Adolescents' romantic attachment style, conflict goals and strategies a mediational analysis /

by Neufeld, Jennie.

Valerie Simon, Ph.D., Advisor Recently, researchers have begun to use attachment theory to explain individual differences in conflict resolution behaviors with romantic partners (e.g., Creasy & Hesson- McInnis, 2001). The purpose of the current study was to explore whether individual differences in romantic attachment styles are associated with particular types of social goals during romantic conflict that mediate links to conflict behavior. After controlling for demographic variables that were highly related to the key study variables, few of the expected mediational models were supported. The one exception was that intimacy enhancement goals were found to mediate the relationship between secure romantic attachment style and constructive conflict resolution. Our findings point to the importance of controlling for various demographic variables such as gender and romantic relationship characteristics. iii I would like to dedicate this thesis to my parents for all the love and support they have shown me. It has not been an easy road but they have always been there to encourage and lift me up when I was down. I would also like to dedicate this thesis to my boyfriend Shane. I do not know what I would do without you. I would not have survived the last 4 years without your love and encouragement. You are an incredible source of motivation and inspiration. To the rest of my friends and family thank you for everything you have done to help me over the years. iv