Abstract
This study re-examined the role of romantic relationship characteristics in unwanted pursuit behavior (UPB) perpetration.
Relationship characteristics were investigated accounting for the role of breakup characteristics using data from 396 divorced
adults and advanced count regressions. The main effects of former relationship characteristics (except conflict) did not contribute
explained variance to the frequency of UPBs when controlling for significant breakup characteristics (initiator status and
post-breakup negative affect). However, moderator analyses revealed significant effects of relationship satisfaction, alternatives,
investments, and anxious attachment in interaction with initiator status and of relationship alternatives in interaction with
post-breakup negative affect. These findings illustrate that the association between relationship characteristics and UPB
perpetration is more complex than previously thought and are theoretically and clinically valuable.
Relationship characteristics were investigated accounting for the role of breakup characteristics using data from 396 divorced
adults and advanced count regressions. The main effects of former relationship characteristics (except conflict) did not contribute
explained variance to the frequency of UPBs when controlling for significant breakup characteristics (initiator status and
post-breakup negative affect). However, moderator analyses revealed significant effects of relationship satisfaction, alternatives,
investments, and anxious attachment in interaction with initiator status and of relationship alternatives in interaction with
post-breakup negative affect. These findings illustrate that the association between relationship characteristics and UPB
perpetration is more complex than previously thought and are theoretically and clinically valuable.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-012-9437-1
- Authors
- Olivia De Smet, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Tom Loeys, Department of Data Analysis, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 1, Ghent, 9000 Belgium
- Ann Buysse, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482