What do psychologists have to say about self-sabotage in romantic relationships?

Presentation

Peel, Raquel, McBain, Kerry, Caltabiano, Nerina and Buckby, Beryl. 2018. "What do psychologists have to say about self-sabotage in romantic relationships?" 17th Australian Psychological Society Psychology of Relationships Interest Group National Conference (APS-PORIG). Melbourne, Australia 14 - 15 Nov 2018 Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

What do psychologists have to say about self-sabotage in romantic relationships?

Presentation TypePresentation
AuthorsPeel, Raquel (Author), McBain, Kerry (Author), Caltabiano, Nerina (Author) and Buckby, Beryl (Author)
Year2018
Place of PublicationAustralia
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttps://sasp.org.au/2018/08/2018-psychology-of-relationships-interest-group-porig-annual-conference/
Conference/Event17th Australian Psychological Society Psychology of Relationships Interest Group National Conference (APS-PORIG)
Event Details
17th Australian Psychological Society Psychology of Relationships Interest Group National Conference (APS-PORIG)
Event Date
14 to end of 15 Nov 2018
Event Location
Melbourne, Australia
Abstract

The term self-sabotage is not well explained in current relationship literature. Self-sabotage is thus far explained mainly as a physical barrier (i.e., derived from the effects of alcohol consumption or high level of stress; Jones & Berglas, 1978; Rhodewalt, 2008) which does not fully encompass intrinsic behaviours. In romantic relationships, the term self-sabotage is better explained as behavioural expressions of individuals’ intrapersonal struggles (Post, 1988). As it stands, a major gap in the literature exists regarding the effect of relationship break-ups on the mental health of individuals (Mirsu-Paun & Oliver, 2017). Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the theme of self-sabotage in romantic relationships as viewed by psychologists. A series of 15 semi-structured interviews with psychologists specialising in romantic relationships around Australia revealed that relationship difficulties are not always clearly identified in the counselling context and are sometimes first treated as anxiety or depression. Surface and core issues contributing to self-sabotage in romantic relationships were identified. Surface issues relate to reasons why clients present to therapy, while core issues relate to reasons why clients self-sabotage. Future studies will need to be conducted to develop a model to empirically test self-sabotage in romantic relationships.

Keywordsromantic relationships, self-sabotage, self-handicapping, attachment
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520599. Social and personality psychology not elsewhere classified
520399. Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified
Public Notes

Abstract only.

Byline AffiliationsJames Cook University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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