Ideals in intimate relationships.
This research examined lay relationship and partner ideals in romantic relationships from both a social-cognitive and an evolutionary perspective. Studies 1 and 2 revealed that the qualities of an ideal partner were represented by 3 factors (partner warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, and status-resources), whereas the qualities of an ideal relationship were represented by 2 factors (relationship intimacy-loyalty and passion). A confirmatory factor analysis in Study 3 replicated these factor structures but found considerable overlap across the partner and relationship dimensions. Studies 4 and 5 produced convergent and discriminant validity evidence for all 5 factors. Study 6 indicated that the higher the consistency between the ideals and related assessments of the current partner and relationship, the more positively the current relationship was evaluated.
Fletcher
G J
GJ
Psychology Department, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. g.fletcher@psyc.canterbury.ac.nz
Simpson
J A
JA
Thomas
G
G
Giles
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008149:Love; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010551:Personality; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology