Maintenance Of Romantic Relationships Research Articles

The Impact of Social Media on Romantic Relationships in China

The vast majority of people worldwide regularly access social media on their smartphones. The increasing popularity of social media has undoubtedly impacted people's social relationships and is gradually becoming a new hotspot for research in communication, sociology, and psychology. This study sought to understand to what extent social media has affected the emotional health and relationships of real-life couples, utilizing several literature reviews and factual case studies. The study's results suggest that an individual's likelihood of experiencing negative effects on their overall emotional well-being and declining quality in their romantic relationships was positively correlated with the amount of time they spent on social media. Social media can contribute to the development and maintenance of romantic relationships to a certain extent. However, at the same time, over-reliance and blind use can hurt people's emotions, including disappointment, frustration, and social comparisons. It can cause couples to spend less time together offline in a relationship, become distracted and irritated, and erupt into more conflict. An analysis of these results and their respective implications are discussed in this research.

The role of emotional dysregulation in the association between family-of-origin conflict and romantic relationship maintenance.

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.

Relationship maintenance strategies of rotational workers and their partners

AbstractAlthough individuals who reside permanently in one location and work temporarily in another (i.e., rotational workers) represent a sizeable segment of the population, they are understudied in the empirical literature. Because rotational workers and their at‐home partners have unique long‐distance relationships due to frequent separations and reunions, they and their relationships should be examined. The primary aim of this study was to identify key factors associated with maintenance of romantic relationships between rotational workers and their at‐home partners. Participants (N = 289) were rotational workers (n = 129) and at‐home partners of workers (n = 160) who completed online surveys on individual, dyadic, and extra‐dyadic relationship maintenance behaviors and relationship characteristics over the course of two working‐reunion (roster) phases. Results indicated individual, dyadic, and extra‐dyadic behaviors positively predicted perceived relationship quality among partners and workers. Among partners, generosity positively predicted relationship quality at the first reunion and second departure phases. All other individual, dyadic, and extra‐dyadic relationship maintenance behaviors predicted relationship quality, regardless of the roster phase. Overall, results suggest the importance of relationship maintenance education for individuals in rotational romantic relationships.

Editorial Synthesis for 2 in 2023: A Collaboration Between IARR’s Two Journals: Recognizing the Need for Greater Inclusivity in Relationship Science

The idea for this special issue came from the current Editors of the Journal for Social and Personal Relationships and Personal Relationships, who wanted to forge a collaboration between the International Association for Relationship Research’s two journals. This collaboration came at a time when issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion were being brought to light in science, broadly defined. Stemming from such discussions, for this special issue, the Editors asked 10 sets of authors to apply an intersectional lens – grounded in Crenshaw’s (1989, 1991) definition of intersectionality and drawing from questions posed by Cole (2009) – to their systematic review of literature from the past 20 years (1992–2022) and to answer these three questions: (1) from whose vantage point is the research being conducted, (2) what types of questions are valued, and (3) who is included in the research versus who is being left out/whose voices are missing. Manuscripts in the special issue include these topics: (a) affectionate communication, health, and relationships, (b) romantic relationship maintenance behaviors, (c) relationship maintenance among military couples, (d) relational sacrifices, (e) LGBTQ-inclusive research, (f) stress, support, and coping for romantic couples, (g) daily stress and romantic relationship quality, (h) infidelity, (i) relationship dissolution, and (j) the longitudinal study of romantic close relationships. Across the reviews, authors noted many of the same patterns; most studies included samples from the U.S., wherein participants identified as White, heterosexual, and female; however, military samples were dominated by men. The methods employed were largely quantitative, cross-sectional, and/or with data coming from surveys. Observations during the review process included the role of positionality as well as greater knowledge gained about the critical framework of intersectionality, specifically acknowledging that elements of diversity in sampling methods are not an application of intersectionality; rather, intersectionality places central focus on (a) how multiply marginalized social identities have been historically oppressed and (b) how systems of power, oppression, and privilege construct, reproduce, and sustain those multiply marginalized social identities. Recommendations for future relationship science are presented, specifically in how our fields can benefit from learning from the lens of intersectionality.

Editorial synthesis for 2 in 2023 a collaboration between IARR's two journals: Recognizing the need for greater inclusivity in relationship science

AbstractThe idea for this special issue came from the current Editors of the Journal for Social and Personal Relationships and Personal Relationships, who wanted to forge a collaboration between the International Association for Relationship Research's two journals. The timing of such collaboration came at a time when issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion were being brought to light in science, broadly defined. Stemming from such discussions, for this special issue, we asked 10 sets of authors to apply an intersectional lens—grounded in Crenshaw's (1989, 1991) definition of intersectionality and drawing from questions posed by Cole (2009)—in their systematic review of literature from the past 20 years (1992–2022) and to answer these three questions: (1) from whose vantage point is the research being conducted, (2) what types of questions are valued, and (3) who is included in the research vs. who is being left out/whose voices are missing. Reviews for the special issue include these topics: (a) affectionate communication, health, and relationships, (b) romantic relationship maintenance behaviors, (c) relationship maintenance among military couples, (d) relational sacrifices, (e) LGBTQ‐inclusive research, (f) stress, support, and coping for romantic couples, (g) daily stress and romantic relationship quality, (h) infidelity, (i) relationship dissolution, and (j) the longitudinal study of romantic close relationships. Across the reviews, authors noted many of the same patterns; most studies included samples from the United States, wherein participants identified as White, heterosexual, and/or female; however, military samples were dominated by men. The methods employed were largely quantitative, cross‐sectional, and/or with data coming from surveys. Observations during the review process included the role of positionality as well as greater knowledge gained about the critical framework of intersectionality, specifically acknowledging that elements of diversity in sampling methods are not an application of intersectionality; rather, intersectionality places central focus on (a) how multiply marginalized social identities have been historically oppressed and (b) how systems of power, oppression, and privilege construct, reproduce, and sustain those multiply marginalized social identities. Recommendations for future relationship science are presented, specifically in how our fields can benefit from learning from the lens of intersectionality.

Particular body odors matter: Disgust sensitivity differs across attachment groups

Extensive research has highlighted how one's attachment style influences the development and maintenance of romantic relationships. Disgust is a construct that conceptually overlaps with attachment style given both include elements of behavioral avoidance. However, no previous study has examined how one's attachment style may influence disgust-based avoidance of intimacy in romantic relationships. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine if adult attachment style is associated with olfactory disgust ratings towards eight body odor (BO) sources from their partner, previous partner, or others. The results revealed that disgust ratings of a partner's BO differed depending on attachment style. Specifically, the participants with a dismissing-avoidant attachment style rated their partner's BO as more disgusting than the secure, fearful-avoidant, or preoccupied styles. Moreover, participants with a dismissing-avoidant attachment style rated their partner's and strangers' BO equally disgusting whereas those in the other attachment groups rated strangers' BO as more disgusting than their partner's.

The Implementation of Mental Contrasting in Romantic Relationship: A Review

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.

Narcissistic traits and romantic relationship outcomes: A short daily diary investigation

Narcissism has been linked to several negative outcomes in romantic relationships. However, previous literature has mostly focused on grandiosity as opposed to other phenotypic expressions of narcissism. Using a daily diary design with differently-gendered romantic couples (N = 108 dyads) in an established relationship (i.e., ≥ 3 months), this research investigated the differential relations of grandiosity, entitlement, and vulnerability with outcomes linked to romantic relationship maintenance. Grandiosity was not linked to any romantic relationship outcomes. Participants with higher entitlement reported greater non-sexual jealousy and availability of alternatives. Participants with higher vulnerability reported greater non-sexual jealousy and less relationship satisfaction. This research suggests somewhat distinct nomological networks for the three narcissism dimensions.

The Link between Attachment Style and Self-Reported Olfactory Ability: A Preliminary Investigation.

Individuals in healthy romantic relationships gain significant benefits to their psychological wellbeing and physiological health. Notably, the majority of relationship research has focused on how adult attachment influences these relationship outcomes while the role of olfaction remains an emerging research focus. The aim of the current study was to bring together these seemingly unrelated factors–attachment and olfaction–in an online quasi-experimental design. The participants were 401 undergraduate students, predominantly females, ranging in age from 17 to 70 years. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires that evaluated their attachment tendencies, olfactory ability and experiences in romantic relationships. Results indicated that attachment insecurity, across both attachment anxiety and avoidance, was associated with decreased olfactory functioning for females. These findings provide preliminary evidence that olfaction is related to romantic relationship maintenance and suggests that body odors could be fundamental for evoking the attachment system. These findings also elicit enticing new avenues of research which can assist psychologists to provide targeted treatments to individuals with olfactory deficits and insecure attachment tendencies.

Motivation for the Formation and Maintenance of Romantic Relationships and the Behaviors Predicted in Romantic Conflict

Motivation for the Formation and Maintenance of Romantic Relationships and the Behaviors Predicted in Romantic Conflict

We’re Not That Choosy: Emerging Evidence of a Progression Bias in Romantic Relationships

Dating is widely thought of as a test phase for romantic relationships, during which new romantic partners carefully evaluate each other for long-term fit. However, this cultural narrative assumes that people are well equipped to reject poorly suited partners. In this article, we argue that humans are biased toward pro-relationship decisions—decisions that favor the initiation, advancement, and maintenance of romantic relationships. We first review evidence for a progression bias in the context of relationship initiation, investment, and breakup decisions. We next consider possible theoretical underpinnings—both evolutionary and cultural—that may explain why getting into a relationship is often easier than getting out of one, and why being in a less desirable relationship is often preferred over being in no relationship at all. We discuss potential boundary conditions that the phenomenon may have, as well as its implications for existing theoretical models of mate selection and relationship development.

Moderation of Technology Use in the Association Between Self-Isolation During COVID-19 Pandemic and Adolescents' Romantic Relationship Quality.

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects of technology use for relationship maintenance on the longitudinal associations among self-isolation during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic and romantic relationship quality among adolescents. Participants were 239 (120 female; M age = 16.69, standard deviation [SD] = 0.61; 60 percent Caucasian) 11th and 12th graders from three midwestern high schools. To qualify for this study, adolescents had to be in the same romantic relationship for the duration of the study, ∼7 months (M length of relationship = 10.03 months). Data were collected in October of 2019 (Time 1) and again 7 months later in May of 2020 (Time 2). Adolescents completed a romantic relationship questionnaire at Time 1 and again at Time 2, along with questionnaires on frequency of self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and use of technology for romantic relationship maintenance. Findings revealed that increases in self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic related positively to the use of technology for romantic relationship maintenance and negatively to Time 2 romantic relationship quality. High use of technology for romantic relationship maintenance buffered against the negative effects of self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' romantic relationship quality 7 months later, whereas low use strengthened the negative relationship between self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and romantic relationship quality. These findings suggest the importance of considering the implications of societal crisis or pandemics on adolescents' close relationships, particularly their romantic relationships.

Perceived Experiences of Discrimination and Latino/a Young Adults' Personal and Relational Well-being.

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.

Romantic relationship-oriented Facebook activities and the satisfaction of belonging needs.

Facebook plays a role in the development and maintenance of romantic relationships. Theoretically, individuals are motivated to use Facebook in their relationships to increase feelings of belongingness, which is a fundamental human need. Yet, past studies have neither examined the perceptions of Fac

I just text to say I love you: Partner similarity in texting and relationship satisfaction

Young adults increasingly rely on text messaging in the ongoing maintenance of romantic relationships. However, results have been mixed regarding the implications of text messaging for relationship satisfaction. Thus, in a sample of 205 young adults (ages 18 to 29) in romantic relationships, this study examined the role of perceived texting similarity between romantic partners in predicting relationship satisfaction. Controlling for gender, length of relationship, and attachment anxiety and avoidance, regression analyses found that greater perceived similarity between self and partner in overall text messaging use, as well as greater perceived similarity in frequency of initiating and saying hello via text messaging specifically, were associated with greater relationship satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of perceived similarity between romantic partners regarding texting behaviors for their level of satisfaction, even when taking into account the robust predictors of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Results suggest that concordance in use of text messaging can be a point of intervention in romantic relationships, and future research should continue to explore the role of similarity in texting in romantic as well as other relationships.

Inattention and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: Their Detrimental Effect on Romantic Relationship Maintenance

Objective: The aim of this study is to understand how ADHD symptoms correlate with romantic relationship maintenance and test theoretical pathways by which symptoms of ADHD lead to relationship difficulties. Method: This study involved two phases of data collection, which were identical except for the population. Phase 1 (n = 172) was a nonclinical sample of romantically involved young adults. Phase 2 (n = 39) was a clinical sample of romantically involved young adults with ADHD. Participants in both phases reported on their levels of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, their relationship maintenance activities, and their relationship quality. Results: ADHD symptoms were associated with greater relationship difficulties. In both samples, inattentive symptoms were associated with greater interest in relational alternatives and less constructive responses to partner’s bad behaviors, whereas hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were associated with negative responses to bad behavior. Conclusion: The results of this study have implications for developing cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions targeting relationship difficulties in young adults with ADHD.

Perceived parent and friend support for romantic relationships in emerging adults

AbstractPositive close relationships with immediate close network members are associated with healthy adjustment among emerging adults (EA). These influence the initiation and maintenance of romantic relationships. A cross‐sectional study (N = 630) explored the role of perceived parental and friend support for the current romantic relationship in relationship quality among early EA (EEA; 18–21 years) and middle EA (MEA; 22–25 years) heterosexuals. Structural equation modeling results showed that in EEA, greater friend support was associated with greater commitment, satisfaction, and investments, and less quality of alternatives. Greater parental support was associated with greater commitment, satisfaction, and investments in MEA. This research advances literature by showing different associations between sources of social support and relationship quality in two EA age groups.

Who does the work? Partner perceptions of the initiation and maintenance of romantic relationships

The contributions and effort that partners perceive each other to have made to the initiation and maintenance of their relationship may have significant individual and interpersonal consequences. Yet relatively little empirical research has explored such perceptions. The primary goal of the present investigation was to examine how both members of a sample of heterosexual romantic couples (N = 96 couples) perceived the balance of work in regard to both the initiation and the maintenance of their relationship. A second goal was to examine gender differences and similarities in perceptions of relationship work. A third goal was to explore relational outcomes (i.e., satisfaction and commitment) associated with these perceptions, and whether the link between perceptions and relationship outcomes differs as a function of partner gender. As expected, most participants (approximately 70%) perceived balance (equal sharing) in the work of maintaining the relationship. However, a majority (approximately 64%) perceived the work of relationship initiation as imbalanced (i.e., one partner contributing more than the other). Perceptions of balance versus imbalance in the work of relationship maintenance (but not initiation) were associated with satisfaction and commitment to the relationship. Interestingly, the pattern of association was different for men and women. The findings are discussed in terms of equity theory, as well as other theoretical frameworks.

Media Portrayals of Romantic Relationship Maintenance: A Content Analysis of Relational Maintenance Behaviors on Prime-Time Television

Maintenance behaviors play an important role in sustaining relational states, especially within committed romantic relationships. Limited research, however, has considered media portrayals of these behaviors. From the framework of social cognitive theory, this content analysis examined relational maintenance behaviors portrayed by committed romantic couples (heterosexual, gay, and lesbian) on prime-time network television. The frequency of maintenance behaviors (positivity, understanding, self-disclosure, assurances, relationships talks, tasks, and networks) varied by type, valence, program genre, and couple type (married/civil union or cohabitating). Results indicated that comedies featured more frequent relationship maintenance behaviors than dramas. In addition, comedies exhibited more frequent negative maintenance behaviors than dramas. Differences also existed between couple regarding the types of maintenance behavior exhibited. No sex differences in maintenance behaviors were observed between male and female characters.

Perceived responsiveness during an initial social interaction with a stranger predicts a positive memory bias one week later

Prior research has found that perceiving positive responses from others following self-disclosures enhances social bonds and plays a role in the maintenance of romantic relationships. We sought to extend this effect by exploring perceived responsiveness to good news in the context of initial social interactions with a stranger. In this study, unacquainted college students (n = 106) participated in a 45-minute semi-structured social interaction, and information on their emotions and behaviours was collected immediately after and one week later. We found that the receipt of supportive reactions to self-disclosure attempts during the social interaction was associated with immediate positivity and a more positive memory of the event (remembered enjoyment and positive emotions) one week later. This effect could not be attributed to how positively the event was experienced immediately afterwards, suggesting that perceived responsiveness during an initial social interaction facilitates a positive memory bias. These results offer new insights into how friendships might develop and be maintained.