Work

When does spousal social control provoke negative reactions in the context of chronic illness? The pivotal role of patients’ expectations

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Spouses often monitor and seek to alter each other's health behavior, but such social control attempts can provoke behavioral resistance and emotional distress. Expectations regarding spouses' roles in their partners' health may influence reactions to spousal social control, with resistance and hostility less likely to occur among people who believe spouses should be involved in their partners' health. Evidence consistent with this idea emerged in a study of 191 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients with greater expectations for spousal involvement (particularly females) generally reacted less negatively to spousal control. The findings help to clarify when people with a chronic illness are likely to resist and resent, rather than appreciate, spousal control.

Source: Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

DOI: 10.1177/0265407510391335

Authors: Karen S. Rook, Kristin J. August, Mary Ann Parris Stephens, Melissa M. Franks

Institutions: University of California, Irvine, Kent State University, Purdue University West Lafayette

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging