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Cited by 33Attachment and Relationship DynamicsMotivation and Self-Concept in SportsCultural Differences and Values

Autonomy support and diastolic blood pressure: Long term effects and conflict navigation in romantic relationships

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Weinstein, Netta, Legate, Nicole, Kumashiro, Madoka, Ryan, Richard M.·2016·Motivation and Emotion
DOI 10.1007/s11031-015-9526-6PMC PMC4764637
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Abstract

Perceiving autonomy support-or encouragement to be oneself-from a romantic partner or other close relationship partners has been shown to yield a variety of psychological health benefits, but it is less clear how perceiving autonomy support from partners is linked to physical health. In two studies we examine the associations between receiving autonomy support in romantic relationships and diastolic blood pressure, an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Results of a longitudinal study found support for a model in which autonomy supportive romantic relationships are linked with lower diastolic blood pressure. Whereas Study 1 showed general longitudinal effects, Study 2 revealed the importance of receiving autonomy support from partners during times of conflict. Implications of the findings will be discussed in the context of self-determination theory.

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  • Such findings were corroborated with objective markers of physical functioning, including increased cortisol secretion, elevated diastolic blood pressure, risk high-density lipoprotein levels, immunological responses, and even longevity.

    “Such findings were corroborated with objective markers of physical functioning, including increased cortisol secretion (Reeve and Tseng 2011), elevated diastolic blood pressure (Weinstein et al. 2016b), risk high-density lipoprotein levels (Uysal et al. 2020), immunological responses (e.g., Bartholomew et al. 2011), and even longevity (Kasser and Ryan 1999;Weinstein et al. 2019).”

    From Basic psychological need theory: Advancements, critical themes, and future directions (2020) · cites this paper as Weinstein et al. 2016b

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Authors
Weinstein, N., Legate, N., Kumashiro, M., & Ryan, R. M.
Affiliations
  • Cardiff University (GB)
  • Illinois Institute of Technology (US)
  • Goldsmiths University of London (GB)
  • Australian Catholic University (AU)
Corresponding author
Weinstein, Netta
ORCID
Venue
Motivation and Emotion
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2015-11-21
Volume
40
Issue
2
Pages
212-225
ISSN
  • 0146-7239 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-6644
DOI
10.1007/s11031-015-9526-6
PMC
PMC4764637
OpenAlex
W2255317154
Cited by
33
References
111
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 2
FWCI
3.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Motivation and Emotion (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Goldsmiths Research Online (acceptedVersion)
  • ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (acceptedVersion)
  • Research Bank (Australian Catholic University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Cultural Differences and Values
Keywords
autonomy support, romantic relationships, diastolic blood pressure, cardiovascular health, relationship conflict, self-determination theory, physical health, close relationships

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