Selections of Coping behavior to Interpersonal Conflict with a Romantic Partner as a Function of Exclusivity in the Romantic Relationship

Abstract

This study examined how exclusivity of a romantic relationship influences the selection of coping behaviors in interpersonal conflict with the romantic partner. We predicted that high exclusivity in romantic relationships suppresses selection of adaptive coping behaviors conducive to the well-being of participants. Respondents were 108 young adults who have a romantic partner or a spouse. They completed a questionnaire that consisted of scales of perceived social support from their partners and nine other support sources, as well as coping behaviors in interpersonal conflict with their partners. Analyses revealed that, consistently with predictions, respondents with low exclusivity, that is, those who received emotional support from not only their partners but also other support sources, selected more constructive coping behavior, if duration of their relation was long. In contrast, respondents with high exclusivity selected less constructive coping behaviors, even if duration of their relation was long. From these results, we argue that exclusivity of romantic relationships can be maladaptative.View full abstract