point scale (0 = never ; 4 = very often ).…”

Bonding With Adolescents in Foster Care: Perspectives of Foster Parents

“…Salas, Garcia-Martin, Fuentes, Bernedo (2015) found that foster children's self-esteem was negatively affected by criticism and rejection. Lannin, Bittner, and Lorenz (2013) noted that a defensive approach to communicating in conflict often increased conflict. In addition to an increase in behavioral problems, an increase in conflict between foster children and foster parents was associated with poor bonding experiences among foster children (Denuwelaere & Bracke, 2007).…”

Legal and social ceremonies to formalize same-sex relationships: Associations with commitment, social support, and relationship outcomes.

“…The final 4 items were: (“I have thought that my relationship might be in trouble,” “The thought of breaking up or ending the relationship has crossed my mind,” “I have discussed ending my relationship with a close friend,” and “My partner or I have seriously suggested the idea of ending our relationship”). Similar revisions of this measure used with unmarried different-sex cohabiting couples have demonstrated good psychometric properties (Lannin et al, 2013). Participants responded to each item on a 5-point scale (0 = never ; 4 = very often ).…”