The psycho-physiological responses of partners in the process of divorce

• Main Author: Brigita Kričaj Korelc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Psychologists' Association 2005-09-01
• Series: Psihološka Obzorja
• Subjects: relationship termination; coping behaviour; defence mechanisms; resilience; emotional adjustment; somatoform disorders
• Online Access: http://psiholoska-obzorja.si/arhiv_clanki/2005_2/kricaj.pdf

The purpose of the present study was to establish whether the partners who are in the process of separating and those, who evaluate their partnership as successful, differ from each other in emotional, behavioural and somatic responses, and whether there are differences between them in personal strenght, tackling and in different styles of defensive behaviour. According to that, the author followed a psycho-physiological integrational model of disease existence and biopsychosocial model of health and disease. The results showed that the separating partners of both gender experience subjectively stronger emotional states with negative hedonic note and manifest more mood and adaptable emotional disturbances in quality and quantity as a reaction to the stressful events. They also respond strongly with somatic disturbances without organic basis or defined physical causes. Partners in separation also engage more nonadaptive and risk taking behaviors. In addition their use of all disposable strategies of coping is more vigorous and frequent. Obtained results also show some specific cross gender features and differences in receiving and responding to the separation of a matrimony.