Self-Presentation as a Function of Closeness and Perceived Partner Characteristics

In everyday interactions, people engage in identity negotiations with the goal of establishing a mutually agreed upon identity for each interactant. Self-presentation is the mode by which people engage in these negotiations. Identity negotiations occur in response to the perception that there is a mismatch between the interaction partner’s perceptions and the self’s desired identity; yet, no research has examined what may influence such evaluations by the self. Additionally, previous research has found relationship factors to be of importance in predicting self-presentation. In the current set of studies, I examined closeness, and perceptions of positive and negative partner characteristics as predictors of self-presentation (Study 1) and of satisfaction with the interaction and the relationship (Study 2). Results indicated that closeness is a strong predictor of self-presentation, as are perceptions of positive and negative characteristics. These variables, however, interact to predict self-presentation, such that when more self-presentation was reported the fewer positive or negative characteristics they perceived in interaction partners with whom they felt close.. Such perceptions of positive and negative characteristics were also associated with satisfaction with the interaction and with the relationship; self-presentation was, however, not a unique predictor of the satisfaction variables. These findings suggest that increased self-presentation may occur in response to both positive and negative situational factors, and that self-presentation may not lead directly to negative interpersonal outcomes, but may do so because of other factors in the situation.Psychology, Department o

Coping With the Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Among South African Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) continues to be a serious problem worldwide. South Africa has a high prevalence of women experiencing IPV. Although much research reports on the prevalence rates, risk factors, and consequences of IPV, fewer studies report on how women deal with the experiences of IPV. Objective: This systematic review of the empirical literature aimed to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on women’s experiences of coping with IPV in South Africa. Methods: A four-level search and retrieval strategy using PRISMA and JBI guidelines was conducted, which included critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis. Ten studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. They were assessed to meet a set threshold (7/10) based on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. All studies were conducted between 2010 and 2020, conducted in South Africa, and used qualitative methodologies to accomplish the overall aim of investigating IPV experiences of women and their responses to it. Results: The total number of women included in the studies was 159. The data extraction yielded 49 findings of which 47 were aggregated into 14 categories and three themes: (1) help- and support-seeking coping, (2) emotional regulation coping, and (3) problem avoidance and distraction coping. Help- and support-seeking coping refers to women’s responses when they seek instrumental aid, advice, comfort, and/or understanding from others. Emotional regulation includes responses of women in which their emotions were expressed or regulated. Problem avoidance and distraction coping represent responses of women in which they take efforts to avoid thinking about the problem situation and rather reshift their focus. Conclusion: Overall, this review found that a variety of coping responses are used by South African women experiencing IPV. The findings point to the need for understanding IPV and responses to it within a broader social context rather than just at the persona

Who you are matters to how I ‘show’ myself: The differential self-presentation to friends and intimate partners

Self-presentation is a communication behavior by which we convey to others who we are (Arkin, 1981). In the context of existing relationships, it can be construed as a relationship maintenance behavior (Baumeister, 1982; Schlenker, 2003), however only little research has examined self-presentation in existing relationships. The current study examined whether type of relationship influences the extent to which a person engages in self-presentation. Two hundred and thirty participants were randomly assigned to romantic partner or friend condition and completed self-report measures. Results revealed small differences in self-presentation to romantic partners versus friends. For intrapersonal factors, an insecure attachment orientation and awareness of authenticity predicted reports of self-presentation, whereas for interpersonal factors, only predictability of partner was related to self-presentation. Furthermore, friendship-contingent self-esteem significantly moderated self-presentation to friends. These results have importance for understanding impression management and subsequent interpersonal behavior within different relationships.Psychology, Department o

In It Together: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Treat Distress Among Older Adults with Sensory Loss and their Spouses

This project sought to design and test a brief, scalable digital psycho-social intervention for elderly individuals with sensory loss and their partner

Considering Attachment and Partner Perceptions in the Prediction of Physical and Emotional Sexual Satisfaction

Introduction. Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding sexual satisfaction; generally, research suggest that attachment anxiety and avoidance are associated with decreased sexual satisfaction. Given their different working models of self and other, perceptions of the partner’s level of satisfaction may differentially influence people’s own perceptions of satisfaction based on their attachment avoidance and anxiety. Aims. Across two studies, we sought to examine the predictive value of attachment anxiety and avoidance, as well as perceptions of partner satisfaction in predicting physical and emotional satisfaction after sexual interactions. Methods. Participants (Study 1 = 52, and Study 2 = 144) completed a one-time survey containing a measure of attachment, and then reported on their physical and emotional sexual satisfaction after each sexual interaction over the course of 2-3 weeks. Main Outcome Measures. The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised was completed during a one-time survey, ratings of personal physical and emotional sexual satisfaction (Study 1 and 2) as well as perceptions of partner’s physical and emotional satisfaction were completed after sexual interactions (Study 2). Results. Greater attachment avoidance was associated with lesser physical and emotional satisfaction. Moreover, when perceiving the partner to be emotionally satisfied, people with more attachment avoidance reported less emotional satisfaction for themselves. For greater attachment anxiety, greater perceived partner satisfaction (physical and emotional) predicted greater personal satisfaction of both types. Conclusion. The findings support attachment theory as a valuable lens through which to study sexual satisfaction. Moreover, the results suggest that it is important to consider perceptions of partner sexual satisfaction in understanding the sexual satisfaction people who demonstrate attachment anxiety and avoidance