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Autonomy in Relatedness: How Need Fulfillment Interacts in Close Relationships.
Esther S Kluwer1,2, Johan C Karremans2, Larisa Riedijk1
1Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|August 9, 2019
Summary
Fulfilling the need for connection (relatedness) supports relationship maintenance, especially when individuals also feel autonomous. Maintaining a sense of self alongside closeness is key for healthy relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Relationship maintenance relies on fulfilling psychological needs like relatedness and autonomy.
- Previous research often treated these needs as independent or merged, overlooking their interaction.
- Understanding how multiple motivational states interact is crucial for relationship functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactive effects of relatedness and autonomy need fulfillment on relationship maintenance behavior.
- To test the hypothesis that these two needs influence each other in promoting relationship longevity.
Main Methods:
- Conducted three studies with a total of 849 participants (N = 388, N = 241, N = 220).
- Employed quantitative methods to assess psychological need fulfillment and relationship maintenance behaviors.
- Utilized theoretical frameworks from self-determination theory and family systems theory.
Main Results:
- Relatedness fulfillment was positively associated with accommodation (a relationship maintenance behavior).
- This positive association was significantly stronger when individuals reported high levels of autonomy.
- The effect of relatedness on accommodation was limited or non-existent when autonomy was low.
Conclusions:
- Relatedness and autonomy are not merely additive but interact to predict relationship maintenance.
- The findings highlight the importance of balancing connection with individuality for sustained relationship health.
- Future research should explore the dynamic interplay of multiple psychological needs in relationships.
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