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Deficient communication or cognitive distortions about what is acceptable to the partner (Epstein & Schlesinger, 1991)Influence of parental style and repeating learned patterns from peers (Trower & Dryden, 1991)Lack of role models and opportunities to learn alternatives
Expression of anger, or underlying hostility to partnerReaction to early betrayal (Mattinson, 1993)Reaction to partner reminding person of over intrusive and controlling parent from whom it became necessary to develop a secret rebellious lifeNeed to recreate the excitement of the oedipal situation by creating an oedipal constellation in their sexual relationships (Fisher, 1993)Expression of narcissistic needs not met in current relationship (Colman, 1993)
Regulation of intimacy needs (Byng-Hall, 1980)Means of dealing with inequalities of power (Rampage, 1994)Co-option of third party to bring stability to partnershipA lever to review commitment to each other (Crowe & Ridley, 1990)
Opportunity for emotional and sexual needs to be metAvoidance of anxieties about commitmentInfluence of parental style and repeating learned patterns from peers (Trower & Dryden, 1991)Lack of role models and opportunities to learn alternatives
Early experiences lead to the expectation that people always have to be shared with othersExpression of anger, or underlying hostility to consort’s partnerDisplaced attack on parent’s relationship, on couple in the oedipal constellation (Fisher, 1993)Expression of narcissistic destructiveness
Regulation of intimacy needs (Byng-Hall, 1980)Meeting of sexual and emotional needs without having to offer commitment