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DOI: 10.1177/0146167201277004 © 2001 Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc. Implicit Theories of Relationships: Who Cares if Romantic Partners Are Less than Ideal?University of Houston, knee{at}uh.edu
University of Houston
University of Houston
University of Houston
University of Houston Perceived discrepancy between ones ideal and actual partner has been shown to predict relationship satisfaction. The goal of two studies was to examine whether implicit theories of relationships moderate this association. In Study 1, data from 177 undergraduates in romantic relationships showed that the perception that ones partner falls short of ones ideal was generally linked to lower satisfaction, except under cultivation (high growth/low destiny). In Study 2, data from 61 couples showed (a) viewing ones partner favorably was associated with more satisfaction but less so among those who were higher in growth belief; and (b) cultivation predicted increased positivity, whereas evaluation (high destiny/low growth) predicted increased hostility when discussing discrepancies in how they and their partner view the relationship. Results are discussed in terms of the controversy over idealization and authenticity in romantic relationships.
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