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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. References 1. Ahn, A. J. Kim, B.S.K &Park, Y.S. (2008). Asian Cultural Values Gap, Cognitive Flexibility, Coping Strategies, and Parent-Child Conflicts Among Korean Americans. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology Copyright 2008 by the American Psychological Association 2008, Vol. 14, No. 4, 353 363 2. Altunkol, F. (2011). Üniversite öğrencilerinin bilişsel esneklikleri ile algılanan stres düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Yayınlanmamış y(ksek lisans tezi. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Adana. 3. “tak, M. and Kacur, M. . Üniversite öğrencilerinin sorun alanları ve sorunlarla başetme yolları Erciyes Üniversitesi 5rneği. Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, Sayı Yıl 4. ”eştav, G. 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European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017 43 Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS 20. Knox,D. H. Sporakowski, Jr. and Sporakowski, M.J.(1968). Attitudes of College Students toward Love. Journal of Marriage and Family. Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 638-642 Published by: National Council on Family Relations Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/349508. 21. Küçükarslan, M. (2011). Mersin Üniversitesi öğrencilerinin romantik ilişkilere yönelik inançlarının cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyi ve romantik ilişki yaşama durumu değişkenlerine göre incelenmesi. Yayınlanmamış y(ksek lisans tezi. Mersin Üniversitesi Eğitim Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Mersin. 22. Moore, S.M. ve Leung, C. (2001). Romantic beliefs, styles, and relationships among young people from Chinese, Southern European, and Anglo-Australian backgrounds. 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European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017 44 Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS 31. Sprecher, S. and Metts, S. (1999). Romantic beliefs: Their influence on relationships and patterns of change over time. Journal of Social & Personal Relationships. Vol. 16 Issue 6, p834. 18p. 4 Charts. 32. Sprecher, S. and Toro-Morn, M. (2002). A Study of Men and Women From Different Sides of Earth to Determine if Men are From Mars and Women are From Venus in Their Beliefs About Love and Romantic Relationships. Sex Roles, Vol. 46, No. 5/6. 33. Turan, A.F. (2010). Üniversite öğrencilerinin ilişkilere yönelik bilişsel çarpıtmalarını yordamada yalnızlık, benlik saygısı, yaş, cinsiyet ve romantik ilişki yaşama durumunun rolü. Yayınlanmamış y(ksek lisans tezi, “nadolu Üniversitesi Eğitim ”ilimleri Enstit(s(, Eskişehir. European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 3 │ 2017 45 Vildan Serpin Eşiyok, ”innaz Kiran Esen THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ACCORDING TO GENDER AND COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY OF LEVEL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BELIEFS Creative Commons licensing terms Author(s) will retain the copyright of their published articles agreeing that a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) terms will be applied to their work. Under the terms of this license, no permission is required from the author(s) or publisher for members of the community to copy, distribute, transmit or adapt the article content, providing a proper, prominent and unambiguous attribution to the authors in a manner that makes clear that the materials are being reused under permission of a Creative Commons License. Views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this research article are views, opinions and conclusions of the author(s). 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