On the role of basic human values in romantic relationships
Summary
The present research addressed the role of basic human values in understanding romantic relationship functioning, in particular the role of self-transcendence values versus self-enhancement values. In a set of two studies we sought support for the hypothesis that prioritizing self-transcendence values may enhance relationship functioning, whereas prioritizing self-enhancement values may decrease relationship functioning. Moreover, the possible mediating role of partner responsiveness between values and relationship functioning was explored. In Study 1, value priorities were measured using the Portrait Values Questionnaire. In Study 2, a value prime was used to explore whether the relationship between values and relationship functioning is correlational or causal. The results were not conclusive, but nevertheless indicated that value priorities may be associated with relationship functioning. That is, people who prioritized self-enhancement values experienced decreased relationship functioning (Study 1), while people who prioritized self-transcendence values experiences enhanced relationship functioning (Study 2). Furthermore, partner responsiveness mediated the relationship between self-transcendence values and relationship functioning in Study 2, but not in Study 1. In the last section, implications and limitations of the present research and indications for future research are discussed.