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Changing relationship growth belief: Intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences of compassionate goals
Author(s) -
CANEVELLO AMY,
CROCKER JENNIFER
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
personal relationships
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.81
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1475-6811
pISSN - 1350-4126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01296.x
Subject(s) - psychology , intrapersonal communication , friendship , social psychology , interpersonal communication , interpersonal relationship
The belief that difficulties can lead to growth in relationships, or growth belief, has consequences for relationships (e.g., C. R. Knee, 1998). But what predicts change in this belief? The current study hypothesized that compassionate goals to support others (J. Crocker & A. Canevello, 2008) predict increased growth belief through increased need satisfaction. In Study 1, 199 college freshmen reported their friendship growth belief and goals. In Study 2, 65 roommate pairs reported their roommate growth belief, goals, and need satisfaction. Across studies, compassionate goals predicted increased growth belief. In Study 2, goals predicted increased perceived mutual need satisfaction, which predicted increased growth belief. Additionally, partners' compassionate goals predicted actors' increased growth belief. Results suggest that growth beliefs are shaped by goals—own and others'.