First Advisor

Parnell, Kenneth

First Committee Member

Wright, Stephen

Second Committee Member

Weingartner, Angela

Third Committee Member

Wesley, Cindy

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

12-2025

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, APCE Student Work

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to extend the existing literature on and better understand the relationships between emotion beliefs, emotion regulation (ER), and dyadic coping (DC) in romantic relationships. While prior research has examined how ER relates to emotion beliefs and DC, this study was the first to integrate these three domains and to investigate how emotion beliefs may also influence the regulation of others’ emotions. A nationally representative sample of 317 adults (18-65) were recruited through Prolific (total cost $1150). Two conceptual models were developed to examine the direct and indirect effects of maladaptive emotion beliefs on DC strategies, mediated by cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression using path analysis. In addition, bivariate correlations provided new insight into how emotion beliefs relate to DC and extrinsic ER. Findings revealed that maladaptive emotion beliefs indirectly predicted communication of one’s stress and positive DC through individual ER strategies. Additionally, these beliefs were directly associated with negative responses to a partner’s stress, independent of ER. Preliminary evidence also indicated that specific emotion beliefs—such as viewing emotions as uncontrollable or inherently negative—were significantly related to extrinsic ER behaviors, including attempts to worsen or improve a partner’s mood. These results extend the theoretical framework of emotion beliefs to interpersonal contexts and highlight their relevance for interventions aimed at enhancing emotional and relational functioning in couples.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Extent

201 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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