Abstract
Mental contrast is one of the self-regulation strategies. The contrast between the imagination of the desired goal and the reality of the obstacles motivates the individual to take effective action in the present to help achieve the goal. Mental contrast has been found to be effective in achieving goals in many aspects of life. This paper reviews the effectiveness of mental contrast in romantic relationship maintenance and conflict resolution. It addresses insecurity and reconciliation behaviors in romantic relationships and provides directions for future research.
Highlights
Fantasy Realization Theory (FRT), as the basis of mental contrast, involves individuals’ expectations of the future
This is because indulgence leads to avoidance and loss of motivation following any difficulties in achieving future goals
A study that used Mental Contrasting Implementation Intention (MCII) to help individuals improve their insecurity in intimate relationships found that those in the MCII strategy group reported significant reductions in behaviors that targeted insecurity after one week and a substantial increase in their commitment in intimate relationships two months after the intervention
Summary
Fantasy Realization Theory (FRT), as the basis of mental contrast, involves individuals’ expectations of the future. Mental contrast strategies are considered the way individuals maximize their goals by balancing positive and negative perceptions of the upcoming reality (Oettingen, 1999). Oettingen (1999) argues that by using only indulgent strategies (positive fantasies), individuals may ignore the adverse effects of the upcoming reality. This is because indulgence leads to avoidance and loss of motivation following any difficulties in achieving future goals. The reverse contrast strategy is to imagine the desired future after reflecting on the real obstacles, which leads to the inability of the individual to consider the reality obstacles as a hindrance to achieving the desired end. The main purpose of this review is to outline the major milestones in the application of the mental contrast mindset in romantic relationships, the current burden of the mental contrast mindset in relationship regulation, and the technical applications of mental contrasting
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