Idealization, reunions, and stability in long-distance dating relationships

Bibliographic Data

ID2930833
AuthorsLaura Stafford (0000-0002-1485-4803, The Ohio State University, corresponding author), Andy J Merolla (0000-0003-0271-144X, The Ohio State University)
Year2007
Volume24
Issue1
Pages37-54
Publication date2007-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0265407507072578
OpenAlexW2139254107
LanguageEN
Citations received40
References cited40

Two studies explore the seeming paradox reported in prior research on long-distance dating relationships (LDDRs): Despite limited interaction, LDDR partners evidence greater relational stability than partners in geographically close dating relationships (GCDRs). We investigate speculations that romantic idealization may be a key component in LDDR stability. Idealization (i.e., idealistic distortion, romantic love, relational reminiscence, perceived agreement) and satisfaction with communication was more pronounced in LDDRs than GCDRs. Idealization was also associated with infrequent face-to-face communication. LDDRs were more stable than GCDRs as long as LDDR partners remained geographically separated, but LDDR partners were likely to terminate their relationship upon becoming proximal. Longer absences between face-to-face visits and extreme idealization during separation predicted instability upon reunion

Developmental psychology · Face (sociological concept · Idealization · Physics · Psychoanalysis · Romance · Sociology · Stability (learning theory · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Psychology · Social Psychology