Let it go

Relationship autonomy predicts pro‐relationship responses to partner transgressions

Bibliographic Data

ID19280965
AuthorsBenjamin W Hadden (0000-0001-8386-3116, University of Houston, corresponding author), Zachary G Baker (0000-0001-5345-7643, University of Houston), C Raymond Knee (0000-0002-1842-3525, University of Houston)
Year2018
Volume86
Issue5
Pages868-887
Publication date2018-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3506 • E-ISSN: 1467-6494
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jopy.12362
PMID29171873
OpenAlexW2770303195
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited44

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present research is to better understand how relationship autonomy-having more self-determined reasons for being committed to a relationship-contributes to pro-relationship responses to transgressions in romantic relationships (e.g., forgiveness and accommodation). METHOD: Study 1 employed a cross-sectional design (N = 350) and Study 2 used a weekly diary (N = 121) to test associations between relationship autonomy and pro-relationship responses to transgressions. Studies 3 and 4 utilized dyadic designs (Study 3: N = 200 couples, 400 individuals; Study 4: N = 275 couples, 550 individuals) to determine how both partners' relationship autonomy is associated with pro-relationship responses. RESULTS: Results revealed that relationship autonomy is robustly associated with pro-relationship responses to transgressions, both as general tendencies and as responses to idiosyncratic transgressions. Results of actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) analyses in Studies 3 and 4 provide evidence that one's partner's relationship autonomy is important for promoting pro-relationship responses as well. Study 4 also found that people perceive that partners respond better to transgressions if their partner is high in relationship autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides consistent and compelling evidence that the degree of self-determination underlying commitment is important for understanding how people respond to transgressions in their relationships, beyond their current levels of commitment

Autonomy · Developmental psychology · Forgiveness · Interpersonal relationship · Partner effects · Positive relationship · Relationship education · Romance · Test (biology) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Forgiveness and Related Behaviors · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Psychology · Social Psychology