BA, BPsych (Honours)

PhD Candidate, School of Psychology

Contact details for Ms Wendy Ducat w.ducat@griffith.edu.au

Research topic title

Self and Partner Qualities in Romantic Relationships of Emerging Adulthood: A Self-Determination Approach to Individual Well-Being.

Description

Extensive research has shown that having a romantic relationship that is satisfying, intimate and high in companionship is associated with psychological well-being. However, there are many potential reasons why relationships promote well-being. The focus of this research is on fulfillment of psychological needs as one mechanism that can account for why good relationships and psychological well-being are positively linked. It is hypothesised that psychological need fulfillment will mediate the associations between factors associated with romantic relationships and well-being and that there will be main and moderating effects of age on these associations. Sex differences also will be investigated. Specifically, three studies are being conducted in order to: 1) develop and test a new measure of romantic partner qualities (Partner Behaviours as Social Context) and pilot all measures; 2) refine the new measure of Partner Behaviours as Social Context and test for convergent and discriminant validity; and 3) test the mediation model described above.

Supervisor

Associate Professor Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck