Current and Dissolved Relationships: Descriptive and Aftributional Dimensions and Predictors of Involvement

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate people's constructions of past and present relationships and to determine the predictors of affect related to the two kinds of relationships. The results showed similar affect and commitment factors for both kinds of relationships. Self and partner factors emerged as separated dimensions for dissolved relationships but current relationships were typified by their merger. Regression analyses showed different variables as predictors of affect related to past and present relationships. Subjects who were older and who had fewer previous relationships reported higher levels of affect related to current relationships. On the other hand, longer duration of relationship and being the person who is deserted were related to greater affect concerning dissolved relationships. External causal attribution was related to reports of greater affect concerning past relationships but to reports of lower levels of affect concerning present relationship.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Anderson, C.A. & Arnoult, L.H. (1985) `Attributional Models of Depression, Loneliness and Shyness', in J.H. Harvey & G. Weary (eds) Attribution: Basic Issues and Applications. New York and London: Academic Press.

Duck, S.W. (1985) `Social and Personal Relationships', in M.L. Knapp & G.R. Miller (eds) Handbook of Interpersonal Communication. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Fletcher, G.J.O. , Fincham, F.D. , Cramer, L. & Heron, N. (1987) `The Role of Attributions in the Development of Dating Relationships', Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 53: 481-489.

Hill, C.T. , Rubin, Z. & Peplau, L.A. (1976) `Breakups before Marriage: The End of 103 Affairs', Journal of Social Issues 32: 147-168.

Hortaçsu, N. & Karancl, N. (1987) `Premarital Breakups in a Turkish Sample: Perceived Reasons, Attributional Dimensions and Affective Reactions', International Journal of Psychology 22: 57-74.

Nie, N.H. , Hull, C.H. , Jenkins, J.G. , Steinbenner, K. & Bent, D.H. (1975) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Surra, C.A. , Arizzi, P. & Asmussen, L.A. (1988) `The Association between Reasons for Commitment and the Development and Outcome of Marital Relationships', Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 5: 47-63.