Angel or demon? Self-monitoring differences in the mental representations of current versus former romantic partners
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-3-2016
Abstract
We investigated whether high and low self-monitors had (a) segregated/integrated and (b) uniformly favorable (angelic)/uniformly unfavorable (demonic) mental representations of actual romantic partners. Self-monitoring was assessed using the 25-item Self-Monitoring Scale and the structure of mental representations was calculated using a modified segregation/integration measure. In Study 1, low self-monitors were more likely than high self-monitors to have (a) segregated and (b) disproportionally favorable mental representations of their current romantic partners. In Study 2, low self-monitors were more likely than high self-monitors to have (a) segregated and (b) generally unfavorable mental representations of their former romantic partners. Self-monitoring differences were not moderated in either study by relationship longevity or conflict.
Publication Title
Self and Identity
Volume
15
Issue
4
First Page
432
Last Page
451
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/15298868.2016.1152292
ISSN
15298868
E-ISSN
15298876
Citation Information
Leone, Gainey, L., & Moulder, R. (2016). Angel or demon? Self-monitoring differences in the mental representations of current versus former romantic partners. Self and Identity, 15(4), 432–451. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2016.1152292