Date of Award

January 2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling Psychology & Community Services

First Advisor

Cindy Juntunen

Abstract

The current study employed online, self-report data in relation to jealousy, insecurity, dependency, and relationship power within same-sex relationships. Specifically, I examined the correlational, predictive and comparative aspects of distress and jealousy levels in individuals within same-sex relationships. It was hypothesized that relationship power, dependency and insecurity would predict level of jealousy and distress in the experience of sexual and emotional infidelity. Three hundred and nineteen consenting participants completed the online questionnaires regarding their views and emotions related to the above constructs. Regression analyses provided data indicating that none of the variables predicted an individual’s experience of jealousy and distress. Though no predictive variables were found, correlation analysis provided data showing positive relationships between levels of distress and expression of jealousy. In addition, a positive relationship was indicated between an individual’s relationships dependence, relationship power and levels of distress in relation to both sexual and emotional infidelity. Overall, no differences were found between genders in distress over sexual and emotional infidelity. In addition, relationship power, dependency and insecurity did not predict levels of distress over sexual or emotional infidelity. Implications for theory, research, and clinical practice are presented.

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