Identity Verification, Control, and Aggression in Marriage

Bibliographic Data

ID11325365
AuthorsJan E Stets (0000-0001-6371-3292, University of California, Riverside, corresponding author), Peter J Burke (0000-0002-8883-1014)
Year2005
Volume68
Issue2
Pages160-178
Publication date2005-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Psychology Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0190-2725 • E-ISSN: 1939-8999
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/019027250506800204
OpenAlexW2040607901
LanguageEN
Citations received41
References cited54

In this research we study the identity verification process and its effects in marriage. Drawing on identity control theory, we hypothesize that a lack of verification in the spouse identity (1) threatens stable self-meanings and interaction patterns between spouses, and (2) challenges a (nonverified) spouse's perception of control over the environment. In response to both of these circumstances, spouses increase control over their partners to counteract disturbances to self-in-situation meanings and to regain the perception of control over their environment. When increased control over the partner does not reaffirm one's identity or restore the perception of control, one may use aggression to gain control. Analysis of data from newly married couples over the first two years of marriage provides results that are consistent with this thesis. In general, we see how the lack of identity verification is tied to the control process, leads to dysfunctional interaction patterns in marriage, and more broadly threatens a stable social structure

Aggression · Control (management · Developmental psychology · Dysfunctional family · Identity (music · Perception · Self-control · Social group · Social identity approach · Social identity theory · Sociology · Spouse · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Clinical Psychology · Computer Science · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Power and Status Dynamics · Social Psychology