The Effect of Self-control on Willingness to Sacrifice in Close Relationships

Abstract

Previous research has identified that willingness to sacrifice promotes romantic relationship maintenance. In addition, research has identified relationship-specific factors that promote sacrifice. However, research has neglected to examine the importance of non-relationship-specific factors (e.g., self-control) in sacrifice. The current research examined the possibility (and found evidence) that self-control underlies sacrifice. In Study 1, trait self-control was associated with willingness to sacrifice in a series of hypothetical scenarios, even after controlling for established relationship-specific correlates of sacrifice. In Study 2, romantically involved individuals, who had previously been depleted of self-control resources, were less able to make major sacrifices. Thus, self-control is important for romantic individuals' ability to sacrifice.