Under Pressure: The Effects of Stress on Positive and Negative Relationship Behaviors

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of acute stress on positive and negative relationship behaviors, specifically assurances and attention to alternatives. A sample of 129 college students were randomly assigned to either a high or low stress condition, then were led to believe they had the opportunity to interact with attractive potential relationship partners and list compliments about their current partner. Results indicated that those in the high stress condition gave their partner fewer assurances and paid more attention to alternatives. These results suggest that when individuals experience acute stress, they may engage in fewer positive relationship behaviors and more behaviors that are potentially harmful to their relationship.

Keywords:

• assurances
• attention to alternatives
• compliments
• infidelity
• stress

Notes

1. 1. To determine participants’ perception of the pictures’ attractiveness, we asked “How physically attractive were the people in the pictures?” and had participants indicate ratings on a 7 point scale, ranging from 1 (not at all) to 7 (very much). Overall, participants considered the single set of opposite-sex pictures above average in attractiveness (M = 4.81; SD = 1.81), and a one-sample t-test confirmed that the average rating was significantly higher than the scale midpoint, t(128) = 7.03, p < .001.

2. 2. Prior to hypothesis testing, we conducted a series of independent means t-tests to determine if there were any differences between conditions on potential covariates (relationship length, relationship satisfaction). There were no significant differences between conditions for relationship length, t(124) = –0.81, p = .42, effect size (d) = .14; or relationship satisfaction, t (127) = 1.04, p = .30, effect size (d) = .18.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gary W. Lewandowski

Gary W. Lewandowski, Jr. is affiliated with the Department of Psychology, Monmouth University and is the Editor of www.scienceofrelationships.com.

Brent A. Mattingly

Brent A. Mattingly is affiliated with the Department of Psychology, Ursinus College.

Annabelle Pedreiro

Annabelle Pedreiro is affiliated with the Department of Psychology, Monmouth University.