Romantic Relationship Outcomes Research Articles

Mate value discrepancies and mate retention behaviors: A cubic response surface analysis

AbstractThis study used cubic polynomial regression with response surface analysis to examine the associations that mate value discrepancies (i.e., the difference between an individual's self‐reported mate value and their perceptions of their partner's mate value) had with mate retention behaviors performed by the individual and their perceptions of the mate retention behaviors performed by their partner. The sample included 1083 undergraduates, and the results revealed a congruence effect such that participants who perceived themselves and their romantic partners to have similarly low levels of mate value reported high levels of cost‐inflicting behaviors by themselves and their partners. There was also a curvilinear association that emerged for mate value discrepancies such that individuals who perceived themselves to have higher levels of mate value than their partners reported higher levels of cost‐inflicting behaviors by themselves and their romantic partners. These results demonstrate how cubic response surface analysis can allow for a better understanding of the connections that mate value discrepancies have with outcomes in romantic relationships.

Child Contact, Partner Conflict, and Psychological Distress Among Incarcerated Fathers: Testing the Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support.

The mechanism(s) through which child contact can lead to more positive mental health and romantic relationship outcomes among incarcerated fathers are not sufficiently studied. The present study tests whether the associations between frequency of child contact and later psychological distress and conflict in romantic relationships are mediated by perceived social support. Self-reported longitudinal data from a sample of incarcerated men who participated in a fatherhood education program (n = 2,096) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Variables were assessed pre- and post-program participation. As hypothesized, more frequent child contact was associated with greater perceived social support, which predicted reduced psychological distress and reduced partner conflict. There were significant indirect effects of child contact on psychological distress and partner conflict via perceived social support. The findings may inform policies aiming to help incarcerated fathers to better manage psychological distress and conflictual relationships, preparing them for a more successful return to society.

Validation of a new assessment of hostile attribution bias in romantic relationships: The Hostile Attributions in Romantic Relationships Test.

While hostile attributional bias (a tendency to interpret others' behaviors as intentionally hostile) is associated with negative outcomes in romantic relationships, no measure has been developed specifically for this context. Here, we describe the development and validation of a self-report questionnaire across three studies, named Hostile Attribution in Romantic Relationships Test. Study 1 introduces the development and preliminary validation (N = 152). Study 2 tests the validity and test-retest stability of the modified version revised based on findings in Study 1 (N = 151). Study 3 reports the translation and validation of a Chinese version (N = 630). The final 9-vignette scale is the first to specifically measure hostile attribution bias in romantic relationships, with good internal reliability, test-retest stability, and convergent validity. Factor analysis reveals a three-factor structure reflecting direct hostile attribution, indirect hostile attribution, and benign attribution to partners' behaviors. Implications regarding couple dynamics and clinical therapeutic interventions are discussed.

A Dyadic Analysis of Sexual Assertiveness and Sexual Outcomes in Adolescent Romantic Relationships

ABSTRACTAmid adolescence, youth are developing the relational skills necessary to form and maintain positive intimate relationships. Sexual assertiveness is a key skill that could be related to couples’ sexual outcomes (i.e. sexual satisfaction, sexual concerns, and sexual function). However, dyadic studies are lacking, and associations between sexual assertiveness and adolescents’ sexual health and well-being remain underexplored. This cross-sectional dyadic study examined associations between dimensions of sexual assertiveness and sexual outcomes in adolescent romantic relationships. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model guided analyses of self-reported questionnaires from 110 romantic dyads (aged 14–19 years; M = 16.51). Participants’ gender was considered in the models, and gender differences emerged in the associations between study variables. Path analyses revealed that sexual needs and desires communication, refusal of unwanted sex, sexual intimacy initiation, and comfort talking about sex have significant actor and partner effects on adolescents’ sexual outcomes in mixed-gender dyads. These findings suggest that authentically expressing one’s own sexual needs, desires, and limits in adolescence may influence not only one’s own sexual satisfaction, sexual concerns, and sexual function, but also their partner’s. The aforementioned dimensions of sexual assertiveness could be important targets for research-based interventions to promote sexual health and well-being in adolescent romantic relationships.

Both overwhelmed or in it together? Similarity in COVID‐19‐related stress and romantic relationship quality

AbstractStress tends to be negatively associated with romantic relationship quality, but shared stress can bond romantic partners and may actually have a positive effect on relationships. Thus, are similar levels of pandemic‐related stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic—a time of high stress for many couples—associated with better or worse relationship quality? In this study, we investigated whether similarity in COVID‐19‐related stress was associated with romantic relationship outcomes in two dyadic samples (N = 300 couples). Generally, we found little evidence that similarity in COVID‐19‐related stress was associated with relationship outcomes. We did find that similarity in general worry about the pandemic was associated with lower overall relationship quality; however, it was also associated with lower levels of viewing the pandemic as a source of conflict. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the nuances of when and how stress similarity is associated with romantic relationship quality.

Weathering racism and colorism: Exploring concurrent and short-term longitudinal associations between discrimination, colorism, psychosocial health, and Black and Latinx emerging adults’ relationship satisfaction

Due to systemic racism, young adults of color have been disproportionately exposed to a myriad of environmental stressors. Given research suggesting that exposure to external stressors may influence how individuals evaluate their romantic relationships, the current study examined whether exposure to racial/ethnic discrimination is associated with how young adults of color appraise their partnerships. Using a sample of Black and Latinx young adults ( N = 86), the current study examined whether exposure to racial/ethnic discrimination may be indirectly associated with romantic relationship satisfaction—due to its relation to anger and depressive symptoms. Concurrent analyses indicated that young adults who encountered increased exposure to racial/ethnic discrimination were likely to report greater feelings of anger, and in turn, lower relationship satisfaction. In contrast, short-term longitudinal analyses indicated that exposure to discrimination may have positive and negative implications for relationship satisfaction. Findings underscore the importance of extending literature on the effects of racial/ethnic discrimination beyond individual well-being to include interpersonal relationships and suggest that socioculturally-relevant factors such as skin tone may make the relation between discrimination and romantic relationship outcomes more nuanced.

Investigating the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and relationship satisfaction: mediating roles of negative affectivity and conflict resolution style.

Very few studies have investigated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and interpersonal variables; none has particularly focused on romantic relationship satisfaction. In the context of romantic relationships, this study aimed to identify whether SPS is a risk factor (hypothesizing that traits make individuals more vulnerable to the effects of adverse environments) or a susceptibility marker (hypothesizing that traits make individuals more susceptible to the effects of both nourishing and adverse environments). To understand this, we tested whether an increased level of SPS is associated with a decreased level of romantic relationship satisfaction through negative affectivity and conflict resolution styles. Furthermore, we tested whether these proposed relationships intensified when the childhood environment was negative. A total of 206 unmarried young adults who had been in a romantic relationship for at least two years completed the measures of SPS, childhood environment, negative affectivity, conflict resolution styles, and relationship satisfaction. The results indicated that negative affectivity and negative conflict resolution styles mediated the association between SPS and satisfaction in a relationship; however, childhood environment did not moderate these relationships. These findings suggest that beyond childhood factors, SPS is an independent risk factor for developing negative outcomes in romantic relationships. This study also significantly contributes to the literature by revealing the possible mechanisms between SPS and romantic relationship satisfaction.

Interparental Conflict and Young Adult Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review

In the last two decades, researchers have been progressively investigating the impact of interparental conflict (IPC) on young adults romantic relationships. This systematic review aimed to synthesize literature on IPC and romantic relationship outcomes among young adults and highlight mechanisms found in this link. Following the PRISMA protocol, 3232 studies were identified using Boolean searches on ProQuest, PubMed, EBSCOhost, Jstor, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, and 17 met the eligibility criteria. To be included, in addition to having IPC and romantic relationship outcomes as variables, studies had to be quantitative in design, have a mean sample age of 18–25, include only participants in romantic relationships at the time of the study, and be published in English with full text available. The review found that IPC is associated with negative conflict management, both perpetration and victimization of aggression, worse communication, negative conflict behaviors, and poor relationship quality. Other outcomes like relationship satisfaction, commitment, as well as mediator variables in the link between IPC and young adult romantic relationship outcomes, such as attitudes towards marriage and conflict attributions, yielded varied results. Several shortcomings in the methodology of the reviewed articles, such as the research sample and measures, were discovered. To deal with the impact of IPC on offspring’s romantic relationships, preventive interventions should be designed and evaluated, and more research with different variables and study designs, with more men, other ethnicities, and more representative sample frames are needed to detect crucial mediators and obtain reliable and generalizable results.

Does it Matter Who You Feel Sexually Aroused By? Associations Between Sexual Arousal, Relationship Quality, and Sexual Satisfaction.

BackgroundDespite its integral role in normative sexual functioning, there is a dearth of research into the role of subjective sexual arousal within romantic relationships.AimThe current proof-of-concept study addresses this gap by investigating the associations between partner-induced sexual arousal, sexual arousal induced by others, and sexual satisfaction and relationship quality.MethodsOne hundred and sixteen heterosexual couples who had been together for an average of three and a half years completed an online survey. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Modelling framework was applied to analyze the dyadic data.OutcomesParticipants completed the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory and a single item global measure of sexual satisfaction derived for the current study.ResultsFeeling sexually aroused by one's romantic partner was positively associated with one's own sexual satisfaction and relationship quality. However, feeling sexually aroused by people other than one's romantic partner was negatively associated with one's own sexual satisfaction and relationship quality. These associations were found for both men and women.Clinical TranslationTherapists and practitioners may need to place an emphasis on using strategies and techniques that specifically facilitate or heighten partner-induced sexual arousal, whilst helping couples to move away from those behaviors and situations which typically lead to sexual arousal induced by those other than their partner.Strengths & LimitationsThis proof-of-concept study provides novel findings that address the absence of research investigating the associations between sexual arousal and outcomes in romantic relationships. The well-powered dyadic study design enabled a rigorous test of the hypotheses. However, the study was cross-sectional in nature, the sample was somewhat homogenous, and assessments included brief measures of sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction.ConclusionThe findings offer the first evidence to suggest that partner-induced sexual arousal and non–partner-induced sexual arousal have differential effects in terms of sexual satisfaction and relationship quality. This not only has a raft of clinical implications, but it provides the basis for several important avenues of future research on the role of subjective sexual arousal in romantic relationships.Lawless NJ, Karantzas GC, Mullins ER, et al. Does it Matter Who You Feel Sexually Aroused By? Associations Between Sexual Arousal, Relationship Quality, and Sexual Satisfaction. Sex Med 2022;10:100523.

Achieving the ideal-self while harming my relationship: Examining associations between self-discrepancy, instagram photo manipulation, and romantic relationship outcomes.

Achieving the ideal-self while harming my relationship: Examining associations between self-discrepancy, instagram photo manipulation, and romantic relationship outcomes.

From Piggy Banks to Significant Others: Associations Between Financial Socialization and Romantic Relationship Flourishing in Emerging Adulthood

While a plethora of research has found that parent financial socialization during childhood and adolescence is linked with financial outcomes in emerging adulthood, recent literature suggests that financial socialization may also impact romantic relationship outcomes in emerging adulthood. Utilizing a sample of 1,950 U.S. emerging adults, we test whether retrospectively recalled parent financial socialization is associated with romantic relationship flourishing and whether this association is mediated by financial behaviors and financial distress. We found that financial socialization was positively associated with financial behaviors and relationship flourishing and was negatively associated with financial distress. Further, financial behaviors partially mediated the association between financial socialization and relationship flourishing, while financial distress did not mediate the association. Together with previous literature, these findings provide useful information for therapists and educators in their pursuit to promote robust parent financial socialization in childhood and adolescence and both financial and relational well-being in emerging adulthood.

Shared musical activity and perceptions of relationship commitment

Sharing music with another person involves the potential for profound emotional connection, rhythmic synchronization and coordination, and the expression of shared social and political values (among other things). We explore whether experiences of shared musical activity are associated with perceptions of communication and positive outcomes in friendships and romantic relationships, using reports from one member of the dyad. Reports of musical activities in the relationship were associated with higher levels of commitment to the relationship, with those effects mediated by perceptions of interpersonal coordination and positive communication. Surprisingly, structured musical activities (e.g., actively playing music together) were associated with lower levels of commitment, both directly and via interpersonal coordination, positive communication, and shared social values. All findings persist when controlling for other forms of shared relationship activities, thus demonstrating effects that are unique to shared musical engagement. The findings are discussed in a framework of music’s potential relational power—the Shared Musical Activities in Relationships (SMAR) model.

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.

Vocational interests and relationship satisfaction: An actor-partner interdependence model

This study examined the intrapersonal and interpersonal effects of vocational interests (VI) on two indicators of romantic relationship satisfaction (RS), specifically women and men's perceived relationship quality and their satisfaction with partner attributes. We hypothesized investigative, artistic, social, and enterprising interests would predict higher own or partner's RS. Additionally, we explored the role of interest profile attributes: differentiation and elevation. The study employs actor-partner interdependence modeling on data of 215 heterosexual romantic couples. Results from both RS measures converged on several findings: realistic and enterprising interests in women, and investigative interests in men positively predicted own RS. Women were more satisfied if their partner had higher investigative interests, artistic interests, higher interest elevation and a lower differentiation of interest profile. Although the effects were relatively small, the present results contribute to the literature by showing that VI, which has been previously investigated principally for the prediction of career outcomes, are also relevant for romantic relationship outcomes.

Mindfulness and Sexual Mindfulness as Moderators Between Conflict Resolution and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction

Mindfulness has shown positive links with conflict resolution. Additionally, couples skilled in conflict resolution report greater sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, no research has examined the moderating effect of mindfulness, specifically sexual mindfulness, between conflict resolution and sexual and relationship satisfaction. We used 1,627 couples from wave III of the Couple Relationships and Transition Experiences (CREATE) study. Sexual mindfulness moderated the association between conflict resolution and sexual satisfaction, even after controlling for attachment. Wives higher in sexual mindful awareness may rely less on conflict resolution for their sexual satisfaction. Karremans and colleagues’ (2017) model of mindfulness and romantic relationships provides a framework for testing whether, when, and how mindfulness increases positive romantic relationship processes and outcomes. Under this framework, mindfulness may provide a mechanism to help couples achieve sexual and relationship satisfaction. Mindfulness and sexual mindfulness may provide a useful mechanism for therapists, educators, social workers, and couples to enhance satisfaction within the romantic and sexual relationship even without partner buy-in.

The (bidirectional) associations between romantic attachment orientations and mate retention behavior in male-female romantic couples

Attachment orientations of anxiety and avoidance are associated with many important romantic relationship outcomes. An evolutionary perspective has informed research on the associations between attachment orientations and mate retention behaviors, which individuals perform to retain their romantic partner and maintain their relationship. In the current article, we report two dyadic studies (n = 104, United States; n = 978, Germany, Switzerland, Austria) that evaluated: (1) whether bivariate associations between attachment orientations and mate retention domains are replicable; (2) whether an individual's attachment orientation predicts their partner's mate retention behaviors; and (3) whether, over time, mate retention behaviors predict attachment orientations within couples. Results of both studies replicated previous bivariate associations between attachment anxiety and cost-inflicting mate retention behaviors. Longitudinal dyadic data from Study 2 demonstrated that cost-inflicting mate retention behaviors, specifically, predict future attachment anxiety in romantic partners. These results contribute to the emerging body of research addressing the associations between attachment orientations and mate retention behaviors, and suggest an important (bidirectional) role of attachment anxiety in predicting negative partner-directed behaviors in romantic relationships.

Parent-Child Relationship Quality in the Family of Origin and Later Romantic Relationship Functioning: A Systematic Review.

A large and diverse literature has shown that parent-child relationship quality shapes development to affect later romantic relationship functioning. Guided by the developmental psychopathology framework, the current systematic review aimed to characterize the links between two major subtypes of parent-child relationship quality (parent-child attachment security and interaction quality) and several romantic relationship outcomes (i.e., adjustment, attachment security, aggression, and observed interaction quality), as well as to identify mechanisms accounting for these associations. We focused on studies that included both members of a couple/partnership for dyadic assessment of romantic relationship functioning, to more accurately and fully capture both partners' perspectives. A total of 40 articles met inclusion criteria, most of which sampled early/emerging adult couples between the ages of 18 and 26 years. Findings suggest that parent-child attachment security and interaction quality have similar associations with dyadic romantic relationship functioning, with the strongest evidence of effects on romantic relationship adjustment and observed interactions between romantic partners. Many studies found gender differences in effects, as well as cascading effects across development and over the course of a relationship. We argue that it is important for future studies to explore effects of one partner's parent-child relationship quality history on the other partner's romantic relationship adjustment and behavior, and to evaluate the extent to which parent-child attachment security mediates associations between parent-child interaction quality and romantic relationship functioning.

Situation Perception Mediates the Link Between Narcissism and Relationship Satisfaction: Evidence From a Daily Diary Study in Romantic Couples

Research has shown that diverging romantic relationship outcomes of grandiose narcissism can be explained by differential associations of agentic and antagonistic aspects of narcissism. In this study, we wanted to further investigate the underlying mechanisms by examining how narcissists perceive daily situations with their partners. In an online diary, 171 couples reported on 1941 daily situations experienced together. Analyses revealed that agentic narcissism was positively and antagonistic narcissism was negatively related to daily relationship satisfaction. These effects were differentially linked through distinct situation perceptions: Agentic narcissism was positively linked with relationship satisfaction through perceiving daily situations as, for example, containing more romance, sexuality, and love, while antagonistic narcissism was negatively linked with relationship satisfaction through perceiving, for example, more threat, criticism, and accusation. Results are discussed in light of the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Concept and with respect to person–situation transactions in romantic relationships.

A daily-diary study on the effects of face-to-face communication, texting, and their interplay on understanding and relationship satisfaction

There is conflicting literature regarding the associations between CMC communication (especially texting) and relationship outcomes in established romantic relationships. These discrepancies could be in part because of differences and imperfections in the methodology of earlier studies, which often study CMC in isolation from other forms of communication. To address this gap in the literature, we used a daily-diary study, in which we asked people to report on the time they spent in phone calls, video calls, and texting with their partner, as well as the time they spent face-to-face with their partners. Each day we also asked participants the extent to which they felt understood by their partner and satisfied with their relationships. Results of our multilevel analyses indicated that the more face-to-face communication participants had with their partners, the more understood they felt and the more satisfied they were with their relationship. Texting, by contrast, did not predict relationship satisfaction. Texting was positively associated with understanding, but only when face-to-face communication was relatively low. These findings differ from those found in cross-sectional studies and suggest that texting should be investigated in concert with other forms of communication, especially face-to-face communication.

Avoiding information about one’s romantic partner

Research links open communication and self-disclosure to a host of beneficial outcomes in romantic relationships, including better relationship quality, relationship satisfaction, feelings of closeness and commitment, and relationship longevity. However, learning some information about a partner may evoke negative consequences. In two studies, we examined the types of information people may wish to avoid learning about their past or current romantic partners (Study 1), and individual differences in avoidance of information about a current romantic partner (Study 2). Content-coding of data from Study 1 revealed that a majority (51%) of respondents wished to avoid information related to their partner’s history of sexual behavior and/or infidelity. In Study 2, participants who were older and who scored higher on measures of anxious and avoidant attachment were more likely to want to avoid information about their partner. Furthermore, replicating and extending Study 1, participants most wished to avoid information about their partners’ prior sexual behavior and/or infidelity, as well as their partners’ prejudices. We interpret our findings in terms of a threat-management framework for information avoidance, suggesting that threats to the self and relationship may influence the decision to avoid information about a romantic partner.