title: Sliding versus Deciding in Relationships: Associations with Relationship Quality, Commitment, and Infidelity.
abstract: From choosing a partner to date to deciding to cohabit or marry, individuals are faced with many relationship choices. Given the costs of failed relationships (e.g., personal distress, problems with work, lower well-being for children, lost opportunities to meet other partners), it is important consider how individuals are approaching these decisions. The current study tested if more thoughtful and clear relationship decision-making processes would relate to individuals' levels of satisfaction with and dedication to their partners as well as their extra-dyadic involvements. In a sample of 252 men and women, the results showed that regardless of relationship status (i.e., dating, cohabiting, or married), those who reported more thoughtful decision-making processes also reported more dedication to their partners, higher satisfaction with the relationship, and fewer extra-dyadic involvements.
authors.affiliation: University of Louisville.
authors.forename: Jesse
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.forename: Galena K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Rhoades
authors.forename: Scott M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Stanley
keywords: Commitment; Decision-making; Infidelity; Relationship Satisfaction