"I Thought You Loved Me too?": Outcomes of Discrepant Involvement in Romantic Relationships

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Dana,Hilliard,Taylor,Knox,David Weiser (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: As romantic relationships begin and evolve, it is sometimes the case that partners are discrepant in their attraction to, love for, andcommitment to each other. Data were collected from 460 undergraduates who completed a 40 item Internet survey on the various types ofdiscrepancies and outcomes for their respective relationships. Results revealed that half of participants had been in a discrepantrelationship in which they were more attracted to, in love with, and committed to their partner and half were less attracted, in love andcommitted than a partner in a current or past relationship. Men were significantly more likely than women to report that they had been in adiscrepant relationship in which they were more in love with their partner. Being more attracted and less attracted, in love with, andcommitted was positively associated with infidelity. Depression was positively associated with being more or less attracted to, in love withand committed. Alcohol/drug use was positively associated with being more attracted and in love with a partner, as well as being lessattracted and committed to a partner. Of discrepant relationships that ended, 45% were by the respondent, 20% mutually, and 11% by thepartner. Of discrepant relationships that continued, 44% of the respondents reported that the discrepancies did not matter and that therespondents were happy despite the discrepancies.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

alcohol, depression, discrepant relationships, infidelity, interdependence

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