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Predictive factors of Emotional Acceptance

Gabriel A Cline, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

Emotional Acceptance (EA) is the focus and desired outcome of Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT). Despite demonstrated success and interest in EA, the current literature lacks studies comparing EA to relational and other important outcomes. Little is known about factors that contribute to an individual's ability to achieve EA within their relationships. This study employed a series of hierarchical regression analyses to examine how relationship satisfaction, attachment, empathy, and forgiveness/pain are related to an individual's capacity to demonstrate EA toward a partner. The current study addresses important gaps in the literature related to the construct of Emotional Acceptance. The study contributes not only to the understanding of EA but also the role of pain in relationships. These findings are important for future research and clinical practice. As readers may recall the lack of research in this area was one of the primary reasons for conducting this type of study. This study found that while men and women do not report significantly different levels of pain, they do differ on empathy and acceptance. Women tended to demonstrate more empathy. Men are more willing to be emotionally accepting. The finding that men were more accepting than women agrees with previous findings of studies of EA in which men in committed relationships were more accepting than women (Doss & Christensen, 2006). While the gender difference of EA has now been replicated, it did not significantly contribute to the predictive model. The chief finding from this investigation was that predictive models of emotional acceptance indicated that individuals of couple relationships tended toward higher levels of emotional acceptance when relationship satisfaction was higher and pain from the relationship was lower.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology

Recommended Citation

Cline, Gabriel A, "Predictive factors of Emotional Acceptance" (2009). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI3386753.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3386753

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