Pursuing interpersonal value: An interdependence perspective.

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Understanding the interpersonal consequences of goal pursuit is crucial for relationship science.
• Prior research on self-image goals suggested negative interpersonal outcomes, contrasting with the current study's focus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the interpersonal implications of pursuing interpersonal value goals.
• To investigate how relationship commitment influences the adoption of interpersonal value goals.
• To explore conditions under which interpersonal value goals promote or hinder relationship quality.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three experiments, a large cross-sectional study, two daily experience studies, and a 1-year longitudinal study.
• Included behavioral observation of conflict interactions.
• Developed and validated new measures for pursuing interpersonal value.

Main Results:

• Pursuit of interpersonal value goals was linked to higher quality interactions and relationships, evidenced by prosocial behavior and positive partner sentiments.
• Relationship commitment predicted interpersonal value goals, partially mediating commitment's effects on relationship outcomes.
• Positive effects were amplified when prosocial behavior was seen as instrumental for gaining interpersonal value and when partners responded favorably.

Conclusions:

• Pursuing interpersonal value generally fosters closer relationships.
• Certain tactics, such as perfectionism and dominance, used to achieve interpersonal value can be detrimental to relationship quality.
• Findings highlight the nuanced role of goal pursuit in interpersonal dynamics.