Search

This research examined self- and partner-enhancement biases in the everyday communication of commitment. A total of 189 romantic heterosexual couples completed a survey measuring self- and partner-reports of the communication of commitment. Women self-enhanced in their perceptions of their partner's attempts at communicating commitment, while men partner-enhanced. Further, women's self-enhancement and men's partner-enhancement resulted in their perceptions of each other's expressions of commitment being more closely aligned than self-reported expressions of commitment. Taken together, rather than being a detriment, bias in the everyday communication of commitment is an important aspect of how couples sustain commitment in their relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goals individuals have toward their romantic relationships may help explain why some people are more motivated to engage in relationship maintenance than others. This study tested a motivational model of relationship maintenance based on approach and avoidance goals. Data collected from 184 romantically involved individuals revealed that approach goals were associated with greater use of positivity, openness, assurance, networks, and tasks but avoidance goals were not associated with any of the maintenance behaviors. These maintenance behaviors also mediated the association between goals, satisfaction, and disillusion. These findings demonstrate that relationship goals play an important role in the relationship maintenance process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]