Balancing connectedness and self-protection goals in close relationships: a levels-of-processing perspective on risk regulation.
A model of risk regulation is proposed to explain how low and high self-esteem people balance the tension between self-protection and connectedness goals in romantic relationships. This model assumes that interpersonal risk automatically activates connectedness and self-protection goals. The activation of these competing goals then triggers an executive control system that resolves this goal conflict. One correlational study and 8 experiments manipulating risk, goal strength, and executive strength and then measuring implicit and explicit goal activation and execution strongly supported the model. For people high in self-esteem, risk triggers a control system that directs them toward the situations of dependence within their relationship that can fulfill connectedness goals. For people low in self-esteem, however, the activation of connectedness goals triggers a control system that prioritizes self-protection goals and directs them away from situations where they need to trust or depend on their partner.
Murray
Sandra L
SL
Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260-4110, USA. smurray@buffalo.edu
Derrick
Jaye L
JL
Leder
Sadie
S
Holmes
John G
JG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003380:Courtship / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012059:Rejection, Psychology; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012649:Self Concept; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology*