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Relationship satisfaction and commitment in long-term male couples: Individual and dyadic effects

Catholic University of America

Renata Cerqueira

Catholic University of America

Martin A. Safer

Catholic University of America, Safer{at}cua.edu

Thomas L. Wright

Catholic University of America

Male couples (N = 53) described their relationship history during an oral history interview, and partners also provided individual self-reports about relationship satisfaction, commitment, and quality. Although couple members were similar in satisfaction levels, they differed in commitment levels. An individual's expression of positive and negative emotions during the interview predicted both his own and his partner's current satisfaction, but predicted only his partner's satisfaction four years later. Furthermore, current and future relationship satisfaction was predicted not just by one's own, but also by one's partner's, perception of equality and attachment. In contrast, current and future commitment was predicted only by one's own perception of equality and attachment. Thus, predictors of satisfaction were both personal and interpersonal, but predictors of commitment were only personal. Separable individual- and dyadic-level processes underlie intimate relationships.

Key Words: negative emotions • oral history interview • perceived attachment • perceived equality • positive emotions • relationship commitment

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