Loss and the Organization of Affect

Abstract

The present studies evaluated the association between positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) following romantic relationship loss experiences, as well as following less stressful romantic relationship situations, given theoretical evidence that the structure of affect may differ following a relationship loss. Across two studies, evidence suggested that the association between NA and PA was more strongly inverse following romantic relationship loss experiences when compared to less stressful relationship experiences. Such findings provide important implications for the study of romantic relationship loss, as well as the treatment of psychopathology following romantic relationship loss.

KEYWORDS:

• negative affect
• positive affect
• romantic relationships
• loss
• stress

Notes

Note. Relationship loss group n = 177; positive group n = 103; control group n = 104. Stress = amount of stress associated with the writing exercise; uncertainty = uncertainty about future of romantic relationship associated with the writing exercise.

Note. Gender was coded as 0 = male and 1 = female. Relationship length reflects time in months. Terminator status was coded as 1 = not dumped and 2 = dumped. Breakup group participants (n = 107) are presented below the diagonal, and control group participants (n = 85) are presented above the diagonal.

*p < .05; **p < .01.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kyle W. Murdock

Kyle W. Murdock is a clinical psychology graduate student at Northern Illinois University. His research focuses on the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, with a focus on romantic and familial relationships.

Christopher P. Fagundes

Christopher P. Fagundes is a tenure track assistant professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Working in the areas of autonomic psychophysiology and psychoneuroimmunology, he investigates how the mind and body interact to affect those confronted with stressful life events such as loss and cancer. He is particularly interested in why those who come from certain vulnerable groups are differentially impacted by these events.

M. Christine Lovejoy

M. Christine Lovejoy is an associate professor of clinical psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her research focuses on the effects of parental emotion and stress on parent-child interactions.