Research Article

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY

Volume: 35 March 9, 2026
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THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY

Abstract

Romantic relationships play a decisive role not only in terms of fulfilling the need for belonging and closeness, but also in terms of shaping individuals’ psychological and physical well-being. Research emphasises the importance of individual characteristics and conflict resolution styles in explaining the stability of romantic relationships. At this point, psychological flexibility, defined as the ability of individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, emerges as a fundamental resource that supports healthy relationship functioning. However, the relationship between psychological flexibility and relationship stability needs further explanation. This study aims to examine the mediating role of conflict resolution styles in the relationship between psychological flexibility and relationship stability. The sample for the study consisted of a total of 391 participants aged between 19 and 50. The Relationship Stability Scale, Psychological Flexibility Scale, and Conflict Resolution Style Scale were used as data collection tools. The findings revealed that psychological flexibility positively predicts relationship stability and that conflict resolution styles play a mediating role in this relationship. These results can be discussed within the framework of the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation Model and the Investment Model in explaining romantic relationship dynamics. The research reveals the importance of psychological flexibility in maintaining romantic relationships and shows that conflict resolution styles also play a critical role in this process. The findings contribute to the theoretical literature and point to important variables that should be emphasised in couples therapy in terms of clinical psychology applications.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Social and Personality Psychology (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 9, 2026

Submission Date

December 15, 2024

Acceptance Date

December 23, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 35

APA
Cirit, A., & Dündar, A. H. (2026). THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 35. https://doi.org/10.35379/cusosbil.1602066
AMA
1.Cirit A, Dündar AH. THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2026;35. doi:10.35379/cusosbil.1602066
Chicago
Cirit, Ayşegül, and Ayşe Hazal Dündar. 2026. “THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 35 (March). https://doi.org/10.35379/cusosbil.1602066.
EndNote
Cirit A, Dündar AH (March 1, 2026) THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 35
IEEE
[1]A. Cirit and A. H. Dündar, “THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY”, Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, vol. 35, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.35379/cusosbil.1602066.
ISNAD
Cirit, Ayşegül - Dündar, Ayşe Hazal. “THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 35 (March 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.35379/cusosbil.1602066.
JAMA
1.Cirit A, Dündar AH. THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2026;35. doi:10.35379/cusosbil.1602066.
MLA
Cirit, Ayşegül, and Ayşe Hazal Dündar. “THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY”. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, vol. 35, Mar. 2026, doi:10.35379/cusosbil.1602066.
Vancouver
1.Ayşegül Cirit, Ayşe Hazal Dündar. THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY AND RELATIONSHIP STABILITY. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2026 Mar. 1;35. doi:10.35379/cusosbil.1602066