カップルの関係満足度は、運命を信じすぎない方が長く続く。

Empirical Paper The role of relationship beliefs in predicting levels and changes of relationship satisfaction Fabian Gander¹ , Maximiliane Uhlich¹, Alex Christoph Traut¹, Marcelle Ariane Saameli¹, Janina Larissa Bühler², Rebekka Weidmann³ and Alexander Grob¹ Abstract Relationship beliefs (i.e., destiny and growth beliefs) are associated with important relationship outcomes. Destiny beliefs describe the belief that a relationship is meant to be while growth beliefs describe the tendency that relationships can be cultivated and maintained through effort. Based on a longitudinal sample of people in romantic relationships (N = 904 couples), we examined whether destiny and growth beliefs predict current levels and trajectories of relationship satisfaction across 2 years. Using dyadic growth curve models, we found that individuals with stronger destiny beliefs generally reported higher initial relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, those with higher destiny beliefs experienced a slower decline in relationship satisfaction over time. Vice versa, higher relationship satisfaction also predicted increases in growth beliefs, but not destiny beliefs over time. These findings were also supported when directly asking participants about their subjectively perceived trajectories of relationship satisfaction. Growth beliefs, but not destiny beliefs, were along with the perception that relationships can be improved in past and future increase in the past, all of which further increase in the future. The findings suggest that relationship beliefs are relevant for long-term outcomes and could have important implications for developing interventions to help couples maintain relationship satisfaction in the long term. Plain language summary In relationships, relationship satisfaction tends to decrease over time, but what we believe about love can shape our satisfaction. This study of over 900 couples looked at two kinds of beliefs: "destiny beliefs" (love is meant to be) and "growth beliefs" (love grows with effort). We found that those who believe in a destiny generally feel more satisfied at the start. However, people who think love grows with effort show less decline in their satisfaction over 2 years. Interestingly, more satisfied couples tend to develop stronger growth beliefs over time. This suggests that our beliefs about love not only reflect our relationship satisfaction but also influence its future course. Understanding these beliefs could help us develop ways to keep couples happy together in the long run. Keywords relationship satisfaction, implicit relationship theories, growth beliefs, destiny beliefs, romantic relationships Received 19 October 2023; Revised 24 February 2024; accepted 1 March 2024 Introduction Beliefs about oneself, one's future, or the world play a crucial role in people's lives. This mainly been found for depression (Beck, 1970), but also many other aspects of life, including achievement, relationships (along with sexuality, Maxwell