Date of Award
8-1-2012
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Sheree D. Conrad
Second Advisor
Jean Rhodes
Third Advisor
Alice S. Carter
Abstract
The social psychological concept of self-other overlap describes how identities and cognitive representations of people have a tendency to merge as they become closer to one another. Because greater self-other overlap tends to be associated with such positive characteristics as closeness and intimacy, it has generally been considered a desirable trait in relationships. In a previous study (Bell, 2009), preliminary evidence supported the idea that there may in fact be negative consequences to having higher levels of self-other overlap in relationships with domestic violence, including diminished self-esteem and life satisfaction. The current study expands on Bell (2009) study and examines the implications of greater self-other overlap within three different samples: students currently in a romantic relationship, students that recently ended a romantic relationship, and women from a domestic violence shelter who recently ended a violent relationship.
Recommended Citation
Bell, Josephine A., "Implications of Self-Other Overlap in Unsuccessful Romantic Relationships" (2012). Graduate Masters Theses. 119.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/masters_theses/119