An experimental test of the role of alcohol in relationship conflict

The authors argue for a causal role of alcohol in exacerbating relationship conflict. Participants, after nominating a conflict in their romantic rela tionships, were assigned to a sober, placebo, or intoxicated condition and were then asked to evaluate the conflict they had previously nominated. Int oxicated participants reported more negative emotion surrounding the confli ct and more negative perceptions of their partners' feelings. Consistent wi th Murray and Holmes' Dependency-Regulation Theory intoxicated low self-est eem participants reported more insecurity in their partners' affections as a result of the conflict and blamed their partners more for the conflict in cident. The implications for the relation between alcohol and violence in r elationships are discussed. (C) 2000 Academic Press.