Faculty Sponsor
Alan Mikkelson, Whitworth University
Research Project Abstract
Commitment in romantic relationships tends to increase as satisfaction increases, but can a personality trait affect commitment levels of individuals in satisfying relationships? This study examines whether the trait of relational maximization impacts commitment. Relational maximization is the desire to make the best choice in romantic relationships and is comprised of three components: alternative search, high standards, and decision difficulty. This study explores how relational maximization and its components relate to commitment, and potentially moderate the relationship between satisfaction and commitment. Results from 343 participants revealed alternative search and decision difficulty were negatively related to commitment, while holding high standards did not produce a significant correlation. Results also showed that for highly satisfied individuals, relational maximization does weaken the relationship between satisfaction and commitment. One implication of these findings could be that a maximizer might end a highly satisfying relationship due to lower levels of commitment combined with high alternative seeking.
Session Number
RS2
Location
Robinson 210
Abstract Number
RS2-c
Relational Maximization and Commitment in Romantic Relationships
Robinson 210
Commitment in romantic relationships tends to increase as satisfaction increases, but can a personality trait affect commitment levels of individuals in satisfying relationships? This study examines whether the trait of relational maximization impacts commitment. Relational maximization is the desire to make the best choice in romantic relationships and is comprised of three components: alternative search, high standards, and decision difficulty. This study explores how relational maximization and its components relate to commitment, and potentially moderate the relationship between satisfaction and commitment. Results from 343 participants revealed alternative search and decision difficulty were negatively related to commitment, while holding high standards did not produce a significant correlation. Results also showed that for highly satisfied individuals, relational maximization does weaken the relationship between satisfaction and commitment. One implication of these findings could be that a maximizer might end a highly satisfying relationship due to lower levels of commitment combined with high alternative seeking.
