Ambivalence in personal relationships - Master's thesis available now!

Injunctive and Descriptive Norms about Ambivalence in Different Types of Relationships

Supervisor: Clara Hallmann Perez 

Ambivalence is a common emotional experience in close relationships (e.g., Fincham & Linfield, 1997; Fingerman et al., 2004), specifically ambivalence towards the partner. Yet little is known about how perceived social norms regarding ambivalence vary across relationship types and durations. In this project, we plan to investigate perceived social norms of experiencing ambivalent feelings, i.e., simultaneously strong positive and negative emotions, in different types of relationships. Using a 2x2 experimental design, participants will imagine another person’s relationship that is either short- or long-term (IV1) and either platonic or romantic (IV2). They will rate perceived injunctive (what others think is ideal) and descriptive norms (how others actually act, think, or feel) of ambivalence in relationships alongside related perceptions and behaviors. Secondary measures include potential mechanisms (e.g., positivity expectations, perceived alternatives) and moderators (e.g., trait ambivalence, attachment style), providing insight into what shapes people’s social norms and judgments.

• Project start: As soon as possible (thesis submission should be around the end of this WiSe 25/26) 
• Language: English or German
• Capacities: Up to 2 students
• References: see OPAL

If you’re interested or have any questions, please contact Clara Hallmann Perez directly at