Unequally into “Us”: Characteristics of Individuals in Asymmetrically Committed Relationships

Abstract

This study examined characteristics of individuals that are associated with being in asymmetrically committed relationships (ACRs), defined as romantic relationships in which there was a substantial difference in the commitment levels of the partners. These ACRs were studied in a national sample of unmarried, opposite‐sex romantic relationships (N = 315 couples). Perceiving oneself as having more potential alternative partners was associated with increased odds of being the less committed partner in an ACR compared to not being in an ACR, as was being more attachment avoidant, having more prior relationship partners, and having a history of extradyadic sex during the present relationship. Additionally, having parents who never married was associated with being the less committed partner in an ACR but parental divorce was not. Although fewer characteristics were associated with being the more committed partner within an ACR, more attachment anxiety was associated with increased odds of being in such a position compared to not being in an ACR. We also address how some findings change when controlling for commitment levels. Overall, the findings advance understanding of commitment in romantic relationships, particularly when there are substantial asymmetries involved. Implications for both research on asymmetrical commitment as well as practice (e.g., therapy or relationship education) are discussed.

The sexual wholeness model: An initial evaluation with two samples

“…This suggests that it is highly likely that when couples experience sexuality that includes strong messages and motives for demonstrating emotional connection and caring, it is more likely to be indicative of harmonious sexual passion and satisfaction with many aspects of their relationship and lives. This is yet additional evidence for the importance of helping emerging adults and couples of all ages understand the power of sexuality to significantly enhance life if it is experienced and nurtured in the context of caring relationships (Olmstead et al, 2013; Sprecher et al, 2018; Stanley et al, 2019; Woloski‐Wruble et al, 2010).…”

Understanding the Early Years of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Couples’ Marriages

“…Indeed, although wives in the second class reported improvements in marital satisfaction, their mean levels never surpassed those of the wives in the Relatively satisfied class. Therefore, for wives, these improvements in marital satisfaction may not outweigh available alternatives, making dissolution a desirable option (Stanley et al, 2019). External circumstances may also partially explain why this group demonstrated both improvements in satisfaction and more instability.…”

Is it the sex, the romance, or the living together? The differential impact of past sexual, romantic, and cohabitation histories on current relationship functioning.

“…In the current study participants who reported more than 100 sexual partners were removed as outliers (N ϭ 9). Several studies have reported mean number of sexual partners in a similar age range to the current sample including means of 7.05 from Liu et al (2015) and means of 6.31 (Stanley et al, 2018). The mean for the Stanley et al study was likely lower than average for lifetime sexual partners because the mean age of the sample was approximately 26, and the question asked about the number or previous sexual partners so participants were not counting their current partner.…”