Relationship-based anxiety: Using a cognitive-behavioral perspective to develop and evaluate a couples' intervention

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  • March 19, 2019
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  • Paprocki, Christine
    • Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Abstract
  • Whereas romantic relationships are commonly a source of pleasure and comfort, for some individuals they can be a source of persistent anxiety. The aim of the present investigations was to explore the construct of relationship-based anxiety using a cognitive-behavioral framework. Common behavioral patterns and cognitive tendencies seen among individuals with relationship-based anxiety were examined, including excessive reassurance-seeking, self-silencing, partner accommodation, and intolerance of uncertainty. These patterns of behaving and thinking were considered within a dyadic context, as partners’ behaviors influence and are influenced by the actions of individuals with relationship-based anxiety. This investigation involved two studies—in the first, relationship-based anxiety and its behavioral correlates were assessed in a sample of 97 couples using online surveys. In the second study, 21 couples from the UNC campus community participated in a brief, couple-based feedback intervention for relationship-based anxiety. This intervention was found to significantly decrease levels of reassurance-seeking and self-silencing among individuals with relationship anxiety, and to significantly decrease levels of maladaptive accommodation behaviors in their partners.
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  • In Copyright
Advisor
  • Abramowitz, Jonathan
  • Baucom, Donald
  • Algoe, Sara
  • Kirby, Jennifer
  • Jones, Deborah
Degree
  • Doctor of Philosophy
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School
Graduation year
  • 2015
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  • Chapel Hill, NC
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  • There are no restrictions to this item.
Date uploaded
  • January 21, 2016

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