Simple reflection exercises can build efficacy and reduce distress about relationship conflicts

IF 1.8 4区心理学 Q2 COMMUNICATION

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Pub Date : 2024-04-12 DOI:10.1111/pere.12545

Emily M. Britton, Denise C. Marigold, Ian McGregor

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Serious conflicts in close personal relationships can be highly distressing and tempting to ignore, but avoidance of conflict is maladaptive. In the present research, we tested the effectiveness of short conflict‐reflection interventions to promote constructive engagement with conflicts. In Study 1 (N = 358), a relatively unstructured, conflicted‐reflection intervention significantly reduced distress and bolstered confidence in partners' ability to resolve their relationship conflicts. Study 2 (N = 411) further revealed that this intervention was as, or nearly as effective as more elaborate interventions that prescribed specific, theory‐based, therapeutic elements. Together, results reveal that even brief episodes of constructive reflection on relationship conflicts can improve confidence and reduce distress about them. The positive effects of a relatively unstructured reflection suggest people already have adaptive intuitions about how to more effectively manage conflicts in their relationships and can benefit from brief reflections on how to apply them.

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简单的反思练习可以提高效能，减少人际关系冲突带来的困扰

在亲密的人际关系中，严重的冲突会给人带来极大的痛苦，很容易被忽视，但回避冲突是不适应的。在本研究中，我们测试了短期冲突反思干预对促进建设性参与冲突的有效性。在研究 1（N = 358）中，一个相对非结构化的冲突反思干预显著减少了困扰，并增强了伴侣对解决关系冲突能力的信心。研究 2（N = 411）进一步显示，这种干预与规定了具体的、以理论为基础的治疗要素的更复杂的干预一样有效，或者几乎同样有效。总之，研究结果表明，即使是对关系冲突进行简短的建设性反思，也能增强人们的信心，减少对关系冲突的困扰。相对无序的反思所产生的积极效果表明，人们对于如何更有效地处理人际关系中的冲突已经有了适应性直觉，并能从如何应用这些直觉的简短反思中受益。

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来源期刊

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Multiple-

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

6.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： Personal Relationships, first published in 1994, is an international, interdisciplinary journal that promotes scholarship in the field of personal relationships using a wide variety of methodologies and throughout a broad range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, communication studies, anthropology, family studies, child development, social work, and gerontology. The subject matter and approach of Personal Relationships will be of interest to researchers, teachers, and practitioners. Manuscripts examining a wide range of personal relationships, including those between romantic or intimate partners, spouses, parents and children, siblings, classmates, coworkers, neighbors, and friends are welcome.