Close relationships affect a person’s sense of security and safety. Adults enter new relationships with expectations and tendencies that vary in terms of security in relating to close others in general and to relationship partners in particular. These attachment tendencies can and do change in relationships. I present a novel model of the processes that affect security and describe new programs of research on reducing attachment anxiety and avoidance in adult romantic involvements. I then pivot to relational experiences that undermine security and well-being due to a partner’s aggressive behavior. Of primary importance is non-physical aggression that causes people to experience “invisible” harm.
Time and Location:
1:30pm; 120 Olsson Hall
Date:
Monday, February 13, 2023
Subtitle:
"Security and Safety in Adult Relationships"