RELATIONSHIPS OF COMMUNICATIVE RESPONSES TO JEALOUSY WITH ATTACHMENT STYLES IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

Jealousy is an integral part of romantic relationships. However, their constructiveness or, on the contrary, their destructive effect on relationships depends to a significant extent on the reaction. The choice of communication tactics is determined in a certain way by the style of attachment to a romantic partner. In Ukraine, this problem is weakly studied but relevant as a theoretical and practical question considering the possibility of appropriate educational work implementation and prevention of destructive conflicts among young couples. The purpose of the study is to systematize information about jealousy and determine the strength and nature of the connection between attachment styles and communicative responses among young people's romantic relationships. In the study we`ve used the Ukrainian adaptation of «The Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R)» technique by Fraley, Waller & Brennan (2000) and a questionnaire based on the selection of 11 communicative reactions of Guerrero; descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis were used for statistical analysis; open answers of 115 people aged 17 to 26 were collected for qualitative analysis. Weak linear relationships were found between attachment style scales and some communicative responses. Securely attached individuals chose the «Integrative Communication» tactic, anxious-preoccupied people chose «Surveillance Behavior», individuals with a dismissive-avoidant style chose «Avoidance/Denial», and those with a fearful-avoidant style chose «Manipulation Attempts». Such factors as the existance of a romantic relationship and gender influenced the choice of «Distributive Communication», «Rival Contact», and «Avoidance/Denial» strategies. The article continued Guerrero's research and expanded the understanding of the connection between communication tactics and attachment styles in romantic relationships. The results of the study are important and valuable, since misunderstanding of each other's behavior and reacting sharply to situations that cause jealousy are one of the most common psychological factors of conflict in a couple. It can help to understand your partner better, predict his or her reaction and prevent divorce.