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Forbidden fruit: inattention to attractive alternatives provokes implicit relationship reactance.
C Nathan DeWall1, Jon K Maner, Timothy Deckman
1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0044, USA. nathan.dewall@uky.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|January 20, 2011
Summary
Restricting attention to attractive alternatives can paradoxically increase temptation and harm romantic relationships. This "forbidden fruit" effect reduces satisfaction and commitment, undermining relationship well-being.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Relationship well-being is often linked to inattention to attractive alternatives.
- The
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of implicitly limiting attention to attractive alternatives on romantic relationship strength.
- To explore the
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted to examine the effects of limiting attention to attractive alternatives.
- Participants' relationship satisfaction, commitment, and attitudes toward infidelity were assessed.
- Memory and attention toward attractive alternatives were measured.
Main Results:
- Subtly limiting attention to attractive alternatives reduced relationship satisfaction and commitment.
- Positive attitudes toward infidelity increased when attention to alternatives was restricted.
- Memory and attention for attractive alternatives were heightened by these limitations, demonstrating a "forbidden fruit" effect.
Conclusions:
- Implicitly limiting attention to attractive alternatives can paradoxically increase their temptation.
- This restriction can undermine relationship well-being, contrary to the expected benefits of inattention.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay between attention, temptation, and relationship maintenance.
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