Date of Award

7-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Joseph C. LaVoie

Second Advisor

Bridgette O. Ryalls

Third Advisor

C. Raymond Millimet

Abstract

While conflict, in general, has received much attention in the literature, "affect felt" during conflicts and its influence has not been a major concern to researchers. Only a few investigations of "affect intensity" associated with conflict have been conducted. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of affect intensity, an individual differences factor, in the affect experienced in conflict situations with friends and acquaintances by different age groups, and the resolution strategies that are used. Students from grades 5, 8, and 11 and first and second year college students completed the Affect Intensity Measure, a conflict questionnaire, and a constructed conflict vignette. The questionnaire and vignette focussed on either a best friend, friend, or an acquaintance relationship. Differences in the strength of feeling for the reported conflict on the questionnaire and the vignette situation was examined as well as affect, strength of affect, resolution strategies, and the relationships among these factors. Gender differences w ere also examined. The intensity of affect was found to differ as a function of age/grade and relationship target, and the intensity of affect also influenced resolution strategies that were chosen. These differences suggest that some changes are occurring in later adolescence that involve interactions among friends and acquaintances. Further research on affect intensity in conflicts involving adolescents is necessary in order to understand more fully the dynamics of affect in conflict situations.

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