Premium
Communication with former romantic partners and current relationship outcomes among college students
Author(s) -
RODRIGUEZ LINDSEY M.,
ØVERUP CAMILLA S.,
WICKHAM ROBERT E.,
KNEE C. RAYMOND,
AMSPOKER AMBER B.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
personal relationships
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.81
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1475-6811
pISSN - 1350-4126
DOI - 10.1111/pere.12133
Subject(s) - psychology , romance , social psychology , developmental psychology , partner effects , psychoanalysis
Abstract This research investigates individual and contextual differences underlying postdissolution friendships by considering communication with former romantic partners among individuals in new romantic relationships. Two studies demonstrate the prevalence, determinants, and implications of former partner communication for the current relationship. Study 1 showed that approximately 40% of individuals in relationships communicate with a former partner and highlighted differences between those who communicate and those who do not. Study 2 factor analyzed reasons why people communicate with former partners and examined how the reasons are differentially associated with current relationship functioning. In general, results support the notion that under certain circumstances and for certain individuals, communication with former partners can have deleterious influences on one's current relationship.