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Sizemore RN, Baker LR. Perceiving greater commitment increases selfishness among disagreeable people. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303693. [PMID: 38829902 PMCID: PMC11146695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Perceiving that a partner is highly committed tends to benefit close relationships. However, there may be relational drawbacks to perceiving high commitment. In particular, given that high commitment may signal that a partner is unlikely to leave the relationship, perceiving that a partner is highly committed might lead people low in agreeableness to feel comfortable behaving more selfishly toward that partner. One correlational study consisting of a highly diverse sample of individuals (n = 307), one observational study of newlywed couples (n = 202), and one experiment with undergraduate couples (n = 252) examined whether the implications of perceived partner commitment for selfish behaviors depend on agreeableness. Results demonstrated that perceiving high commitment resulted in more selfish behavior among disagreeable participants (Studies 1-3), but less selfish behavior among agreeable participants (Studies 1 and 3). Together, these results suggest that signaling commitment to disagreeable partners may backfire in romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raini N. Sizemore
- Department of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Levi R. Baker
- Department of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States of America
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2
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Ogan MA, Monk JK, Thibodeau-Nielsen RB, Vennum A, Soloski K. The role of emotional dysregulation in the association between family-of-origin conflict and romantic relationship maintenance. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2024; 50:28-44. [PMID: 37752739 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Family-of-origin systems are consequential for the emotional well-being of offspring. These influences are likely to last into adulthood, affecting adult children's romantic relationships. The mechanisms by which family-of-origin environments influence adult romantic relationships are not fully understood. In a sample of 118 different-sex couples, we tested the effects of negative family-of-origin conflict on adult offspring's provision of relationship maintenance to their romantic partner using structural equation modeling. We evaluated emotional dysregulation as a mediator of this effect, using two measures of emotional dysregulation. Results from structural models demonstrated a negative effect of family-of-origin conflict on the provision of relationship maintenance via higher levels of emotional dysregulation. Our results highlight emotional self-regulation as a valuable intervention point for couple therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Ogan
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - J Kale Monk
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Amber Vennum
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Kristy Soloski
- Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Ritter LJ, Hilliard T, Knox D. "Lovesick": Mental Health and Romantic Relationships among College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:641. [PMID: 36612961 PMCID: PMC9819681 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This research investigated the interpersonal impact of self-reported mental health diagnoses and/or perceptions on undergraduate students' current or most recent romantic relationship. Analysis of data from a 43-item online questionnaire completed by 267 undergraduates revealed that 68.3% of women and 52.5% of men reported having either been professionally diagnosed with a mental illness or perceive themselves to be mentally ill based on DSM criteria, with women and white students reporting significantly higher levels. Sociologically speaking, mental illness was found to influence relationship initiation, maintenance, and dissolution in this study. The mental health of the respondents' potential partners was an important consideration in deciding to form a relationship, particularly for male, white, heterosexuals. When the respondents reported relationship problems, men were more likely to blame such problems on mental health issues than women. Finally, though more respondents reported having broken up with a romantic partner who had mental health issues than had romantic partners break up with them, there were no significant gender, race, or sexual orientation differences in the termination of these romantic relationships. Study findings emphasize the importance of acknowledging and providing mental health resources-particularly interpersonal options-for emerging adults in the college setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey J. Ritter
- Department of Psychology, Sociology, & Social Work, Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USA
| | - Taylor Hilliard
- Department of Sociology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - David Knox
- Department of Sociology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Pederson JR, LeFebvre LE, Griffin DJ. Relational surprise experiences as a unique form of relational maintenance. INTERPERSONA: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2020. [DOI: 10.5964/ijpr.v14i2.3647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study presents an initial exploration and conceptualization of relational surprise experiences (RSEs) as communication phenomenon involving strategic relational maintenance behaviors with potential for positive and negative outcomes. University students in the Southeastern United States (N = 203) described a RSE that occurred with a close relational partner (romantic partner, friend, or family member), explained how deception was used to achieve the surprise, and reported relational benefits and drawbacks in an online survey. Seven types of RSEs were reported including gifts, events, visits, and destinations. Responses revealed that people considered surprises as relationally beneficial with minimal drawbacks. Although over one-third of the participants described their partner’s pants perceived the surprise as a violation of relational rules. Some participants reported both benefits and drawbacks to RSEs, thereby illuminating a nuance for traditional relational maintenance typologies. This study establishes a path to explore implications of RSEs for individual and relational satisfaction, happiness, and well-being.
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Abstract
Abstract. In the field of forgiveness interventions, little research has been done on the comparative effects of learning-oriented versus action-oriented routes in managing unresolved interpersonal transgressions. In this study, 73 older adults ( M = 68.8 years) were randomized to either a learning-oriented group intervention condition that emphasized learning factors by helping older adults to understand the transgression in a more adaptive way; or to an action-oriented group intervention condition that emphasized action factors by helping older adults to practice new behaviors and skills to manage the transgression. The findings indicated that both conditions resulted in decreases in revenge, transgression-related thoughts and feelings, negative affect, and psychological distress as well as increases in life satisfaction. We were able to demonstrate that both routes are equally effective in reducing negative states and producing positive states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Allemand
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Brady A, Baker LR, Muise A, Impett EA. Gratitude Increases the Motivation to Fulfill a Partner’s Sexual Needs. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1948550619898971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining sexual satisfaction is a critical, yet challenging, aspect of most romantic relationships. Although prior research has established that sexual communal strength (SCS)—i.e., the extent to which people are motivated to be responsive to their partner’s sexual needs—benefits romantic relationships, research has yet to identify factors that promote SCS. We predicted that gratitude would increase SCS because gratitude motivates partners to maintain close relationships. These predictions were supported in three studies with cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental methods. Specifically, experiencing and receiving expressions of gratitude were associated with greater SCS. These studies are the first to investigate the benefits of gratitude in the sexual domain and identify factors that promote SCS. Together, these results have important implications for relationship and sexual satisfaction in romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn Brady
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Levi R. Baker
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Amy Muise
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Brisini KSC, Solomon DH. Relational Turbulence and Marital Communication When Children with Autism Start School: A Longitudinal Dyadic Diary Study. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:483-493. [PMID: 30706722 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1567445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive and often difficult health condition, the consequences of which ripple through family relationships. This paper engages relational turbulence theory, which addresses communication in romantic relationships, and the experiencing life transitions model, from the field of nursing, to examine how communication between parents affects the marital relationship during a major transition in the life of a child with ASD. Transition processing communication (TPC) includes four forms of communication that can help married partners navigate difficult life events: increasing interaction, promoting connection, promoting feeling situated, and increasing confidence in the relationship. This study examines the effects of partners' TPC on their own and their spouse's experiences of relational uncertainty, changes in interdependence, and relational turbulence. A total of 33 couples and 60 married, female individuals, parents of a child with ASD who was starting school for the first time, completed a pre-test, 14 dairies, and a post-test; diaries were completed every three days over a 42-day period, beginning on the child's first day of school. Findings suggest that partners' engagement in TPC significantly affects some relationship qualities. In addition, an individual's perceptions of his or her spouse's communication were a stronger predictor of relational turbulence than the spouse's self-reported communication. Results point to several implications for understanding the ways in which married partners can protect their marriage in the face of their child's health-related transitions.
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Killoren SE, Monk JK, Gonzales-Backen MA, Kline GC, Jones SK. Perceived Experiences of Discrimination and Latino/a Young Adults' Personal and Relational Well-being. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 49:1017-1029. [PMID: 31786771 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-01175-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
US Latino/as experience high rates of discrimination, resulting in personal and relational distress. A sample of 238 Latino/a young adults (Mage = 25.37 years; 57.6% men; 54.4% Mexican) was used to investigate how perceived discrimination was associated with romantic relationship instability via young adults' depressive symptoms. The moderating roles of ethnic identity and romantic relationship maintenance on these associations were examined. Greater relationship maintenance and ethnic identity affirmation were associated with less depression and relationship instability. Under conditions of high ethnic identity exploration and resolution, the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms was stronger, leading to greater relationship instability. The findings reveal that the protective roles of cultural and relational factors may depend on the stressor and outcomes examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Killoren
- Human Development and Family Science Department, University of Missouri, 314 Gentry Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - J Kale Monk
- Human Development and Family Science Department, University of Missouri, 314 Gentry Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Melinda A Gonzales-Backen
- Department of Family and Child Sciences, The Florida State University, 240 Sandels, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Gabrielle C Kline
- Human Development and Family Science Department, University of Missouri, 314 Gentry Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Samantha K Jones
- Human Development and Family Science Department, University of Missouri, 314 Gentry Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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Baker LR, McNulty JK. The Relationship Problem Solving (RePS) Model: How Partners Influence One Another to Resolve Relationship Problems. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2019; 24:53-77. [PMID: 31658875 DOI: 10.1177/1088868319881243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we synthesize existing literatures across numerous domains to introduce a novel model-the Relationship Problem Solving (RePS) model-for understanding the process through which romantic partners influence one another to resolve relationship problems. The first section briefly describes the key constructs and stages of the model. The second section details the interpersonal behaviors that influence various intrapersonal factors (e.g., affect, self-efficacy) that ultimately influence partners' motivation and ability to progress through the stages of the model. The third section uses the model to generate novel predictions that suggest that the effectiveness of these interpersonal behaviors often depends on contextual factors. Finally, the fourth section discusses the implications of this model for understanding relationship problem solving, highlights the need to consider the role of context in the problem-solving process, and offers numerous specific predictions to be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi R Baker
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
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Hudson NW, Lucas RE, Donnellan MB. The Highs and Lows of Love: Romantic Relationship Quality Moderates Whether Spending Time With One's Partner Predicts Gains or Losses in Well-Being. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2019; 46:572-589. [PMID: 31409247 DOI: 10.1177/0146167219867960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous research suggests both relationship status and relationship quality correlate with well-being. The present study extended these findings in three ways. First, we benchmarked individuals with various-quality relationships against uncoupled people to determine whether even low-quality relationships are associated with greater well-being than being unpartnered. Second, research suggests global well-being (e.g., life satisfaction) and experiential well-being (e.g., momentary affect) oftentimes have different predictors. Thus, we tested whether individuals report greater experiential well-being while with their partners. Finally, we examined whether daily time invested into one's relationship predicted well-being. Results indicated that being in a romantic relationship, interacting with one's partner, and investing greater time into the relationship all predicted greater well-being. However, these effects were moderated by relationship quality, such that being in even relatively neutral relationships and interacting therein were associated with lower well-being than being unpartnered.
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Gómez-López M, Viejo C, Ortega-Ruiz R. Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2415. [PMID: 31284670 PMCID: PMC6650954 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence and emerging adulthood are both stages in which romantic relationships play a key role in development and can be a source of both well-being and negative outcomes. However, the limited number of studies prior to adulthood, along with the multiplicity of variables involved in the romantic context and the considerable ambiguity surrounding the construct of well-being, make it difficult to reach conclusions about the relationship between the two phenomena. This systematic review synthesizes the results produced into this topic over the last three decades. A total of 112 studies were included, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. On the one hand, these works revealed the terminological heterogeneity in research on well-being and the way the absence of symptoms of illness are commonly used to measure it, while on the other hand, they also showed that romantic relationships can be an important source of well-being for both adolescents and emerging adults. The findings underline the importance of providing a better definition of well-being, as well as to attribute greater value to the significance of romantic relationships. Devoting greater empirical, educational, and community efforts to romantic development in the stages leading up to adulthood are considered necessary actions in promoting the well-being of young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Viejo
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Córdoba (Spain), 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - Rosario Ortega-Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Córdoba (Spain), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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Sanchez M, Haynes A, Parada JC, Demir M. Friendship Maintenance Mediates the Relationship Between Compassion for Others and Happiness. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-017-9779-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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McNulty JK, Russell VM. Forgive and Forget, or Forgive and Regret? Whether Forgiveness Leads to Less or More Offending Depends on Offender Agreeableness. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2016; 42:616-31. [PMID: 27029577 DOI: 10.1177/0146167216637841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
How does forgiveness predict the likelihood of reoffending? One survey study, one experiment, one 4-year longitudinal study, and one 2-week diary study examined the implications of forgiveness for reoffending in relationships. In all four studies, agreeableness interacted with partner forgiveness to predict subsequent offending; partner forgiveness was negatively associated with subsequent offending among more agreeable people but positively associated with subsequent offending among less agreeable people. Furthermore, Study 4 demonstrated a unique mechanism of each simple effect; relatively agreeable people engaged in fewer transgressions against more forgiving partners because they felt obligated to refrain from transgressing against such partners whereas relatively disagreeable people engaged in more transgressions against more forgiving partners because they perceived those partners were less easily angered. These studies indicate that completely understanding the intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences of forgiveness requires recognizing the dyadic nature of forgiveness and attending to qualities of the offender.
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McNulty J. Highlighting the Contextual Nature of Interpersonal Relationships. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aesp.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Donato S, Parise M. Introduction to special section on the bright side of the couple relationship: Pro-relationship processes in response to positive and negative events. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/19424620.2015.1081900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Baker LR, McNulty JK. Adding insult to injury: partner depression moderates the association between partner-regulation attempts and partners' motivation to resolve interpersonal problems. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2015; 41:839-52. [PMID: 25870371 DOI: 10.1177/0146167215580777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intimates regularly confront their partners to motivate them to change undesirable behaviors. Nevertheless, contextual perspectives suggest that qualities of the partner may determine the implications of such attempts. Consistent with these ideas, a pilot study of romantic relationships, an observational study of newlyweds, and a diary study of married couples demonstrated that partner depression moderates the association between confrontational partner-regulation behaviors and partners' motivation, such that confrontational behaviors were associated with marginally greater motivation to resolve problems among partners who were experiencing relatively few depressive symptoms, but significantly less motivation among partners who were experiencing relatively more depressive symptoms. Furthermore, Study 2 provided evidence for the mechanism of these effects--relationship self-efficacy. Finally, these studies also demonstrated that benevolent behaviors were particularly motivating for partners who were experiencing more depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the important roles played by depression, relationship self-efficacy, and context in interpersonal communication.
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Meltzer AL, McNulty JK. "Tell me I'm sexy…and otherwise valuable:" Body Valuation and Relationship Satisfaction. PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2014; 21:68-87. [PMID: 24683309 PMCID: PMC3964620 DOI: 10.1111/pere.12018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although extant research demonstrates that body valuation by strangers has negative implications for women, Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate that body valuation by a committed male partner is positively associated with women's relationship satisfaction when that partner also values them for their non-physical qualities, but negatively associated with women's relationship satisfaction when that partner is not committed or does not value them for their non-physical qualities. Study 3 demonstrates that body valuation by a committed female partner is negatively associated with men's relationship satisfaction when that partner does not also value them for their non-physical qualities but unassociated with men's satisfaction otherwise. These findings join others demonstrating that fully understanding the implications of interpersonal processes requires considering the interpersonal context. (120 words).
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Lemay EP, Neal AM. Accurate and biased perceptions of responsive support predict well-being. MOTIVATION AND EMOTION 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11031-013-9381-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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