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Creating good relationships: responsiveness, relationship quality, and interpersonal goals
Amy Canevello1, Jennifer Crocker
1Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106, USA. canevell@umich.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|June 23, 2010
Summary
Interpersonal goals, particularly compassionate ones, can initiate and sustain relationship responsiveness. This creates upward spirals, enhancing relationship quality for everyone involved.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Interpersonal Dynamics
Background:
- Perceived partner responsiveness is crucial for satisfying close relationships.
- Understanding the origins and dynamics of relationship responsiveness is key to improving relationship quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how interpersonal goals initiate responsiveness in close relationships.
- To investigate the self-perpetuating nature and dynamic evolution of responsiveness processes.
- To determine the impact of responsiveness cycles on relationship quality.
Main Methods:
- Two studies involving roommate dyads were conducted.
- Study 1: Semester-long examination of 115 dyads focusing on compassionate and self-image goals.
- Study 2: 3-week examination of 65 dyads assessing goal-driven responsiveness and relationship quality.
Main Results:
- Actors' compassionate and self-image goals predicted cycles of responsiveness between roommates.
- These cycles of responsiveness occurred within weeks and persisted across the semester.
- Responsiveness cycles contributed positively to both actors' and partners' relationship quality.
Conclusions:
- Interpersonal goals, especially compassionate goals, initiate and perpetuate responsiveness in relationships.
- Both intrapersonal projection and interpersonal reciprocation contribute to responsiveness dynamics.
- These processes create upward spirals of responsiveness, ultimately enhancing relationship quality.
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