LE3 .A278 2023

2023

Holmberg, Diane
Bell, Kathryn

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

A model of relationship quality and stability, adapted from Pietromonaco and Overall (2021), was tested within the context of COVID-19 to better understand the facets behind why relationships may dissolve. The current model was tested using data collected from a longitudinal on-line survey, N =287, with each measure being taken at a different time point. Results indicated that the model fit the data well. Vulnerable individuals (those more intolerant of uncertainty, within the LGBTQ+ community, and experiencing more external stressors) perceived higher individual stress. Increased individual stress further impacted romantic relationships predicting increased maladaptive relationship processes, which predicted lower quality and stability of the relationship. Most notably, the addition of individual stress within the current model received stronger support than direct pathways between vulnerabilities and romantic relationships proposed in previous models, suggesting that individual stress is a potential mechanism through which vulnerabilities impact romantic relationships. This thesis expands on previous literature by empirically examining a model of romantic relationships in a longitudinal format. This work has implications for understanding how romantic relationships unfold, which could aid practitioners in prevention and intervention methods within couple’s therapy. Future work should examine the same model with different samples, different measures, and including the partner’s perspective in the model.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:4033