European Journal of Education Studies
ISSN: 2501 - 1111
ISSN-L: 2501 - 1111
Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/edu
Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017
doi: 10.5281/zenodo.268649
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
ACCORDING TO GENDER AND COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF
LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS ii
Vildan Serpin Eşiyok1, Binnaz Kiran Esen2i
1
Ministry of Education, Mersin, Turkey
2
Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to examine the whether there is a difference among
according to gender and cognitive flexibility levels of university students’ romantic
relationship beliefs. The data was collected from 635 students (343 female, 292 male)
who have been studying in different faculties of Mersin University in Turkey. In order
to determine the cognitive flexibility levels of the university students'
Cognitive
Flexibility Scale , to determine their romantic relationship beliefs Romantic ”eliefs
Scale were used. Analysis of the data was made using SPSS 20 software package
program. In the analysis of the survey data, Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
technique were used in order to analyze whether LSD test was used to test the source of
differences. The level of significance in the study was considered to be .05. According to
the results of the research, there is a meaningful difference of the between variables
(Love is a way and Idealization). Cognitive flexibility levels of university students
increases belief in romantic relationships is also increasing.
Keywords: cognitive flexibility, romantic relationship, romantic relationship beliefs,
university students
1. Introduction
University student is required and expected a period of life for many young people.
College life is described as an important development period by Gizir (2005). Because
ii
This study was taken from a master's thesis directed by Kiran Esen.
Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved.
© 2015 2017 Open Access Publishing Group
37
Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND
COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS
many young people have new academic, personal and social life in university. They are
in freedom and autonomy environment different from high school. College life’s new
experiences include vocational courses, friendship and different relations teachers (Atak
and Kacur, 2011). Romantic relationships are important for students who will pursue
careers. They have to find solutions to problems in romantic relationships are easy or
difficult they may be based on cognitive flexibility or rigidity.
Cognitive flexibility, an individual; a) be aware of alternative routes and options,
b) can be flexible in adapting to new situations, c) be flexible in cases where competence
is defined as the feeling itself (Martin, Anderson and Thweatt, 1998). Cognitive
flexibility is facing the new environment and unforeseen circumstances, the human
ability to adapt to the cognitive processing strategies (Cañas, Fajardo and Salmerón,
2013). Martin and Anderson (1998) accept cognitive flexibility as an important
component of communication skills. Ciairano, Bonina ve Miceli'de (2006) have
indicated children with higher cognitive flexibility, they become much more
cooperative. Studies indicate that there is a significant positive correlation between
cognitive flexibility and intellectual flexibility and self-pity, assertiveness and
responsiveness, social competence expectations, positive problem-solving skills, figural
creativity, anger (Martin, Staggers and Anderson, 2011; Martin and Anderson, 1998:
Bilgin, 2009: Çuhadaroğlu,
significant
negative
Diril,
correlation
between
Çelikkaleli, 2014). And also there is a
cognitive
flexibility
and
marital
conflicts, perceived stress, constant anger, anger inside and anger outside, unreasonable
beliefs, obsessive attachment style and anxiety. (Ahn, Kim and Park, 2008: Altunkol,
2011: Diril, 2011: Gündüz, 2013). There was no difference between men and women (Öz,
Diril,
Çuhadaroğlu,
. As you can see, cognitive flexibility is usually
positive idea and behaviors. Romantic relationship beliefs are the other variable of this
study.
Other variable is romantic relationships beliefs of individuals. Romantic
relationships beliefs created by the individual’s cognitive structure are very effective on
the romantic relationship process (Knee, Patrick and Lonsbary, 2003). Rational
relational beliefs in a romantic relationship show that love, royalty, satisfaction and
positive feelings (Sprecher and Metts, 1999). Cash (1984) notes that relational no
relationship beliefs are associated with negative cognitive regulation.
In addition, the cultural differences and the characteristics of the family members
are also important factors affecting the romantic relationships beliefs (Möller and Van
Zyl, 1991, Sprecher, Cate and Levin, 1998, Sprecher and Toro-Morn, 2002). Studies show
that the beliefs of non-rational relations; depressive symptoms, negative cognitive
regulation, insensitivity and external locus of control, low relationship satisfaction,
European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017
38
Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND
COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS
loneliness, self-esteem, physical abuse, emotional abuse and problem solving, anxious
and avoidant attachment styles, and negative attitudes toward marriage (Cash, 1984:
Cramer, 2004: Turan, 2010: Kaygusuz, 2013: Sari and Mutlu-Tagay, 2015: Karabacak
and Ciftçi, 2015). Rational romantic relationship beliefs are positively associated with
love, satisfaction and loyalty, fearless and indifferent attachment styles (Sprecher and
Metts,
”eştav,
. In addition, romantic relationship beliefs are the
determinants of the relationship styles (Moore and Leung, 2001). Romantic associative
expectations of men and women can be different (Satir, 2001).
The purpose of this study was to investigate the whether there is a difference
among according to gender and cognitive flexibility levels of university students’
romantic relationship beliefs. In addition, according to gender and cognitive flexibility
levels of university student romantic relationship beliefs were examined differed on
whether the total score and subscale scores.
2. Method
2.1 Participants
The study group is consisted of total 635 students (343 female, 292 male) who have been
studying in different faculties of Mersin University in Turkey in the academic year of
2011-2012.
2.2. Instruments
In order to determine the cognitive flexibility levels of the university students'
Cognitive Flexibility Scale , to determine their romantic relationship beliefs Romantic
”eliefs Scale were used.
2.2.1 Cognitive Flexibility Scale: The Scale which was developed by Bilgin (2009)
demonstrated an internal consistency coefficient of 92. In this study, the Cronbach
Alpha reliability coefficient of scale has been found as 92.
2.2.2 Romantic Beliefs Scale: The Scale which was developed by Sprecher and Metts
(1989) demonstrated an internal consistency coefficient of 81 and test-retest reliability of
75. The Turkish version was done by Küçükarslan (2011). The reliability of the Turkish
was calculated as 84. In this study, the Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of scale
has been found as 86.
European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017
39
Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND
COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS
2.3 Analysis of Data
Analysis of the data was made using SPSS 20 software package program. In the analysis
of the survey data for both the cognitive flexibility as well as romantic relationship,
beliefs in order to determine the relationship between continuous variables and Pearson
Correlation Coefficient technique were used. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
technique were used in order to analyze whether there is a meaningful difference of the
between variables. LSD test was used to test the source of differences. The level of
significance in the study was considered to be .05.
3. Findings
The findings obtained the purpose of the research analyses is given below
1. The results showed that based on individuals’ cognitive flexibility levels, there is
a meaningful difference between the Romantic relationship beliefs total score
[F(2-629)= 4.76, p<.01], Regarding gender, the results suggested that there is a
meaningful difference between male and female subjects in the Romantic
relationship beliefs total score [F(1-629)= 36.08, p<.01], and in the interaction of
gender and cognitive flexibility [F(2-629)= 5.24, p<.01]. Those with "low" cognitive
flexibility have higher beliefs of non-rational romantic relationships.
2. The results showed that based on individuals’ cognitive flexibility levels, there is
a meaningful difference between the Love finds a way subscales’ score
[F(2-629)= 23, p<.01]. In addiction regarding gender, the results suggested that there
is a meaningful difference between male and female subjects in the love finds a
way subscale’s score F(1-629)= 8063, p<.01], and in the interaction of gender and
cognitive flexibility [F(2-629)= 8.29, p<.01]. Those with "low" cognitive flexibility
have higher beliefs of non-rational Love finds a way subscales’.
3. The results showed that based on individuals’ cognitive flexibility levels, there is
not a meaningful difference between the One and only" subscales’ score
[F(2-629)= .
, p>.
and "Love at first sight
subscales’ score F (2-629)= 1.94, p>.05].
In addiction regarding gender, the results suggested that there is not a
meaningful difference between male and female subjects in the One and only
subscale’s score [F(1-629) = 3.564, p>.05], and in the interaction of gender and
cognitive flexibility [F (2-629) = 3.86, p>.05]. But "Love at first sight subscales’ score
[F(1-629) = 7.62, p>.05] is different.
4. The results showed that based on individuals’ cognitive flexibility levels, there is
a meaningful difference between the "Idealization subscales’ score [F(2-629) = 8.2,
p<.01]. In addiction regarding gender, the results suggested that there is a
European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017
40
Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND
COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS
meaningful difference between male and female subjects in the "Idealization"
subscale’s score F (1-629) =12.7, p<.01].
4. Discussion and Conclusion
According to the results of statistical analysis obtained from the research, cognitive
flexibility levels of university students increases belief in romantic relationships is also
increasing. Romantic relationship beliefs subscales examined data on the level of
cognitive flexibility increases. It is observed that increased the relationship beliefs "Love
finds a way" and "Idealization" however no relationship was found between "One and
only" and "Love at first sight" relationship beliefs. In addition, it was seen that male
students have more romantic relationship beliefs such as "Love finds a way" and "Love
at first sight" than female students. Küçükarslan (2011) found the university students
who live a first romantic relationship "Love finds a way", "One and only" and
"Idealization" has been found that a higher level than students in other groups.
Considering the theoretical aspect is expected to show negative correlation of
irrational belief in romantic relationships with cognitive flexibility. But according to the
results of this research, cognitive flexibility levels of university students increases belief
in romantic relationships is also increasing. This situation is explained cultural impact.
Because of cultural differences and characteristics of the family lives of individuals are
important factors affecting romantic relationship beliefs (Möller ve Van Zyl, 1991;
Sprecher, Cate and Levin, 1998; Sprecher and Toro-Morn, 2002). When examining the
literature has been reached with very little research on the romantic relationship with
cognitive flexibility. Ahn, Kim and Park (2008) have found a negative correlation
between cognitive flexibility and the intensity of marital conflict. Eidelson and Epstein
(1981) indicated the couples are having unrealistic belief in a romantic relationship;
failed marriages will not change so they believe should be ended. According to women,
men are more romantic and less realistic (Knox, Sporakowski and Sporakowski 1968;
Sprecher and Metts, 1999). The complexity of relationships in daily life necessitates
cognitive flexibility (Martin, Anderson and Thweatt, 1998). People with high levels of
cognitive flexibility have high problem solving abilities (Flett, Hewitt, Shapiro and
Rayman, 2001). Those who are not socially inclusive are more likely to accept
nonfunctional relationship beliefs (Cash, 1984). Also, the beliefs of couples have a
serious impact on their relationships (Knee, Patrick and Lonsbary, 2003). Individuals
with high levels of cognitive flexibility are in good mental health. Individuals' attitudes,
behaviors, and expectations towards each other in romantic relationships are influenced
European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017
41
Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND
COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS
by the cognitive structures of individuals. The level of cognitive flexibility also affects
the beliefs of romantic relationships.
Some suggestions are made based on results. Individuals with high levels of
cognitive flexibility, have good mental health. This study will help school counselors
and adolescents. According to the results of research, psycho educational activities
organized for adolescents by the school counselors is recommended.
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Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND
COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS
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European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017
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Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND
COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS
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