Understanding Romantic Relational Quality in Emerging Adults Using Attachment-related Experiments and Attribution-related Interventions

Romantic relationships play a fundamental role in emotional well-being and mental health. More than half (58%) of therapists have reported an increase in clients presenting with relationship issues in the past year, according to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Mindometer survey. Many couples struggle with negative thought patterns that fuel misunderstandings and conflicts. One such pattern is hostile attribution bias (HAB)—the tendency to interpret a partner’s behaviour as intentionally hurtful. HAB can be a silent but powerful disruptor of healthy relationships, linking to aggressive responses and even intimate partner violence. My PhD research demonstrated that HAB plays a key role in the relationship between attachment security (the secure emotional bond with a partner) and relationship outcomes. However, further work is needed to raise public awareness of HAB's harmful effects and develop effective interventions to reduce its negative impact. The primary aim of my fellowship is to maximise the potential of my laboratory-based research to date, develop open-source materials for the field of relational aggression and intimate partner violence, and bridge the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice. Through this fellowship, I will disseminate the impact of my PhD research via several pathways, including: (a) Developing a self-assessment digital Toolkit to identify and reduce HAB. I will collaborate with national relationship-related organisations/platforms (e.g., OnePlusOne) to adapt my recently published scale, Hostile Attribution Bias in Romantic Relationships Test, into a practical self-assessment Toolkit. It will be widely and freely available to both research and clinical communities. Specifically, this digital Toolkit will maximise real-world impact by benefiting the general population, especially couples facing relationship challenges and relationship therapists; (b) Increasing public engagement. I will write at least four public-facing articles and blogs, making psychological research accessible to wider audience and translating research findings into practical advice for couples. These blogs will help individuals recognise and manage dysfunctional thought patterns in their relationships; (c) Publishing my work in leading psychology journals, broadening the academic impact of my research; (d) Open-sourcing the programs I developed based on PsychoPy, via platforms like GitHub, providing a valuable resource for fellow researchers interested in social cognition in romantic contexts; (e) Presenting at major international and national conferences. To expand my professional network and disseminate my research, I will present at renowned international and national conferences. These conferences will facilitate discussions with leading relationship scientists, social psychologists, statisticians and research methodologies, and external organisations, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. In addition, this fellowship will also support me to further develop relevant skills, to (a) undertake advanced statistical training to maintain a competitive edge in modern social psychology research; (b) lecture and supervise undergraduate, Masters, and Doctorate students; (c) complete the two remaining trainings toward full Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) certification (I have finished the foundation training), which will help me bridge the gap between academic research and real-world practical solutions.