Jennifer Fitzgerald

Romantic Jealousy and Relationship Satisfaction: The Costs of Rumination

The experience of romantic jealousy and its influence on relationship outcomes is unclear. Romantic jealousy is often associated with damaging effects; on the other hand, jealousy is linked to positive relationship outcomes such as increased commitment. In this study, we aimed to address inconsistencies in previous research by proposing rumination as a mediator between romantic jealousy (cognitive jealousy and surveillance behaviors) and relationship dissatisfaction. We also aimed to extend our understanding of behavioral responses to jealousy, and in particular, partner surveillance and its link to relational dissatisfaction by proposing a research question. Overall, there were two paths to relationship dissatisfaction: Cognitive jealousy and surveillance behaviors were associated with relationship dissatisfaction via rumination, and cognitive jealousy was also directly associated with relationship dissatisfaction. Interestingly, surveillance behaviors were directly associated with relationship satisfaction. From these results, rumination is highlighted as a factor in explaining the link between romantic jealousy and relationship dissatisfaction. Clinical implications are discussed.

Clinical communication skills learning outcomes among first year medical students are consistent irrespective of participation in an interview for admission to medical school

Abstract Background: Although contentious most medical schools interview potential students to assess personal abilities such as communication. Aims: To investigate any differences in clinical communication skills (CCS) between first year students admitted to UQ medical school with or without an admissions interview. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1495 student assessment scores obtained after structured communication skills training (CCS) between 2007 and 2010. Results: The average assessment score was 3.76 ([95% CI, 3.73–3.78]) and adjusting for student characteristics, showed no main effect for interview (p = 0.89). The strongest predictor of scores was gender with females achieving significantly higher scores (3.91 [95% CI, 3.54–4.28] vs. 3.76 [95% CI, 3.39–4.13]; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Data show no differences in post-training assessment measures between students who were interviewed during selection or not. Further research about the quality and retention of communications skills after training is warranted.

Attachment, conflict and relationship quality: laboratory-based and clinical insights

Severe or persistent conflict is disturbing for romantic partners and can jeopardize the couple relationship, hence activating the attachment system. In this paper we integrate recent laboratory-based and clinical research into attachment processes and couple conflict. Three main tenets are addressed. First, attachment security and insecurity have pervasive effects in conflict situations, shaping perceptual, physiological and behavioral responses to conflict. Second, attachment insecurity and associated conflict behaviors tend to erode relationship quality. Third, attachment-related interventions are effective not only in reducing the maladaptive responses that lead to conflict escalation, but also in promoting security and emotional connection within the couple bond. These findings attest to the key role of attachment processes in conflict interactions, while offering a clear, theory-based framework for intervention.