The ups and downs of dating: Fluctuations in satisfaction in newly formed romantic relationships.

Abstract

This research examined the association between relationship satisfaction and later breakup status, focusing on the temporal changes in satisfaction ratings of individuals in newly formed dating relationships. Growth curve analytic techniques were used in 2 longitudinal studies to create 4 predictors: each participant's initial level of satisfaction, linear trend in satisfaction over time, degree of fluctuation in satisfaction over time, and mean level of satisfaction. Consistent with hypotheses, individuals who exhibited greater fluctuation in their repeated satisfaction ratings were more likely to be in relationships that eventually ended, even after controlling for overall level of satisfaction. Individuals with fluctuating levels of satisfaction also reported relatively lower commitment. The results are discussed in terms of conditions that promote versus undermine relationship stability.

Cites (3)

1. Trust in close relationships.
   Rempel, John K., Holmes, John G., Zanna, Mark P. · 1985 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
2. Marital processes predictive of later dissolution: Behavior, physiology, and health.
   Gottman, John M., Levenson, Robert W. · 1992 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
3. Regression toward the mean and the study of change.
   Nesselroade, John R., Stigler, Stephen M., Baltes, Paul B. · 1980 · Psychological Bulletin

Show all 3 references

Cited by (7)

1. Predicting nonmarital romantic relationship dissolution: A meta-analytic synthesis
   LE, BENJAMIN, DOVE, NATALIE L., AGNEW, CHRISTOPHER R., KORN, MIRIAM S., MUTSO, AMELIA A. · 2010 · Personal Relationships
2. Being Committed: Affective, Cognitive, and Conative Components of Relationship Commitment
   Arriaga, Ximena B., Agnew, Christopher R. · 2001 · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
3. Partnering Across the Life Course: Sex, Relationships, and Mate Selection
   Sassler, Sharon · 2010 · Journal of Marriage and Family
4. Relational Turbulence Theory: Explaining Variation in Subjective Experiences and Communication Within Romantic Relationships
   Solomon, Denise Haunani, Knobloch, Leanne K., Theiss, Jennifer A., McLaren, Rachel M. · 2016 · Human Communication Research
5. Bridging the Sciences of Mindfulness and Romantic Relationships: A Theoretical Model and Research Agenda
   Karremans, Johan C., Schellekens, Melanie P. J., Kappen, Gesa · 2017 · Personality and Social Psychology Review

See all 191