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Commitment: Functions, Formation, and the Securing of Romantic Attachment.

Scott M Stanley1, Galena K Rhoades, Sarah W Whitton

  • 1University of Denver.

Journal of Family Theory & Review
|February 23, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This paper explores relationship commitment, detailing its role in stabilizing romantic attachment and how cohabitation dynamics can undermine commitment formation in long-term marriages.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Relationship commitment is crucial for long-term romantic relationships and marriages.
  • Companionate marriage emphasizes emotional connection and partnership, increasing commitment's importance.
  • Modern couple development trajectories may present challenges to commitment formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review central concepts in the psychological literature on relationship commitment.
  • To discuss the role of commitment in stabilizing romantic attachment.
  • To examine how common couple development trajectories can undermine commitment formation.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical review of psychological literature on relationship commitment.
  • Analysis of empirical research on cohabitation and couple development.
  • Discussion of commitment's role in companionate marriage and marital strength.

Main Results:

  • Commitment plays a vital role in stabilizing romantic attachment.
  • Certain common couple development trajectories, particularly those involving cohabitation, can negatively impact commitment formation.
  • Understanding these dynamics is essential for maintaining strong romantic commitments, especially within marriage.

Conclusions:

  • Relationship commitment is a key factor in the stability of romantic attachments.
  • Contemporary patterns of couple development require careful consideration regarding their potential to weaken commitment.
  • The findings have implications for understanding and strengthening marital bonds in the modern era.