Relationship Expectations, Behavior Interactions and Commitment

A Dyadic Study Among Dual-Earner Couples

Bibliographic Data

ID13655818
AuthorsTal Harel (0000-0003-3709-4736, Bar-Ilan University, corresponding author), Meni Koslowsky (0000-0001-6356-7096, Bar-Ilan University)
Year2022
Volume126
Issue6
Pages2834-2855
Publication date2022-05-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychological Reports (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-2941 • E-ISSN: 1558-691X
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00332941221092659
PMID35499162
OpenAlexW4225270677
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited72

Previous researchers have analyzed the links between relationship expectations and commitment in cohabiting and married couples. The present study examines a dyadic model where couple's reported behavior interactions (RBI) are suggested as potential mediators and Work-Family Conflict (WFC) as a moderator. The association among these variables was tested by recruiting 111 ( N = 222) dual-earner couples to complete questionnaires. To examine the dyadic model, we used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model on the hypothesized model. The results showed that actor's RBI was seen as a significant mediator of the associations between relationship expectations and both partner's commitment. The partner's affective behavior interactions emerged as a significant mediator between the actor's expectations-actor's commitment link but not with the partner's commitment. In addition, actor's WFC significantly moderated the effect of partner's RBI on their commitment. These findings extended our knowledge of possible factors that play a role in promoting relationship commitment among dual-earners couples in long-term relationships. Through the integration of the Investment Model this study illuminates the pathways by which relationship expectations affect commitment via RBI of married and cohabiting couples. Furthermore, the study elucidates the behavioral component of cohabiting couples in long-term relationships from a dyadic perspective. From a practical perspective, clinicians and counselors working with couples experiencing relational difficulties, may want to inquire as to their clients' relationship expectations and behavior interactions for better understanding commitment among couples

Affect (linguistics · Association (psychology · Developmental psychology · Dual (grammatical number · Moderation · Organizational commitment · Partner effects · Perspective (graphical · Relationship maintenance · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Psychology · Social Psychology · Work-Family Balance Challenges

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