Self-perception in Relationships as a Function of Divorce

The present study examined the self-perception of both males and females from divorced and non-divorced backgrounds when involved in a relationship. Student volunteers from the University of Redlands responded to an inventory, Self-Perception within Relationships Measure, which measures an individuals self-perception when involved in a relationship in five areas (nurturance, aggression, loyalty, dependency, and self-confidence), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results indicated no statistical difference between groups self-perception in levels of aggression, dependency, or self-confidence. Results did show, however, a significant difference in groups self-perception in levels of loyalty and nurturance. The divorced group (X=70.7) perceived themselves as more loyal than the non-divorced group (X=67.5), and the non-divorced group (X=70.7) perceived themselves as being more nurturing than the divorced group (X=67.4) when involved in a relationship. A 2 (sex of subject) x 2 (marital status) analysis of variance was computed for the Rosenberg scale. Analysis showed a significant difference in self-esteem between males and females which come from a divorced background. The discussion focuses on possible influences on the difference in self-perception in levels of nurturance and loyalty between the divorced and non-divorced groups, and possible confounding variables which could have influenced the finding