Implicit Theories of Attraction
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Date
2015-08-01
Authors
Bohns, Vanessa K.
Scholer, Abigail A.
Rehman, Uzma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Guilford Press
Abstract
Sexual satisfaction is an important component of relationship well-being within romantic relationships. Yet, relatively little is known about the psychological factors that predict responses to the inevitable sexual challenges couples face. Four studies provide evidence that implicit theories of sexual attraction as either fixed or malleable predict responses to sexual challenges. In Studies 1 and 2, individual differences in these beliefs predicted (above and beyond other implicit theories, relationship beliefs, and measures of sexual desire) perceptions of success for a relationship lacking sexual chemistry. In Study 3, these beliefs predicted actual relationship outcomes in committed couples. Finally, in Study 4, these beliefs predicted willingness to engage in destructive behaviors in response to a sexual challenge—but not in response to a non-sexual challenge—in a hypothetical long-term relationship. This latter finding was mediated by expectations that the problem faced by the couple was solvable.
Description
Implicit Theories of Attraction, Bohns, V. K., Scholer, A. A., & Rehman, U. © 2015. Copyright Guilford Press. Reprinted with permission of The Guilford Press
Keywords
close relationships, interpersonal attraction, sex, implicit theories, social cognition