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Mentalization, emotional arousal and readiness to gather information in the context of an ongoing relational rupture

delete2025-08-07
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AI
Y
Yotam Strifler *
G
Gary M. Diamond
DOI:10.1080/14616734.2025.2539276delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The ability to openly consider the mental states of others has been termed mentalizing and is crucial to maintaining interpersonal relationships. Theory and previous research findings suggest that emotional arousal may impact mentalization. This study examined whether the arousal associated with a relational rupture impacted young adults’ ability to mentalize about their family member with whom they were in conflict. Fifty-four young adults were interviewed about an ongoing conflict with a significant family member. Average heart rate, skin conductance, and level of mentalization were measured at the speech-turn level. Results showed a curvilinear association between mean heart rate and reflective functioning (RF). No effects were found for skin conductance. Logistic regression showed RF scores predicted participants’ readiness to engage in information gathering. Moderate emotional arousal was associated with higher RF, and those with higher RF were nearly twice as likely to be ready to gather new information from the other.
Keywords:
Mentalizing
reflective functioning
emotional arousal
relational rupture
young adults
family conflict
information gathering

Journal

A
Attachment and Human Development
IF:
2.4
Papers:
805
Citations:
2.7K

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