Introduction Discussion Results Method References The Long-Term Effects of Early Verbal Abuse on Adult Romantic Relationships Shawna R. Anderson, Dr. David Szwedo James Madison University Shawna R. Anderson anderssr@dukes.jmu.edu Introduction Social Anxiety –(Teen age 19) Perceived social anxiety was assessed using the 22-item Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents. (α= .55-.76) Discussion -Successful romantic relationships have been linked to a lower level of psychological distress and an improvement in happiness and well-being. (Pielage, 2005). -Emotional abuse has been associated with later psychological problems including negative self-evaluation, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression. (Dias et al. 2014). -One of the most commonly recognized outcomes of individuals with a history of emotional abuse is the manifestation of low self-worth. (Harvey et al. 2012). -The Adult Attachment Theory suggests that the level of security or insecurity one feels in a romantic relationship is a direct reflection of the amount of security or insecurity they received from their primary caregiver. -People who have social anxiety often experience difficulties with interpersonal functioning and have trouble establishing romantic relationships. Social anxiety has also been associated with less intimacy among couples. (Porter & Chambless, 2014). Hypotheses Higher levels of reported verbal abuse in early adolescence will predict reports of less satisfaction and more conflict within adult romantic relationships. Higher levels of reported verbal abuse in early adolescent will predict lower levels of self-worth, less security in attachment relationships, and greater feelings of social anxiety. The association between verbal abuse and poorer relationship quality will be mediated by the participant’s level of self-worth, attachment security and social anxiety. Level of Romantic Relationship Satisfaction- (Teen age 17, 18, and 19)- Assessed using a 3-item subscale from the Network of Relationships Inventory. Level of Romantic Relationship Conflict –(Teen age 17, 18, and 19)- Assessed using a 3-item subscale from the Network of Relationships Inventory. -A higher level of verbal abuse experienced in childhood appears to be a predictive factor for less satisfying and more conflicted romantic relationships in adulthood. Attachment level, self-worth, and social anxiety exhibited significant mediating roles between verbal abuse and adult relationship conflict. A low level of self-worth conditioned from early verbal abuse can perhaps lead to insecurity which can be a breeding ground for relationship conflicts. Individuals who exhibit a low level of self worth and high social anxiety levels may not have the appropriate confidence to discuss their feelings and perhaps have trouble communicating how they really feel within their relationship. Subsequent ineffective communication can lead to missed opportunities for honesty, satisfaction, and intimacy. Chronic social anxiety can cause distress and dysfunction that can potentially manifest as added strain within a romantic relationship. Attachment level exhibited a significant mediating role between verbal abuse and adult relationship satisfaction. Supports the Adult Attachment Theory by suggesting that the relationships formed throughout the different stages of life possess an underlying influence from the initial parent-child relationship. Results Method Participants Full sample from a longitudinal study of social development that spanned through adolescence to young adulthood. N=184. Gender Race/ethnicity Income 85 males 107 Caucasian Median = $40,000 - $59,000 99 females 53 African American 24 Mixed/Other Figure 1. Regression paths from the level of verbal abuse experienced to the reported level of romantic relationship conflict. Beta weights in parentheses are values after attachment, self-worth, and social anxiety are respectively added to the model. *p ≤ .05 **p ≤ .01 ***p ≤.001 References Dias, A., Sales, L., Hessen, D., Kleber, R., (2014). Child maltreatment and psychological symptoms in a Portuguese adult community sample: the harmful effects of emotional abuse. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Measures Level of Verbal Abuse- (Teen age 15) Assessed using the 16- item verbal abuse/attacks of self worth subscale from the Psychological Maltreatment Experience Scale. Higher scores indicate greater frequency of verbal abuse occurring during childhood/adolescence. Sample items: “Criticize you” and “Yell at you” (α= .95; .96). Attachment with Mother- (Teen age 16)- Assessed with a 25-item subscale from the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment. Sample items: “I don’t get much attention when I’m with her” and “I get upset easily when I’m with her.” (α= .87) Self-Worth -(Teen age 19)- Perceived self-worth was assessed using the 4-item self-worth subscale from the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. Higher scores indicate a higher level of self-worth. (α= .74 -.92) Harvey, S., Dorahy, M., Vertue, F., Duthie, S., (2012) Childhood psychological maltreatment and perception of self, others, and relationships: A phenomenological exploration. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. 21(3)237-255. Pielage, S., Luteijn, F., Arrindell, W., (2005). Adult attachment, intimacy and psychological distress in a clinical and community sample. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. 12(6). 455-464. Figure 2. Regression paths from the level of verbal abuse experienced to the reported level of romantic relationship satisfaction. Beta weights in parentheses are values after attachment, self-worth, and social anxiety are respectively added to the model. *p ≤ .05 **p ≤ .01 ***p ≤.001 Porter, E., Chambless, D., (2014). Shying away from a good thing: social anxiety in romantic relationships. Journal of Clinical Psychology. 70(6) 546-561.