Publication Type
Book Chapter
Version
acceptedVersion
Publication Date
2-2025
Abstract
Romantic partners frequently spend substantial amounts of time with each other (Gerstel & Sarkisian, 2006), forming profound connections, creating meaningful memories (Philippe et al., 2013), and having an indelible impact on one's self-views and identity (e.g., Aron & Aron, 1997). Indeed, extant research showcases that the relationship between romantic partners plays a pivotal role in addressing a multitude of life's challenges together. Besides addressing goals that are specifically related to surviving and reproducing, romantic partners also serve as vital sources for assistance, advice, companionship, and emotional support (see Feeney & Collins, 2014; Finkel et al., 2014; Fitzsimons et al., 2015). Not surprisingly, close relationships are typically characterized by interdependence, or the tendency for relationship members to mutually influence each other (Kelley & Thibaut, 1978). Couple members inevitably bring their values, attitudes, and beliefs into their relationship, and sometimes the increased interdependence that characterizes romantic relationships can result in disagreement and conflict regarding competing goals and self-interests that might adversely impact the well-being of both partners. For example, imagine a typical scenario where couples conflict in their decisions on where to spend their vacation. One has plans to go skiing whereas the other would prefer the beach (Baker & McNulty, 2020). Beyond merely communicating to negotiate conflict and resolve these differences, how do romantic partners navigate the process of influencing one another?
Keywords
Social influence, Interdependence theory, Power, Persuasion, Close relationships
Discipline
Social Psychology
Research Areas
Psychology
Publication
Research Handbook on Social Influence
Editor
R. Prislin
First Page
313
Last Page
328
ISBN
9781035309665
Identifier
10.4337/9781035309672.00030
Publisher
Edward Elgar
City or Country
Cheltenham
Citation
TAN, Kenneth, & SEE, Ya Hui Michelle. (2025). Social influence in close relationships. In Research Handbook on Social Influence (pp. 313-328). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/4188
Copyright Owner and License
Authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035309672.00030