LE3 .A278 2019

2019

Holmberg, Diane
Blair, Karen

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

The purpose of the current thesis was to examine a hypothesized model for social network members’ (SNM) disapproval of their friend or family member’s romantic relationship. Specifically, it explored whether others’ disapproval of the relationship, accumulated evidence, cognitive rigidity, and prejudiced beliefs predicted overall relationship disapproval. The current study further investigated whether these factors varied by relationship type (i.e., visibly marginalized versus non-visibly marginalized). Using structural equation modeling, the online study (N = 486) observed a strong model fit. As hypothesized, better evidence and others’ disapproval predicted stronger SNM disapproval. However, contrary to predictions, rigid thinking and prejudice were unrelated to SNM’s disapproval. Also, no differences amongst the variables were found by relationship type. Further exploration through supplementary analyses revealed that the majority of respondents provided justifiable reasons for their disapproval, yet when choice of relationship was restricted (i.e., the relationship to be evaluated was chosen for them), prejudiced attitudes emerged. The implications and theoretical explanations for the findings are discussed

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3349