Balancing connectedness and self-protection goals in close relationships: a levels-of-processing perspective on risk regulation.

@article{Murray2008BalancingCA,
  title={Balancing connectedness and self-protection goals in close relationships: a levels-of-processing perspective on risk regulation.},
  author={Sandra L Murray and Jaye L. Derrick and Sadie Leder and John G. Holmes},
  journal={Journal of personality and social psychology},
  year={2008},
  volume={94 3},
  pages={
          429-59
        }
}
A model of risk regulation is proposed to explain how low and high self-esteem people balance the tension between self-protection and connectedness goals in romantic relationships. This model assumes that interpersonal risk automatically activates connectedness and self-protection goals. The activation of these competing goals then triggers an executive control system that resolves this goal conflict. One correlational study and 8 experiments manipulating risk, goal strength, and executive… 
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