Paper
A Leap of Faith? Positive Illusions in Romantic Relationships
Published Jun 1, 1997 · S. Murray, J. G. Holmes
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
401
Citations
20
Influential Citations
Abstract
It is proposed that satisfying, stable relationships reflect intimates' ability to see imperfect relationships in somewhat idealized ways-to make a leap of faith. Both members of dating and married couples completed a measure of relationship illusions, tapping idealized perceptions of the partners' attributes, exaggerated perceptions of control, and unrealistic optimism. Results of concurrent analyses revealed that relationship illusions predicted greater satisfaction, love, and trust, and less conflict and ambivalence in both dating and marital relationships. A longitudinal follow-up of the dating sample revealed that relationships were more likely to persist the stronger individuals' initial illusions. Relationship illusions also predicted increases in later satisfaction but not vice versa. These results suggest that positive illusions capture a prospective sense of conviction or security that is not simply isomorphic with satisfaction.
Observational Study
Highly CitedPositive relationship illusions predict greater satisfaction, love, and trust, and less conflict and ambivalence in both dating and married relationships, with stronger initial illusions leading to more likely persistence.
Full text analysis coming soon...