Long-Term Predictors and Consequences of Self-Sacrificing Behaviors in Young Adult Romantic Relationships

• In Event: Poster Session 08
  In Poster Session: PS 08 Topic - Social Relationships

Abstract

This study investigates how maternal values of social consideration vs. self-directedness during adolescence interact with teens’ attachment orientation to predict teens’ later self-sacrificing behaviors in romantic relationships. Self-sacrificing behavior refers to acting in the interest of one’s partner or overall relationship at the expense of oneself, and is generally viewed as a positive behavior for preserving overall romantic satisfaction for both partners (Van Lange, Rusbult, Drigotas, Arriaga, Witcher & Cox, 1997). Although the primary attachment orientation of the teenager is thought to predict future romantic behavior (Bowlby, 1969), research has yet to examine how maternal values of prosocial and self-interested behavior during adolescence may interact with attachment orientation to predict teens’ self-sacrificing behaviors in future relationships. Moreover, this study seeks to examine the relational and individual costs and benefits of self-sacrificing behaviors on future romantic relationship quality and personal well-being.
Data were obtained from a long-term investigation using a community sample of 184 adolescents (86 males, 98 females). The sample was demographically diverse (63% European-American, 27% African-American, and 14% mixed race or other race/ethnicities; baseline median family income was within $40,000 - $59,000 range). Attachment orientation was assessed via the Adolescent Attachment Interview at age 14. Mothers’ values of social consideration and self-directedness were reported by mothers via the Parent Values Measure at age 16. Self-sacrificing behaviors were assessed using the Self-Sacrificing in Relationships questionnaire at ages 23-25. Relationship satisfaction and depressive symptomology were assessed using the Network of Relationships Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory at ages 26-28.
Analyses were conducted using hierarchical regression with FIML estimation to test hypotheses investigating associations between attachment orientations, maternal values, and self-sacrificing behaviors. Results revealed several significant interactions between attachment orientation and maternal values. Higher maternal valuing of self-directedness was predictive of a higher frequency of self-sacrificing behaviors for highly dismissive teens (β = .24, p < .05; see Figure 1), as well as for less secure teens (β = -.25, p < .05). Results also revealed higher maternal valuing of social consideration to be predictive of lower perceived harmfulness of self-sacrificing behaviors for highly dismissive teens (β = -.28, p < .05; see Figure 2), but predictive of higher perceived harmfulness for highly secure teens (β =.23, p < .05). Thus, it may be that highly dismissive/less secure teens engage in self-sacrificing behaviors with self-interested motives, such as to avoid arguments with their partner. Such findings also suggest that mothers’ social values may soften perceptions of sacrifice harmfulness for highly dismissive teens, but it may be that highly secure teens view sacrifice as unnecessary to maintain their relationship.
There were no significant associations between sacrifice frequency and future relationship satisfaction, but greater sacrifice frequency was predictive of a relative increase in depressive symptoms from ages 23-25 to 26-28 (β = 0.28, p < .05). Moreover, greater perceptions of self-sacrificing as being harmful also predicted lower future relationship satisfaction (β = -0.30., p < .05). Such effects of self-sacrificing behaviors have important implications for understanding their role in relationship and individual health.

Authors

• Emme Lis, James Madison University
  Presenting Author

• David E. Szwedo, James Madison University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Joseph P Allen, University of Virginia - Charlottesville
  Non-Presenting Author