Objective: To explore the power responses of young individuals in romantic relationships in conflict situations, as well as the conflict narratives that characterize responders with different levels of power.
Methods: A total of 42 young individuals in romantic relationships were selected for semi-structured interviews, and the content of the interviews was analyzed using grounded theory.
Results: Individuals with high power responses are more destructive to the romantic relationship and tend to intensify the conflict, causing themselves and/or their partner to experience negative emotions. Individuals with low power responses exhibit both proactive and reactive behaviors, which can be destructive or constructive, Individuals with egalitarian responses are more constructive to the romantic relationship, facilitating conflict resolution and relationship repair. Participants at different power levels have distinct descriptions of conflict situations, which can be classified into six types based on the presence or absence of cognitive, emotional, and intervention components.
Conclusions: Individuals in romantic relationships have different levels of power responses to conflict, each with specific tendencies and missing components in their conflict narratives. Proactive and constructive behaviors are more helpful in resolving conflicts.
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