@article{ajap2017513,
author={{Muraru, Iulia-Diana and Iorga, Magdalena and Turliuc, Nicoleta},
title={From Perceived Similarity of Ideals to Relationship Satisfaction: A Path Analysis Using Dyadic Data},
journal={American Journal of Applied Psychology},
volume={5},
number={1},
pages={12--17},
year={2017},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajap/5/1/3},
issn={2333-4738},
abstract={<b>Aim</b>: The purpose of this study is to develop, using the ideal standards model (with its five dimensions: warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, status-resources, intimacy-loyalty and passion) and dyadic data analysis, a complex model assessing the relationship between perceived ideal similarity and relationship satisfaction. <b>Material and Methods:</b> Couples completed measures about perceived ideal similarity, communication about ideals, importance of ideals, perception of the current partner/relationship, coping strategies used when the partner/relationship is less than ideal and relationship satisfaction. <b>Results</b>: The fit indices for the proposed models are very good (GFI > .90, AGFI > .90, CFI > .90, RMSEA &lt; .08, NFI > .90, CFI>.90) with the exception of status-resources dimension. As a result, it was eliminated from the analysis. Perceived similarity of ideals led to own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, and passion) and partner (intimacy-loyalty) communication about those ideals. More communication about ideals led to own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, intimacy-loyalty) and partner (warmth-trustworthiness, passion) increased real-ideal discrepancy scores. These, in turn, motivated own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, intimacy-loyalty, passion) and partner (intimacy-loyalty) use of coping strategies to manage the discrepancies between actual and ideal partner/relationship. The use of coping strategies led to higher rate regarding own (warmth-trustworthiness, vitality-attractiveness, intimacy-loyalty, passion) and partner (intimacy-loyalty, passion) relationship satisfaction. <b>Conclusions</b>: Given the importance that ideal standards play in relationship/partner evaluation, it could be helpful to shed light on the processes that have an impact on relationships improving/deteriorating over time. Thus, the impact of perceived ideal similarity on marital satisfaction could be of particular interest.},
doi={10.12691/ajap-5-1-3}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}