Investigating relationship dispositions as explanations for on-again/off-again relationships

Abstract

The current study explored whether individuals with certain relationship dispositions were more likely to be involved in on-again/off-again (on-off) relationships. A sample of 211 currently dating participants in either on-off or non-cyclical relationships completed an online survey about relationship dispositions (e.g., attachment, implicit beliefs) and positive and negative aspects of relational quality (e.g., satisfaction, commitment, disillusionment). Participants in on-off relationships did not differ from those in non-cyclical relationships with regard to relationship dispositions. Relationship type, however, moderated certain associations between relationship dispositions and relationship qualities showing that the dispositions played a weaker role in relational quality for on-off partners (e.g., the association between growth belief and disillusionment was strong and negative for non-cyclical partners but nonsignificant for on-off partners). Although it was theoretically and practically important to investigate individual differences, interaction dynamics within dyads could be a more prominent factor in explaining on-off relationships.

Prior On–Off Relationship Instability and Distress in the Separation and Divorce Transition

“…Thus, a precedence for reconciliation in their relationship history might fuel fantasies of relationship renewal for those most prone to them and who benefit the most from them coming to fruition, which may be exacerbated by the fact that individuals in on-off relationships are likely to experience ambivalence and lingering feelings for a former partner after dissolution (e.g., Dailey et al, 2009Dailey et al, , 2011. Indeed, uncertainty and ambivalence about a breakup or an ex-partner are associated with more post-dissolution distress and a greater likelihood for reconciliation consideration (e.g., Dailey et al, 2020).…”

“…Research on relationship cycling typically focuses on these unions while partners are currently together (i.e., during an “on” period) and on unmarried, young adults (Dailey et al., 2016; Dailey, Zhong, Pett, Scott, & Krawietz, 2020); however, the postdivorce period reflects a unique opportunity to understand relationship cycling in “off” periods. Few studies, for example, have focused on dyads following separation despite the importance of this stage given dissolution is typically not the end of relational interdependence (Agnew & VanderDrift, 2015), with many partners continuing to maintain their relationships in some form following a break up (Kellas, Bean, Cunningham, & Cheng, 2008), especially if they share children (e.g., Dailey et al., 2013).…”

Having the will, finding the ways, and wishes for the future: A model of relational hope and well‐being

“…Accordingly, those who hold growth beliefs perceive relationships as being shaped over time (as opposed to being “meant to be”), which promotes their engagement in behaviors to help maintain the relationship (Weigel et al., 2016). Furthermore, growth beliefs help strengthen individual's commitment to their relationship (Dailey et al., 2019) and ward off relationship dissolution strategies such as ghosting (Freedman et al., 2019). In summary, for individuals who feel positively in anticipating the future of their relationship, they may utilize growth beliefs as a guiding framework for approaching their relationship, which helps them regulate behavior in a way that benefits the maintenance of the relationship over time.…”