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Why do personality traits predict divorce? Multiple pathways through satisfaction.

Brittany C Solomon1, Joshua J Jackson1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|May 21, 2014
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Personality traits impact relationship dissolution through relationship satisfaction. Both stable dynamics and worsening distress pathways explain this link, with enduring dynamics showing stronger effects. Partner personality also plays a role.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Relationship Science

Background:

  • Previous research links personality traits to divorce likelihood.
  • The specific mechanisms driving this association remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate relationship satisfaction as a mediating pathway between personality traits and relationship dissolution.
  • To examine the enduring dynamics and emergent distress pathways in this relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a large, nationally representative longitudinal sample (N = 8,206).
  • Assessed actor, partner, and combined effects of the Big Five personality traits.
  • Examined both stable relationship dynamics and changes in satisfaction over time.

Main Results:

  • Personality traits prospectively predict relationship dissolution.
  • Both enduring dynamics and emergent distress pathways significantly explain this relationship, with enduring dynamics having larger effects.
  • The emergent distress pathway was more pronounced for couples facing significant life events.
  • Partner personality traits, beyond individual (actor) effects, influenced relationship functioning.

Conclusions:

  • Personality traits influence relationship dissolution primarily through shaping relationship satisfaction.
  • Both stable personality-trait-relationship dynamics and personality-driven changes in relationship quality contribute to relationship stability.
  • The interplay of both partners' personalities is crucial for relationship functioning and longevity.