Masters Theses
Date of Award
12-2012
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Major
Psychology
Major Professor
James K. McNulty
Committee Members
Lowell Gaertner, Michael Olson
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between implicitly assessed (i.e., unexpressed, sometimes unconscious, “gut-level”) attitudes and explicitly assessed attitudes in romantic couples. 135 newlywed couples were examined in a laboratory session. A series of Hierarchical Linear Models were run to assess whether implicitly assessed attitudes predict the use of demand-withdraw behaviors in conflict discussion tasks. Results indicate that, for demand behaviors, there is a 3-way interaction between implicitly assessed attitudes, participant sex, and partner behavior during the discussion task. Implicitly assessed attitudes did not predict withdraw behaviors. Theoretical implications for both implicitly assessed attitudes research and romantic relationships research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Shaffer, Matthew Jason, "Implicitly and Explicitly Assessed Relationship Satisfaction. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2012.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/1404