Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Biological Sciences

Advisor/Mentor

Makhanova, Anastasia

Committee Member

Evans, Timothy

Second Committee Member

Zhuang, Xuan

Third Committee Member

Lessner, Faith

Abstract

Given the inevitability of conflict in romantic relationships, understanding its biological impact is crucial for developing conflict resolution strategies that promote physical health. While many studies highlight relationship conflict’s negative effects on bodily systems, few examine how specific facets of conflict, such as opposition, impact the body. Partner opposition may contribute to oxidative stress, a biological marker associated with poor physical health, by activating the amygdala. This study investigated the association between partner opposition and oxidative stress in 126 couples expecting their first child. Participants attended a lab session where problem-solving discussions were recorded to assess oppositional behavior and urine samples were collected to assess oxidative stress levels. Multi-level modeling was used to test the hypothesis that individuals whose partner showed greater oppositional behavior during conflict would have higher oxidative stress levels. Contrary to expectations, no significant association was found between partner opposition and oxidative stress. However, results trended in the hypothesized direction for partner rejection. Findings also indicated that an individual’s own oppositional behavior, particularly indirect opposition, was negatively associated with their own oxidative stress levels. Additionally, oxidative stress levels were significantly higher in pregnant individuals compared to their partners. These findings may be influenced by limitations such as unaccounted factors affecting oxidative stress levels, the cross-sectional nature of the study, or observer bias. Future research should control for additional variables, incorporate a longitudinal approach, and utilize a validated coding scheme to clarify the association between partner opposition and oxidative stress.

Keywords

opposition; conflict; oxidative stress; relationships; pregnancy

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