Citation

Murray SL, Bellavia GM, Rose P, Griffin DW. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 2003; 84(1): 126-147.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, American Psychological Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A daily diary study examined how chronic perceptions of a partner's regard affect how intimates interpret and respond to daily relationship stresses. Spouses each completed a diary for 21 days. Multilevel analyses revealed that people who felt less positively regarded read more into stressful events than did people who felt highly regarded, feeling more hurt on days after acute threats, such as those posed by a moody or ill-behaved partner. Intimates who felt less valued responded to feeling hurt by behaving badly toward their partner on subsequent days. In contrast, intimates who felt more valued responded to feeling hurt by drawing closer to their partner. Ironically, chronically activated needs for belongingness might lead people who are trying to find acceptance to undermine their marriage.