Individual Differences and Romantic Relationships: Bidirectional Influences on Self and Relational Processes

2018 ◽  
pp. 402-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent A. Mattingly ◽  
Kevin P. McIntyre ◽  
Dylan Faulkner Selterman
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relational Processes ◽  
Bidirectional Influences

scholarly journals You make all things special: Developing a scale to measure sympathetic magic in romantic relationships

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1635-1647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Niemyjska ◽  
Michał Parzuchowski
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Distinctive Feature ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Construct Validation ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Attachment Behavior ◽  
Sympathetic Magic ◽  
Paranormal Beliefs

Abstract This paper describes the development and construct validation of the Romantic Sympathetic Magic Scale (RSMS). The scale measures individual differences in directing attachment behavior toward inanimate objects associated with one’s partner. We offer a theoretical basis for such behavior in the concept of sympathetic magic and test the motivational and cognitive factors involved in this tendency. Finally, we differentiate romantic sympathetic magic from similar concepts. Three studies (N = 851) showed that RSMS is related to increased experientiality as well as to motivation to increase closeness to one’s partner. The RSMS is related to, but substantially different from, paranormal beliefs, anthropomorphism for gadgets, and an overall attachment to inanimate objects. The distinctive feature of romantic sympathetic magic is that it applies specifically to objects associated with people’s loved ones and its function is to facilitate a perceived connection with them. This research contributes to our understanding of the correspondence between personal relationships and emotional connection to inanimate objects.

Oh Darling, This Too Shall Pass: Cyclic Perceptions of Change Keep You in Romantic Relationships Longer During Difficult Times

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (9) ◽  
pp. 1075-1090
Author(s):  
Emily K. Hong ◽  
Incheol Choi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Central Feature ◽  
Holistic Thinking ◽  
Relational Transgressions ◽  
Break Up ◽  
Difficult Times ◽  
Longitudinal Examination ◽  
Insight Into

The present research explored how individual differences in perceptions of change (cyclic vs. linear) influence relational decisions. Three studies examined whether cyclic perceptions of change, a central feature of holistic thinking, keep people in romantic relationships longer due to the belief that hardships too shall pass. Study 1 found that cyclic perceivers reported greater endurance against relational transgressions than linear perceivers. In Studies 2a and 2b, cyclic perceivers reported fewer breakups in romantic relationships (Study 2a) and showed less willingness to break up (Study 2b) than linear perceivers due to their stronger relational endurance. Through a longitudinal examination, Study 3 evidenced that cyclic perceivers were more likely to remain in romantic relationships than linear perceivers over 1 year. The current studies provide new insight into how individual differences in perceptions of change contribute to decision-making in romantic relationships.

scholarly journals Self-perceived sociosexuality and mate value asymmetry in heterosexual romantic relationships

2014 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Gomula ◽  
Natalia Nowak-Szczepanska ◽  
Dariusz P. Danel
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Reproductive Strategies ◽  
Mating Strategies ◽  
Mate Value ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Female Partners ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Human Mating

Abstract Previous works have shown that sociosexuality may affect mate choice and correspond to partners’ mate value (MV). However, there is a lack of studies that directly show how a difference between both partners’ mate values (MVD) relates to reproductive strategies. In this study we investigated a possible link between self-reported measures of individual differences in human mating strategies (SOI-R) and self-perceived mate value asymmetry (difference between partners’ MV) in heterosexual romantic relationships. Two hundred forty-nine heterosexual participants (all in romantic relationships) completed an online questionnaire. Their sociosexuality was measured using Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI-R) (Penke and Asendorpf 2008). The assessment of the participant’s and his/her partner’s MVs were obtained using the MV measure by Graham-Kevan and Archer (2009). MVD was calculated by deducting the assessment of partner’s MV and MV self-assessment. Our results revealed that in men, with the increase of the discrepancy in mate value in favor of their female partners, male global sociosexuality and sociosexual desire decreased. In contrast, in women no significant correlations were found. We propose several possible explanations, based on evolutionary psychology, discussing our results within the context of potential benefits for reproductive success in both sexes due to the lower male sociosexuality

Secrets, Psychological Health, and the Fear of Discovery

2020 ◽  
pp. 014616722094619
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Davis ◽  
Hannah Brazeau ◽  
Elisabeth Bailin Xie ◽  
Kathleen McKee
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Multilevel Modeling ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over Time

Keeping secrets from one’s partner has been associated with lower well-being and relationship satisfaction. Previous research has suggested that individual differences in self-concealment account for these effects. However, we propose that the fear of discovery (FoD)—defined as the fear that one’s secret may be revealed by means other than deliberate disclosure—predicts the extent to which secrets affect well-being beyond the effects attributable to individual differences. Both a cross-sectional and a longitudinal survey (combined N = 471; 54.4% female; Mage = 39.5) of adults in romantic relationships confirmed that FoD predicted greater preoccupation with the secret, more negative affect, and less relationship satisfaction and commitment beyond that of self-concealment. Multilevel modeling in Study 2 indicated that changes in FoD predicted changes in preoccupation over time. The data are consistent with the notion that FoD promotes greater preoccupation, greater negative affect, and lower levels of relationship well-being.

Individual Differences in Romantic Attachment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
April Bleske-Rechek ◽  
Grace Nuck ◽  
Michaela M. Gunseor
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Attachment Theory ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Romantic Attachment ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
The Family ◽  
Attachment Dimensions ◽  
Weak Similarity

Abstract. In the 1980s, psychologists extended attachment theory into the domain of adult romantic bonds by proposing that romantic love can be conceptualized as a process of becoming attached ( Hazan & Shaver, 1987 ). From this perspective, individuals differ in two primary attachment dimensions: anxiety, the extent to which they worry about abandonment in their romantic relationships, and avoidance, the extent to which they are uncomfortable with interdependence and closeness. Research suggests that people perceive the rearing environment as a primary cause of people’s romantic attachment styles ( Tillman et al., 2008 ). If it is, family members should be similar in attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. To test this idea, we collected romantic attachment data on 965 US college students and the family members they nominated (205 siblings, 245 mothers, and 182 fathers). The students and family members in our sample showed negligible-to-weak resemblance in attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. Because previous studies have shown substantial similarity between identical twins and weak similarity between fraternal twins in romantic attachment styles, our data reinforce the possibility that nonshared environmental influences (such as individuals’ specific relationship histories) and genetic influences are the primary sources of individual differences in attachment-related anxiety and avoidance.

Individual differences and disagreement in romantic relationships

2020 ◽  
Vol 155 ◽  
pp. 109735
Author(s):  
Guilherme S. Lopes ◽  
Todd K. Shackelford ◽  
David M. Buss ◽  
Mohaned G. Abed
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Romantic Relationships

scholarly journals Qualitatively Derived Definitions of Emotional Infidelity Among Professional Women in Cross-Gender Relationships

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-87
Author(s):  
Lindsey Morrissey ◽  
Kara B. Wettersten ◽  
Julio Brionez
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Professional Women ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Emotional Infidelity ◽  
Relational Processes ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Definition Of

We aimed to define emotional infidelity among professional women who are in monogamous, cross-gender romantic relationships. We used constructivist grounded theory to capture participants’ lived experiences, perspectives, and worldviews. Eight currently partnered, self-identified women, established in their careers, and between the ages of 32 and 49, engaged in semi-structured initial, and brief follow-up, telephone interviews. Our data analysis and integration of participants’ perspectives and experiences revealed three main categories: (1) defining emotional infidelity, (2) how emotional infidelity occurs, and (3) relationship safeguarding. We developed a substantive, though preliminary, definition of emotional infidelity grounded in the literature and based on eight women’s discussion of emotional infidelity. Our hope is that researchers and practitioners would use this definition both as a model for investigating other population-specific definitions of emotional infidelity, and for better understanding and intervening upon relational processes related to emotional infidelity.

Passion, connection, and destiny

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Vannier ◽  
Lucia F. O’Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Young People ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Commitment ◽  
Dating Relationships ◽  
Unmet Expectations ◽  
Relationship Outcomes ◽  
Unrealistic Expectations

Romantic beliefs (e.g., love at first sight and soul mates) are common among young people, however, these beliefs are thought to create unrealistic expectations for romantic relationships. The current study assessed the romantic beliefs, romantic expectations, and relationship outcomes (satisfaction and commitment) of 270 young adults (aged 18–28 years) who were involved in dating relationships. Romantic beliefs were associated with greater satisfaction and commitment, whereas unmet romantic expectations were associated with lower satisfaction and commitment. Of note, the endorsement of romantic beliefs was not linked to unmet expectations. Thus, romantic beliefs do not appear to foster false or unobtainable expectations for romantic relationships, and the concerns regarding the endorsement of these beliefs may be misplaced. Individual differences (age, gender, and relationship experience) did not predict romantic beliefs or expectations. The results are discussed with regard to implications for promoting relationship commitment and satisfaction.

The Ex-Factor: Attachment Anxiety and Social Comparisons Across Romantic Relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simran Hingorani ◽  
Rebecca T. Pinkus
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Attachment Anxiety ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Current Partner

AbstractIndividuals high in attachment anxiety often experience persistent negative self-perceptions and heightened sensitivity toward perceived relationship threats. These characteristics may extend into past romantic relationships. This study examined whether individual differences in attachment style predict self-evaluations and relationship social comparison frequency. Two hundred and fifty-nine individuals rated themselves, their partner, and their current partner's ex-partner (CPE) or their ex-partner's current partner (ECP) on several dimensions. Individuals high in attachment anxiety experienced more relationship uncertainty but were not less satisfied than individuals low in attachment anxiety. They also made more comparisons in general and to relationships involving an ex-partner, and viewed themselves less positively than they viewed their CPE/ECP. Findings are discussed with respect to the influence that past relationships might hold over anxiously attached individuals’ current relationships.

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