Models of relating - not relationship models: Cognitive representations of relating across interpersonal relationship domains

Abstract

Two studies apply Fiske’s Relational Model Theory (RMT) to interpersonal relationships and indicate that rather than being models of relationships, relational models are models of relating that are used differently across interpersonal relationship domains. Study 1 (n = 145) investigated the use of relational models in three relationship types (mother, friend, and acquaintance). Results showed that even though relationship type predicted relational model use, model use varied significantly across relationship domains. Study 2 (n = 282) provides a cross-cultural replication of these findings (US and Singapore). Results of both studies suggest that Relational Model Theory is a particularly fruitful approach to relationship research when individual relationship domains are considered in addition to relationship types.