EFFECT OF RELATIONSHIP-RELATED MORALITY ON COUPLES' CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION

Abstract

Past research has tested the similarity-attraction hypothesis across different domains, including personality, attitudes and ambitions. However, moral judgements about behaviours that may violate relationship norms have not been studied, despite their potential relevance to the quality of romantic relationships. The purpose of this correlational study is to investigate the links between similarity in relationship-related morality, conflict resolution and relationship satisfaction in young Singaporean couples. Both actual and perceived similarity in relationship-related morality are examined. The present study also proposed a mediation model, where conflict resolution serves as a mediator to the relationship between moral similarity and relationship satisfaction. The variables were measured using different self report questionnaires. As hypothesised, real couples were significantly more similar in relationship-related morality compared to random heterosexual pairs. The results also indicated a significant association between perceived similarity and conflict resolution, suggesting that relationship-related moral similarity predicts more effective conflict resolution processes. Contrary to expectations, both types of similarities failed to significantly predict relationship satisfaction. As such, a mediation relationship was not found. These findings suggest that similarity in relationship-related morality might not be a major predictor of relationship outcomes in young couples. Future studies may explore the role it plays in older or married couples.