Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

5-2019

Abstract

The current research offers and examines the concept of commitment desirability, defined as the subjective desire to be involvedin a committed romantic relationship at a given time. In pursuing their desire for a committed romance, how do individualshigh in commitment desirability strategically ensure success? We suggest that high perceived partner commitment is soughtby individuals who themselves desire to be involved in a committed relationship. In three studies involving individuals bothcurrently involved and not involved in a relationship, we found support for the hypothesized interactive effect of commitmentdesirability and perceived partner commitment, such that greater commitment desirability was associated with more positiverelationship outcomes, especially when partners were perceived to be high in commitment. The present research suggeststhat commitment desirability is a meaningful predictor of relationship attitudes and behaviors. Implications for understandingrelationship commitment as well as future research directions are discussed.

Keywords

commitment, commitment desirability, close relationships, relationship receptivity, perceived partner commitment

Discipline

Personality and Social Contexts | Social Psychology | Social Psychology and Interaction

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

First Page

1

Last Page

15

ISSN

0146-1672

Identifier

10.1177/0146167219841633

Publisher

SAGE Publications (UK and US)

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167219841633

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