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Commitment, pro-relationship behavior, and trust in close relationships
J Wieselquist1, C E Rusbult, C A Foster
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-3270, USA. wiesel@email.unc.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|November 26, 1999
Summary
This study shows that relationship commitment leads to pro-relationship behaviors, which in turn builds partner trust. This creates a positive cycle of interdependence, commitment, and trust in relationships.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Understanding relationship dynamics is crucial for long-term relationship success.
- Interdependence theory provides a framework for examining relationship maintenance.
- Commitment, pro-relationship behavior, and trust are key components of relationship stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test an interdependence-based model of the associations among commitment, pro-relationship behavior, and trust.
- To investigate the cyclical growth process between these relationship constructs.
Main Methods:
- Two longitudinal studies were conducted.
- Data were analyzed using mediation analyses to examine the proposed model.
- Attachment style was assessed as a potential covariate.
Main Results:
- Findings supported the interdependence-based model.
- Commitment-inspired acts (e.g., accommodation, sacrifice) signal pro-relationship motives.
- Perceived pro-relationship behaviors enhance partner trust.
- A cyclical growth model was identified: dependence -> commitment -> pro-relationship acts -> perceived acts -> trust -> increased dependence.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a mutual, cyclical growth process in relationships.
- Perceived partner investment and sacrifice are critical for building trust.
- Interdependence factors significantly explain relationship dynamics beyond attachment style.