Optimizing assurance: the risk regulation system in relationships.

@article{Murray2006OptimizingAT,
  title={Optimizing assurance: the risk regulation system in relationships.},
  author={Sandra L. Murray and John G. Holmes and Nancy L. Collins},
  journal={Psychological bulletin},
  year={2006},
  volume={132 5},
  pages={
          641-66
        }
}
A model of risk regulation is proposed to explain how people balance the goal of seeking closeness to a romantic partner against the opposing goal of minimizing the likelihood and pain of rejection. The central premise is that confidence in a partner's positive regard and caring allows people to risk seeking dependence and connectedness. The risk regulation system consists of 3 interconnected "if--then" contingency rules, 1 cognitive, 1 affective, and 1 behavioral. The authors describe how… 
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