Presenter(s)

Ellen Frances Krueger, Angel Luis, Emily Nicole Panella, Hind Salih, Alicia Michelle Selvey, Gabriella M Vargas

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Description

Although romantic partners are typically characterized as being closer in proximity, long-distance relationships (LDR) are becoming more common. LDRs are more common for various reasons, including educational degree attainment, military deployment, and emigration. Couples use Relational Maintenance Behaviors to continue and enhance the relationship. One such behavior is categorized as idealization, which occurs when a partner focuses on the positive aspects of the relationship and ignores disagreements or areas of contention. LDR couples have a tendency to idealize each other more due to geographical distance and lack ofproximity. Previous research suggest that maintenance behaviors negatively correlate with infidelity; it is possible that LDR couples who engage in maintenance behaviors are less likely to cheat on their partners. There are many facets toand emotional infidelity, such as sexuality, emotional satisfaction, attitudes-norms, and revenge-hostility. The relationship between maintenance behaviors and idealization has been documented by previous research, but infidelity in relation to both has yet to be explored. Based on previous research, we hypothesize that idealization will mediate the relationship between geographic proximity and infidelity. Specifically, we predict that those who are in long-distance relationships will idealize their partners more than those who are in geographically close relationships, and that higher levels of idealization will, in turn, predict lower levels of infidelity. Mediation will be tested using a bootstrapping technique. Results will be presented.

Publication Date

4-18-2018

Project Designation

Independent Research

Primary Advisor

Lee J. Dixon

Primary Advisor's Department

Psychology

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

The mediating role of idealization in the association between couples' geographical separation and infidelity

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