The Influence of Separation Anxiety, Love, and Relationship Length on Controlling Behavior toward a Romantic Partner

Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence mechanism for “controlling behavior toward a romantic partner.” “The Scale of Separation Anxiety to Romantic Partner” was developed in Study 1 to measure the state anxiety which occurs in a romantic relationship. Two separate samples were used, composed of 291 undergraduates and 370 undergraduates. The scale was confirmed to have sufficient reliability and validity. In Study 2, we developed a scale for controlling behavior toward a romantic partner, with a sample of 586 undergraduates. The factor analysis indicated two factors: Violent Control Behavior and Restraint Control Behavior. Next, the relations of each factor of control behavior and the other variables (separation anxiety to romantic partner, three factors of love, relationship length) were examined. The results showed that the two control behaviors were influenced by an interaction of separation anxiety to romantic partner and relationship length.View full abstract