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Matters Of The Heart?: The Role Of Risk Regulation, Attachment Style, Self-Monitoring And Self-Esteem In Romantic Relationships, Brittany A. Joyce

USC Aiken Psychology Theses

In the context of romantic relationships, risk regulation refers to one’s constant struggle to balance connecting with one’s partner and protecting oneself from rejection (Murray, Holmes, & Collins, 2006). As previous research failed to directly assess the interrelationships between risk regulation, self-esteem, attachment style, and self-monitoring, the present study sought to determine how these constructs interconnect to affect patterns of connection and protection in romantic relationships. Results indicated that high and low self-monitors differ in levels of connection and protection in romantic relationships, specifically in terms of need to belong, and relationship anxiety. Attachment style also affected connection and protection …