Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore how trait-like differences in depression and anxiety symptoms influence state-like romantic relationship dynamics, using a daily diary design across four months and a network approach. The sample (N = 143) was divided into two groups based on baseline depression and anxiety symptoms, a high (n = 72) and a low (n = 71) psychological distress group. Various variables representing both romantic relationship quality and mood were included to explore the relationship dynamics. Multilevel models were used to test differences in mean and variance levels between the groups over the study period. The associations between variables were estimated using partial correlation networks. Two types of networks were used in the analysis: contemporaneous network models, which capture associations between variables within day, and temporal network models, which reflect associations between variables from day to day. The results showed that individuals with high psychological distress experienced more negative mood, less positive mood, more variance over time in negative mood and less variance over time in romantic relationship quality compared to individuals with low psychological distress. Furthermore, the results revealed qualitative differences in both within-day and between-day network dynamics, indicating that psychological distress fundamentally influences the dynamic functioning of emotions and romantic relationship experiences. For example, the results indicated that individuals with high psychological distress interpret relationship experiences more negatively, view their relationship as more central, experience greater emotional suppression and regulate their emotions in a more distressing way compared to individuals with low psychological distress.
Source: Doria (University of Helsinki)
Author: Vera, Eriksson
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7115373019