Question

In studies about conflict situations, Simpson and colleagues found what type of partner to react with negative emotions, display high levels of stress, feel more hostility and anger toward his partner, and expect his partner to fail in meeting his needs under stress?

a. Avoidant
b. Compromising
c. Ambivalent
d. Interdependent

Answer 1

Partners with an avoidant attachment style are more likely to react negatively in conflicts, which is associated with higher stress and hostility. This disposition can contribute to long-term health risks, particularly with cardiovascular diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

In studies about conflict situations, Simpson and colleagues found that partners with an avoidant attachment style tend to react with negative emotions, manifest higher levels of stress, and feel more hostility and anger toward their partners. They also expect their partners to fail to meet their needs when under stress. This behavior pattern is concerning, as it aligns with several studies suggesting that such negative emotional states, like anger and hostility, can contribute to long-term health risks, particularly in terms of cardiovascular disease. For example, people high in neuroticism—a trait associated with experiencing negative emotions—tend to report feelings of anxiety and unhappiness and are characteristically angry, impulsive, and hostile, which can exacerbate conflict situations.