Faculty Bibliography

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of adult attachment and relationship beliefs (dysfunctional expectations and implicit theories of relationships) for predicting interdependence in emerging adults' romantic relationships. College students at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Teaneck and Madison campuses were recruited from undergraduate psychology courses. Those students who consented to participate completed a battery of self-report measures. Bivariate correlations were computed among all variables of interest. None of the predictor variables were associated with overall ratings of relationship interdependence. Several multiple regression models were then conducted in order to assess whether attachment anxiety predicted interdependence, and whether the different relationship beliefs moderated this association. All models predicting relationship interdependence were non-significant, however some of the models predicting Strength of Influence, a subscale of interdependence, were significant. Older age and greater endorsement of the Mindreading is Expected and Disagreement is Dangerous beliefs were predictive of greater Strength of Influence scores. Exploratory analyses indicated that the interaction between gender and dysfunctional relationship beliefs approached significance in the model predicting Strength of Influence. The destiny and growth beliefs (i.e. implicit theories of relationships) were largely unrelated to either attachment anxiety or the outcome of interest, and no moderation effect was found for either belief. This study adds to our understanding of the phenomenology of relationship beliefs in emerging adulthood, particularly how such beliefs influence close relationships. In comparison to married adults, for whom dysfunctional beliefs are detrimental to relationship functioning, emerging adults who endorsed dysfunctional beliefs in this study simultaneously reported positive relationship functioning, as indicated by greater influence of their romantic partners. Such findings suggest that dysfunctional beliefs may be developmentally appropriate in emerging adulthood and may only become harmful to relationships later in the lifespan.