Journal of Social and Personal Relationships · 2012 · 46 citations · 51 references
Quality Of LifeCouple PsychologyParticipant ObservationPsychologySocial SciencesJournalismDaily Diary StudyIntimate RelationshipManagementPositive Relationship QualityRelationship QualityPersonal RelationshipCouple TherapyRelational UncertaintyRomantic RelationshipsLife WritingInterpersonal CommunicationRelational CommunicationLived ExperienceArts
We collected daily diary data from 165 couples ( N = 330) in romantic relationships to examine how working to change the relationship and relational uncertainty influence positive relationship quality (i.e., closeness, satisfaction, and commitment). We used concepts from the investment model and literature on relationship maintenance and relational uncertainty. As hypothesized, we found a positive association between working to change the relationship and relationship quality. Further, this association was stronger on days in which individuals reported lower relational uncertainty, but significantly weaker on days in which individuals reported higher relational uncertainty. We discuss what it means for individuals to report more positive relationship quality when they make more relational investments and feel more certain about their relationship.
51