Fluctuations in commitment over time and relationship outcomes.

Abstract

Fluctuations in self-reported commitment (dedication) to a romantic relationship were examined among adults in well-established, but mostly unmarried, opposite sex relationships (N ϭ 616) over a period of 3 years, and the associations between individuals' own dedication fluctuations and relationship outcomes at a later time point were analyzed. Greater fluctuations in dedication were correlated with poorer relationship adjustment and more dissolution consideration; however, after controlling for individuals' initial levels and linear changes in dedication, fluctuations in dedication were associated with only dissolution consideration. Detrimental effects of fluctuations in dedication were strongest for individuals who reported higher levels of initial dedication. Individual-level fluctuations in dedication did not predict the likelihood of breaking up within the next year. These results demonstrate that fluctuations in commitment may be relevant for some relationship outcomes, while being less salient than its overall level and general trajectory over time for other outcomes. The current study differs from prior work by focusing on individuals in established relationships, and highlights the importance of longitudinal studies of commitment in relationships at all stages.

Fluctuation in on‐again/off‐again romantic relationships: Foreboding or functional?

“…Because the role of fluctuations may vary by partners' initial levels of satisfaction and commitment as well as whether these qualities generally increase or decrease over time, we modeled recent research regarding fluctuations (e.g., Arriaga, ; Arriaga et al, ; Knopp et al, ; Whitton et al, ) by controlling for the initial levels and linear trends across the relationship. To assess fluctuations as well as control for the initial and linear trends of satisfaction and partner commitment, we followed Arriaga et al's () two‐step statistical method (also used by Knopp et al, , and Whitton et al, ) and conducted a regression for each participant in which time, the independent variable, was regressed onto satisfaction and perceived partner commitment, the dependent variables. This results in three scores for each participant: a constant (i.e., predicted satisfaction/commitment level at the first weekly survey), the linear trend (i.e., coefficient or slope of satisfaction/commitment across the weekly surveys), and the residual (i.e., variance around the predicted values of satisfaction/commitment across the weekly surveys).…”

“…Recent research, however, has begun to assess how fluctuations in relational qualities over time predict satisfaction and stability. In general, this research suggests fluctuations in relational qualities (e.g., satisfaction, commitment) are associated with instability (Arriaga, ; Arriaga, Reed, Goodfriend, & Agnew, ; Campbell, Simpson, Boldry, & Rubin, ; Knopp, Rhoades, Stanley, Owen, & Markman, ; Whitton, Rhoades, & Whisman, ).…”

“…Based on these few studies, recent research suggests fluctuation in relational qualities is associated with negative behavior and outcomes in romantic relationships. Although these researchers do not suggest stable relationships are devoid of variability or change, the findings suggest a greater degree of fluctuation in relational qualities contributes to a sense of uncertainty and doubt about the viability of the relationship, which likely leads to dissatisfaction or dissolution (Arriaga et al, ; Campbell et al, ; Kelley, ; Knopp et al, ; Whitton et al, ).…”

“…Arriaga () found that even when controlling for average levels of satisfaction, individuals who reported greater fluctuation in their satisfaction on a weekly basis were more likely to report lower commitment and to experience dissolution 4 months later. Other research has shown that after controlling for initial and linear trends in dedication (i.e., commitment), fluctuation in dedication over 3 years was positively associated with dissolution consideration, although not actual breakup (Knopp et al, ). Arriaga et al () also found fluctuation in the perception of one's partner's commitment was associated with a greater likelihood of breakup, even after controlling for initial and linear trends in perceived commitment over time.…”

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

“…First, asymmetrical information should exacerbate both relational uncertainty (Knobloch & Solomon, 2005) and commitment uncertainty . However, overall commitment levels may still predict relationship stability more strongly than fluctuations around commitment levels (e.g., Knopp, Rhoades, Stanley, Owen, & Markman, 2014). Relationship uncertainty is associated with turmoil, particularly during times of transition (Knobloch & Theiss, 2012), and commitment uncertainty is associated with relationships being more likely to break up (Quirk et al, 2016), as is perceived fluctuations in partner commitment (Arriaga, Reed, Goodfriend, & Agnew, 2006).…”