The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine differences between female and male aggression; to examine the effect various aggression, dominance, and couple variables have on female physical aggression; to identify which combination of these variables bests explains female aggression in a sample of couples seeking therapy for domestic violence/anger management; and to identify the influence of male physical aggression on the predictor variables. Overall, based on women's reports, 74.6% (n=63) of the women and 86.2% (n=74) of the men in this sample used at least one act of physical aggression against their partner in the past year. With the exception of slapping and using a knife or gun against partner, men perpetrated individual acts of physical aggression significantly more than did women. Aggression, dominance, and couple variables were found to be significantly correlated with and predictive of female physical aggression. Overall, this study found that 55% of the variance in women's use of physical aggression was predicted by women's psychological aggression, husband demand/wife withdrawal communication pattern, male and female jealousy, and women's disparagement of their partners. Male physical aggression only added 3% of the variance when added to this combination of variables. Since women's physical aggression is explained by various relationship dynamics the theory that women are aggressive only in self-defense is questioned. / Master of Science

This thesis commences with the notion that interorganizational exchange relationships are dynamic to an unprecedented degree. It is argued that, global production networks have integrated firms into interdependent structures that blur traditional geographical and organizational boundaries. It is also true that the same networks bring together companies with diverse socio-cultural and economic backgrounds. Thus, the thesis focuses on the complexity of the contemporary international business landscape. The purpose of the work performed was to understand the process of change in interorganizational relationships under these complexities. Through a qualitative study of two main cases and a pilot study, the thesis investigates the networking behavior and the relationship dynamics between multinational companies from Sweden and Turkey, operating in Turkish and Swedish markets, respectively. By examining how firms create, maintain, dissolve and reconstruct their relationships, the thesis contributes to problematizing some of the assumptions that are commonly taken for granted, but which underpin several studies of interorganizational relationship dynamics. The findings illustrate that as recent trends such as cross-border acquisitions frequently perturb the contexts within which firms are embedded, the impact might be favorable for some actors, while others might push for new and different ‘directions’, finding the existing relational arrangements and resource structures counter to their future goals. Yet, the actions of parties are constrained by the structural position in which they find themselves. Thus, the development of an exchange relationship involves multiple processes, often inconsistent with one another, thereby disturbing the stability of the relationship. Through the aggregation of each paper’s contribution, the “Thesis Summary” offers a wide perspective of the relationship dynamics. By incorporating both teleological and dialectical views, the framework proposed captures both the actions undertaken by individual firms to make change, and the structural forces both promoting and opposing change. Ultimately, the thesis offers a framework for investigating the impact of complexity on change in interorganizational relationships, opening doors to an improved understanding of the significance divergent perspectives and disruptive experiences have on relationship change.

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery (WLS) is an intervention for individuals who are suffering from obesity and weight-related health complications which often accompany being 100 pounds or more overweight (Smith et al., 2011). Even though bariatric surgery has been shown to be a life-saving and life-enhancing operation, efforts to seek out surgery options, qualify and prepare for the procedure, recover from surgery, and then adapt new routines to support surgery are challenging not only for the patient, but also for the people with whom the patient spends the most time—their romantic partners (Applegate & Friedman, 2008; Bylund, Benzein, & Carina, 2013; Moore & Cooper, 2016; Sarwer, Dilks, & West-Smith, 2011). This dissertation was a means to explore relational, food, and WLS success experiences that take place within couples when at least one person has had bariatric surgery. Comparisons between life before, during, and after WLS were discussed with focused attention given to relationship dynamics and daily food routines (Bocchieri, Meana, & Fisher, 2002). The couple’s definition of WLS success and the means by which they have been successful were launching points for more in-depth conversation. Data was generated through 2 interviews per couple (n = 11) with patients who met selection criteria for the study—committed long-term relationship and of the same residence for at least the past 5 years with at least 1 person having been successful with WLS. Success was defined by the WLS patient, however they had to be at least 2 years post-WLS, the critical time period where postoperative weight regain has been shown to occur, in order to participate (Magro et al., 2008; Ogden, Avenell, & Ellis, 2011; Pories et al., 2016). A thematic analysis with multiple rounds of coding was conducted after data saturation was met and couples indicated their agreeableness with results through a short, follow-up survey which also functioned as a form of member-checking. Overall, couples’ relationship dynamics were characterized as secure and WLS gave them another way to give support, engage in teamwork, and ultimately become closer. Patients and spouses explained that they loved each other unconditionally, no matter what the patient weighed, and this had been the reality for their entire relationship. Thus, security was the theme for relationship dynamics with support, teamwork, and closer as subthemes. Spouses expressed their desire to help the WLS patient when it came to being open to change and then making necessary modifications in habits and lifestyle. The commitment to change happened before WLS and a mind-shift happened after WLS that enabled both people to adjust their thinking, consistently evaluate their routines, and continue to change their behaviors. As a result, commit and mind-shift were the themes and subsequent changes (diet, exercise, and mindsets) were the subthemes. A secure relationship and commitment to making “better choices” assisted the patient in experiencing WLS success and this meant that their spouse experienced success, too; “it’s our success together.” The theme for WLS success was follow-through and subthemes were results, comfort, happy, and freedom. Hope was also a by-product of success and it was the grand-theme of this study.

This thesis explores the impact of mentor and mentee personality type in formal mentoring relationships. The research sought to identify whether there were individual personality characteristics which impact on relationship dynamics and the learning derived from these relationships. The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was used to identify personality type thus ensuring that the research had practical utility in organisations. Twelve mentoring dyads from public, private and third sector mentoring initiatives participated in the study which adopted an exploratory and qualitative methodology. Multiple methods were used to collect data and an analysis framework was developed, using Activity Theory tenets, to synthesise the different data sets and create narratives of each mentoring relationship. The thesis argues that by enhancing understanding of Type Theory in mentoring relationships, informal learning can be enhanced for mentors and mentees. The research shows how informal learning within mentoring dyads often stems from social comparison and thus differences between mentor and mentee can provide a medium for learning in the workplace. The findings suggest that this will be particularly pertinent for mentors. In addition, the study conclusions highlight the value of using the MBTI to support mentoring relationship development thus enhancing the potential for further learning. The research finds that individual differences will determine the extent to which relationships operate on a traditional, peer or reverse level and not demographic differences as suggested in the extant literature. Furthermore, common personality preferences were identified in individuals who are drawn to the role of mentor and an initial framework for a typology of mentoring relationships was developed. There were two main limitations of the research. First, the study employed a cross-sectional design which resulted in data being collected from participants at different stages of the mentoring relationship. The second limitation concerned the small sample size. Whilst sample size is less relevant in qualitative research, the study sample cannot be considered representative of all formal mentoring programmes or even the programmes studied. The intention was to identify informative cases which would address the research objectives and this was subsequently achieved. The research has contributed to the body of mentoring knowledge by drawing theory from one academic field into another. The findings provide new insights into individual differences and mentoring relationship dynamics thus adding to a sparse area of knowledge in mentoring research. Further, the findings challenge some of the assumptions implicit in the extant literature and highlight the need to examine the construct of mentoring from a broader social science perspective.

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in a number of consequences for those who has sustained the injuries, as well as having an impact on their wider system. Estimates of divorce and relationship dissolution among couples following TBI can be as high as 54% and partners are reported to experience high levels of stress. The majority of studies have explored couples' relationships following TBI from the perspective of either the person with TBI or the partner, as opposed to exploring this dyadically and, therefore, limiting the holistic understanding to this topic. Aim: The two aims of this thesis are as follows: firstly, the mixed-method synthesis review aimed to explore the current dyad evidence-base around couples' experiences and relationships following TBI; and secondly, the qualitative study aimed to explore the impact of TBI on couples' experiences and relationships. Method: The systematic review's search strategy consisted of a computerised search across five databases and manual searches for further references in other relevant literature reviews and reference lists. The quality of the qualitative and quantitative studies were analyses separately. Metaethnography was employed to synthesize the finding from the qualitative studies. In the qualitative empirical study, five dyad-couples participated in the semi-structured interviews. The individuals with TBI and their partners were interviewed independently. The data collected was analysed using a combined deductive-inductive framework analysis approach, which supported comparisons between and within couples. Results: The systematic review yielded eight eligible studies, three quantitative and five qualitative studies. Review of the quantitative studies suggested couples reported poor relationship quality and partners reported more dyadic dissatisfaction and overall poorer relationship adjustment than the people with TBI. Analysis of the qualitative studies suggested there were significant variations in the way couples' experience and respond to TBI. This included individual responses from the people with TBI, their partners or collectively as a couple, which influenced their relationship dynamics and also how they coped. The findings also drew attention to other contextual factors that influenced couples' attributions and perceptions toward the TBI-related changes. Deductive and inductive analysis of the interviews in the qualitative empirical study identified three overarching themes: 'You begin to realise that, actually, life may not be the same ever [again]...'; perceived influences on relationship endurance following TBI; and contextual and other factors. These explored the impact of TBI on couples' relationships and the processes that interacted with or influenced their perceived relationship endurance. Conclusion: Although limited by a small number of eligible studies in the systematic review and small sample size in the qualitative empirical study, this thesis emphasized the importance of dyadic research for gaining a holistic understanding of couples' experiences and relationships following TBI. This allows the complex interplay between the TBI, the person who has suffered the TBI, their partner and their relationship to be better understood. The interconnectedness between the individuals and how the difficulties are experienced raises possible issues for healthcare services around their views and approaches to the individual with TBI, their partner and the couple's relationship during the recovery and rehabilitation journey.

In marketing research, customer relationship management (CRM) is often described as a strategy for collecting customer information through an IT- infrastructure in order to manage customer relationships (e.g. Boulding et al 2005; Keramati et al 2010; Nguyen and Mutum 2012). Most of the existing research within CRM has focused on IT-infrastructure and implementation issues rather than on how CRM can enable knowledge sharing among individuals and working teams. Difficulties regarding information and knowledge creation, as well as sharing knowledge in both formal and informal ways, are not particularly well addressed in CRM literature. Hence, this study adopts a holistic approach to CRM and aims to “Understand how a B2B-organisation organise for strategic CRM”, and “Investigate how organisational aspects can act as drivers or barriers for learning about customer relationships”. The holistic approach implies that organisational aspects (such as co-workers, organisational culture, internal processes and affordance, c.f. Finnegan and Currie 2010) should be captured and seen as integrated parts of strategic CRM together with the more tangible CRM- system. Besides that, this study attempts to answer the question, “How does a B2B-organisation work with CRM to learn about their customer relationships”. Previous research has shown that intra-organisational problems emerge when implementing and using CRM with both researchers and software providers approaching CRM from a technological perspective with a heavy emphasis on IT-infrastructure (e.g. Bohling et al 2006; Coltman et al 2011). Despite its importance, IT-infrastructure is just one aspect that managers have to consider when making decisions about implementing and organising for CRM. From previous research we can learn that organisational aspects, such as co-workers, internal processes, and organisational culture (e.g. Finnegan and Currie 2010; Jayachandran et al 2005) are important to consider when implementing and using CRM. Thus, discovering how B2B- companies organise for strategic CRM necessitates the use of a holistic approach to CRM, based on the philosophy of relationship marketing (e.g. Grönroos 2008a; Nguyen and Mutum 2012; Storbacka and Lehtinen 2000). The empirical context in this study is the accounting and auditing industry. During recent years Swedish accounting and auditing firms have faced changes in the macro environment due to changes in legislation, which hasviitransformed the industry to become more customer oriented and CRM has been brought to interest in many firms. Based on that, a third and more practitionary aimed aim for this study is to ”Identify for accounting and auditing industry relevant organisational aspects for use of CRM”.In the theory chapter I first review the philosophy of relationship marketing, highlights the differences between B2B- and B2C-contexts and shows the nature of B2B-relationships, where multiple parties often are involved in the relationship. The study then sheds light on current research streams in CRM-literature and identifies two major research streams, the technology- oriented one and an organisational-oriented one. The thesis proceeds to review information, knowledge and learning domains and integrates relevant theoretical frameworks from these research areas into CRM-literature. The theory chapter rounds off by presenting and discussing “communities of practice” as an organisational approach that enables and cultivates learning in organisations.The study adopts an explorative research approach connected to the research question and purposes and the empirical inquiry is conducted through an abductive approach and investigates a large auditing and consulting firm, a major actor in the Swedish audit- and accounting business, during the time period of 2,5 years. The empirical data is comprised of 44 meeting observations of key account teams, as well as a sales group and 31 in-depth interviews with members of the groups. Moreover, several meeting observations with members of a sales team and a responsible-advisor team were conducted in one of the auditing firm ́s local offices to provide an understanding of how CRM as an organizational strategy is adopted and used by different individuals and groups working with different types of customers.In the analysis I built on the theoretical framework and case findings to empirically identify relevant themes connected to the customer relationships, to the development and learning processes in working teams and among individuals, and to intra-organisational prerequisites and structures. The identified themes were then further analysed in order to find out how CRM as a strategic approach is used to learn about customer relationships. This study shows that managers have to integrate relevant intra- organisational aspects to be able to organise for and implement CRM with a purpose to generate learning about customer relationships in a successful way. While previous research have shown that the organizational aspects may vary depending on company-context, size and type of customers, this study suggests that managers should consider “strategic communities of practice” as an important strategy to enable knowledge sharing, and thusviiicultivate learning processes among individuals, groups and divisions. However, enabling and cultivating for strategic communities of practice is not suitable for all groups of individuals due to their work tasks, or what goals and objectives managers have with the particular group or team. This finding is important to address since CRM, when narrowly approached as an IT-infrastructure, does not capture all relevant information and results in a lot of important knowledge about customer relationships getting stuck in minds of smaller working groups - instead of being shared with colleagues in networks or communities of practice, and thus contributing to organisational learning about customer relationships. The study shows that if CRM is to act as an enabler for relationship-specific knowledge sharing, managers have to enable interactive knowledge sharing among co-workers through for example communities of practice. These interactions, along with traditional information collection are strongly needed, especially in the context of B2B-services companies. To conclude, CRM-literature have to be re-examined to further incorporate discussions regarding learning processes and knowledge sharing to target a deeper, as well as a more holistic, understanding of customer relationships.

Risk for experiencing partner abuse (PA) is high during young adulthood. National estimates of the prevalence of PA among young adults and scholarly literature on the enduring impact of PA highlight the importance of understanding this public health issue. Extant literature has primarily focused on individual risk factors for PA, with much less known about couple relationship dynamics, or the specific typologies of violence these characteristics are associated with. This study used data collected nationally from 3,555 young adult college students living in the U.S. to examine experiences of PA. The purpose of this dissertation study was to (a) provide descriptive information about young adult college students’ experiences of couple relationship dynamics and PA and (b) examine how college students’ individual characteristics, relationship characteristics, and perceived couple relationship dynamics were associated with typologies and forms of PA for males and females. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate analyses, and multinomial logistic regressions. Study findings revealed that (a) the individual and relationship characteristics as well as violence experiences of young adults comprising this sample are representative of the characteristics and violence experiences of those identified with other samples of young adult college students living in the US; (b) perceived couple relationship dynamics were differentially related to the main effects of gender, age, year in school, relationship type, relationship duration, and cohabitation status; (c) when controlling for gender, age, and year in school perceived couple relationship dynamic scores varied by the interaction of severity of psychological aggression experienced and perpetrated; (d) perceived couple relationship dynamic scores were differentially related to severity of physical and sexual violence experienced; (e) there are unique characteristics associated with experiences of perpetration-only, victimization-only, and bidirectional violence; (f) there are a number of individual and relationship characteristics and perceived couple relationship dynamic scores that increase the odds of engaging in bidirectional violence for male and female young adult college students in the present study; (g) there are few variables in this model that increase the odds of females being perpetrators-only; and (h) there are few variables in this model that increase odds of males being victims-only. / 10000-01-01

No description available.

Diese Dissertation untersuchte individuelle Anpassungsprozesse, die psychologische Distanz in Fernbeziehungen (FB) reflektieren und regulieren. Es wurde postuliert, dass Beziehungsqualität und -stabilität ohne Präsenz des Partners gesichert wird, indem viele kompensatorischen Prozesse auf die wahrgenommene Verfügbarkeit des Partners (Bowlby, 1969/1980), abzielen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen dass die im Vergleich zu zusammenlebenden Paaren erhöhte Bindungsängstlichkeit bei FBs die inkonsistente Verfügbarkeit des Partners reflektiert, und insgesamt für die Beziehungsentwicklung weniger schädlich ist als Vermeidung. Bindung reguliert ferner die psychologische Distanz durch den Einfluss auf adaptive Kommunikationsprozesse. Wenn Aspekte wie sexuelle Zufriedenheit nicht kompensiert werden können, scheinen FBs ihre Einschätzung der Beziehung stark auf Momente des Sehens und die Beziehungsqualität zurückzuführen. / This dissertation proposed how relationship quality and stability in long-distance relationships (LDRs) is maintained without physical presence of the partner by basing compensatory processes on perceived partner availability, a core component of attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969/1980). The findings indicate that heightened anxiety reflects the inconsistent partner availability in LDRs, and is less detrimental to relationship development than avoidance. Attachment orientations further regulated the psychological distance between partners by influencing adaptive and protective communicative processes. There was indication that when relational aspects, such as sexual satisfaction, cannot be compensated for, LDRs base their evaluation on face-to-face experiences and general relationship quality indicators. 1

<p>The study aimed to understand and advance the dynamics that influence psychological aggression. Psychological aggression can be defined as, verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally, and/or control another person. In our society, the occurrence of psychological aggression in relationships is far more tolerated then physical aggression, but the effects can be more long term and harmful. The study hypothesized that an individual’s level of differentiation of self--a person’s ability to differentiate between feeling and thinking in times of stress--and their gender have a role in the severity of psychological aggression. The study was approved by IRB and using an online survey through MTurk asked participants about experiencing and perpetrating psychological aggression in their romantic relationships. The study had 192 participates in the multiple regression analyses, who provided some support that the level of differentiation of self and severity of psychological aggression, experiencing and perpetrating, have a negative significant relationship. Gender was found to not impact the relationship between differentiation of self and severity of psychological aggression. Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions for research were addressed. </p>