Predicting change in relationship insecurity: The roles of compassionate and self‐image goals

Abstract

It was hypothesized that self-image goals to construct, defend, and maintain desired images of the self enhance relationship insecurity, whereas compassionate goals to support others diminish relationship insecurity. Study 1 followed 115 new college roommates for 3 weeks; Study 2 followed 230 new college roommates across a semester. Both studies assessed self-image and compassionate goals for and anxiety and avoidance in the roommate relationship. Self-image goals predicted increased relationship anxiety and avoidance across 3 weeks (Study 1) and within weeks, from week to week, and across 3 months (Study 2). Compassionate goals consistently predicted decreased relationship anxiety and avoidance across studies and analyses. These results suggest that through their interpersonal goals, people contribute directly to their own relationship insecurity.

The association between compassionate goals and relational-interdependent self-construal

“…Both the anxiety and avoidance subscales had good internal consistency (anxiety α=.84; avoidance α=.85). For detailed information about the scale, see Canevello, Granillo, & Crocker (2013, Study 1).…”

“…People with secure attachment styles have a positive model of both the self and their relationship partners, so they view themselves as worthy of care and partners as trustworthy, which may lead them to have higher RSCs than people with insecure attachment styles. Because compassionate goals predict increased relationship security toward relationship partners (Canevello et al., 2013), attachment styles in specific relationships may account for the association.…”

Social Motivation: Costs and Benefits of Selfishness and Otherishness

“…Similarly, self-image goals are associated with less responsiveness ) and less support provision (Crocker & Canevello 2008) to relationship partners, as well as more interpersonal conflict (Crocker & Canevello 2008). Self-image goals also predict decreased relationship stability via increased relationship avoidance and anxiety (Canevello et al 2013).…”

“…When people have compassionate goals, feelings of closeness, support, and trust within their relationships increase (Crocker & Canevello 2008, Hadden et al 2014. Furthermore, people with compassionate goals become more secure (less anxious and avoidant) in their relationships over time (Canevello et al 2013). Compassionate goals predict increased responsiveness to relationship partners, which in turn predicts increased relationship quality for both people .…”

Compassionate goals and affect in social situations

“…Conflicts such as arguments or disagreements may cause people to feel less at ease and connected when interacting with others if the conflicts prompt questions about how accommodating to be, or whether the costs of the relationship outweigh the benefits (e.g., Rusbult, Verette, Whitney, Slovik, & Lipkus, 1991). Given that many of these constructs are also related to compassionate goals (Canevello & Crocker, 2011; Canevello, Granillo, & Crocker, 2013; Crocker & Canevello, 2008), it is possible that one or more of these factors might account for associations between compassionate goals and feelings of ease and connection. The present studies test this possibility.…”