From Perceived Similarity of Ideals to Relationship Satisfaction: A Path Analysis Using Dyadic Data

摘要

Aim: The purpose of this study is to develop, using the ideal standards model (with its five dimensions: warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, status-resources, intimacy-loyalty and passion) and dyadic data analysis, a complex model assessing the relationship between perceived ideal similarity and relationship satisfaction. Material and Methods: Couples completed measures about perceived ideal similarity, communication about ideals, importance of ideals, perception of the current partner/relationship, coping strategies used when the partner/relationship is less than ideal and relationship satisfaction. Results: The fit indices for the proposed models are very good (GFI > .90, AGFI > .90, CFI > .90, RMSEA < .08, NFI > .90, CFI>.90) with the exception of status-resources dimension. As a result, it was eliminated from the analysis. Perceived similarity of ideals led to own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, and passion) and partner (intimacy-loyalty) communication about those ideals. More communication about ideals led to own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, intimacy-loyalty) and partner (warmth-trustworthiness, passion) increased real-ideal discrepancy scores. These, in turn, motivated own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, intimacy-loyalty, passion) and partner (intimacy-loyalty) use of coping strategies to manage the discrepancies between actual and ideal partner/relationship. The use of coping strategies led to higher rate regarding own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, intimacy-loyalty, passion) and partner (intimacy-loyalty, passion) relationship satisfaction. Conclusions: Given the importance that ideal standards play in relationship/partner evaluation, it could be helpful to shed light on the processes that have an impact on relationships improving/deteriorating over time. Thus, the impact of perceived ideal similarity on marital satisfaction could be of particular interest.