The Influence of Goodwill, Secure Attachment, and Positively Toned Disengagement Strategy on Reports of Communication Satisfaction in Non-Marital Post-Dissolution Relationships

Abstract

Previous research on relationship dissolution focuses on the psychological and emotional effects of the break-up on the individuals, with less attention given to the quality of the post-dissolution relationship (PDR) between the former romantic partners. The objective of this study was to examine the construct of goodwill as a predictor of PDR communication quality. Results of this study show that goodwill is among the best predictors of communication satisfaction among PDR partners, in combination with less secure attachment and less positively toned disengagement strategies.

Keywords:

• Attachment Style
• Communication Satisfaction
• Disengagement
• Relationship Dissolution

We are grateful to the editor and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments.

Notes

Note. PDR = post-dissolution relationship.

∗p < .05. ∗∗p < .01. ∗∗∗p < .001.

Note. Excluded variables are as follows: behavioral de-escalation (β = .071). t(5, 196) = 1.03, p = .30; negative identity management (β = .045), t(5, 196) = 0.73, p = .46; justification (β = .103), t(5, 196) = 1.64, p = .10; de-escalation (β = .008), t(5, 196) = 0.124, p = .90; preoccupied (β = −0.46), t(2, 196) = −0.69, p = .48; and fearful (β = .061), t(2, 196) = 0.78, p = .43.

∗p < .01. ∗∗p < .001. ∗∗∗p < .0001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrea N. Lambert

Andrea N. Lambert (PhD, University of Denver, 2006) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at Northern Kentucky University.

Patrick C. Hughes

Patrick C. Hughes (PhD, University of Denver, 2000) is associate dean of University College and associate professor of Communication Studies.