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Related Experiment Videos

Expectations for future relationship satisfaction: Unique sources and critical implications for commitment.

Levi R Baker1, James K McNulty2, Laura E VanderDrift3

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. General
|April 4, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Relationship commitment hinges more on anticipated future satisfaction than current happiness. This research shows expected satisfaction influences relationship maintenance and decisions to divorce.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Relationship Science

Background:

  • Contemporary relationship commitment theories emphasize current satisfaction.
  • Ending relationships necessitates evaluating both present and future states.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether expected future satisfaction, rather than current satisfaction, is a stronger predictor of relationship commitment and maintenance.
  • To examine the mediating role of expected satisfaction in the relationship between current satisfaction and commitment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Six studies employed cross-sectional, experimental, and longitudinal designs.
  • Study 1 analyzed factors shaping expected satisfaction.
  • Studies 2-6 assessed the predictive power of expected versus current satisfaction on commitment, maintenance behaviors, and divorce.

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Main Results:

  • Expected satisfaction is influenced by current satisfaction, anticipated life events, relationship improvement plans, and individual differences.
  • Expected satisfaction was a more robust predictor of relationship commitment, maintenance behaviors, and divorce than current satisfaction.
  • Expected satisfaction mediated the link between current satisfaction and these relationship outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Relationship commitment decisions are primarily driven by expectations of future satisfaction.
  • The findings underscore the critical role of future expectations in relationship maintenance and dissolution.
  • Incorporating expected satisfaction offers a more comprehensive understanding of relationship commitment dynamics.