Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The aim of this explorative qualitative study is to examine the experiences of intimate relationships boundaries towards others outside the relationship. A heterogeneous group of seven participants have purposely been recruited, enabling a greater variety in experiences of relationship boundaries. Using thematic analysis, the experiences of relationship boundaries have been identified both as fixed and mobile. The boundaries of sexual activity with others seem fixed to a greater extent than e.g. romantic feelings and fantasies. Moreover are the boundaries dependent on a number of factors such as the relationship with others outside the intimate relationship, gender, hurting the other, openness, feelings, involvement, need for support and number of times. These factors may be explained in terms of appraisal of threat/controllability and utilitarian principles. Finally, a number of approaches to the boundaries have been identified, such as setting out boundaries, adapting and asymmetric adapting. The results of this study may be of use in modulating the perceptions of infidelity in current research and in providing both individuals and relational therapists a greater comprehension of situational and individual variations in jealousy.
Authors: Jon Andersson Havemose, Emma Magnusson
Language: Swedish
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1865716121