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Let it go: Relationship autonomy predicts pro‐relationship responses to partner transgressions
Author(s) -
Hadden Benjamin W.,
Baker Zachary G.,
Knee C. Raymond
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of personality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.082
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1467-6494
pISSN - 0022-3506
DOI - 10.1111/jopy.12362
Subject(s) - psychology , autonomy , social psychology , forgiveness , developmental psychology , positive relationship , test (biology) , relationship education , partner effects , romance , interpersonal relationship , paleontology , political science , psychoanalysis , law , biology
Abstract Objective The purpose of the present research is to better understand how relationship autonomy—having more self‐determined reasons for being committed to a relationship—contributes to pro‐relationship responses to transgressions in romantic relationships (e.g., forgiveness and accommodation). Method Study 1 employed a cross‐sectional design ( N = 350) and Study 2 used a weekly diary ( N = 121) to test associations between relationship autonomy and pro‐relationship responses to transgressions. Studies 3 and 4 utilized dyadic designs (Study 3: N = 200 couples, 400 individuals; Study 4: N = 275 couples, 550 individuals) to determine how both partners' relationship autonomy is associated with pro‐relationship responses. Results Results revealed that relationship autonomy is robustly associated with pro‐relationship responses to transgressions, both as general tendencies and as responses to idiosyncratic transgressions. Results of actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) analyses in Studies 3 and 4 provide evidence that one's partner's relationship autonomy is important for promoting pro‐relationship responses as well. Study 4 also found that people perceive that partners respond better to transgressions if their partner is high in relationship autonomy. Conclusions This research provides consistent and compelling evidence that the degree of self‐determination underlying commitment is important for understanding how people respond to transgressions in their relationships, beyond their current levels of commitment.