The Effects of Relationship Initiation on Relationship Satisfaction
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom C/D
Start Date
15-5-2014
End Date
15-5-2014
Keywords
Relationships, Initiation, Satisfaction
Abstract
This study examined the impact of initiation behaviors on romantic relationships. In an online survey, we asked participants whether they or their partner initiated certain behaviors and conversations within both past and present relationships. We then compared those who reported initiating to those who reported their partner initiated on levels of satisfaction and frequency of payment on dates. In our sample of 147 young adults (ages 18-25), we found that those who said, “I love you” first were more generally satisfied within the relationship. We also found that the partner who initiated contact was more satisfied with the level of emotional support and levels of communication. Those who initiated contact also reported that they paid while on dates more consistently throughout the duration of the relationship as well. The Principle of Least Interest theory states the idea that the person who displays the least care/interest in the relationship is the more powerful partner. Based on this principle, we expected that the non-initiating partner would be more satisfied in the relationship, as that partner would have more power; however, our findings directly contradicted this hypothesis, suggesting a need for refinement of this theoretical framework. Overall, research on relationship initiation is relatively scarce in the field of family science and should be further explored to determine its impact on all aspects of relationship satisfaction.
Recommended Citation
Montgomery, Lindsay and Logan, Gabriela, "The Effects of Relationship Initiation on Relationship Satisfaction" (2014). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 169.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2014/posters/169
Poster Number
36
Additional Mentoring Department
Family and Consumer Sciences
The Effects of Relationship Initiation on Relationship Satisfaction
SURC Ballroom C/D
This study examined the impact of initiation behaviors on romantic relationships. In an online survey, we asked participants whether they or their partner initiated certain behaviors and conversations within both past and present relationships. We then compared those who reported initiating to those who reported their partner initiated on levels of satisfaction and frequency of payment on dates. In our sample of 147 young adults (ages 18-25), we found that those who said, “I love you” first were more generally satisfied within the relationship. We also found that the partner who initiated contact was more satisfied with the level of emotional support and levels of communication. Those who initiated contact also reported that they paid while on dates more consistently throughout the duration of the relationship as well. The Principle of Least Interest theory states the idea that the person who displays the least care/interest in the relationship is the more powerful partner. Based on this principle, we expected that the non-initiating partner would be more satisfied in the relationship, as that partner would have more power; however, our findings directly contradicted this hypothesis, suggesting a need for refinement of this theoretical framework. Overall, research on relationship initiation is relatively scarce in the field of family science and should be further explored to determine its impact on all aspects of relationship satisfaction.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Feeney, Sarah