Abstract

Commitment to a close relationship has been measured as the degree of intention to continue the relationship. Therefore, it is a goal; however, it has rarely been examined from a motivational perspective. In this paper, I theorized that two independent commitment goals exist: approach commitment, the desire to maintain and continue the relationship, and avoidance commitment, the desire to avoid relationship dissolution. More specifically, approach commitment is associated with a desire for stability based future relationship incentives and rewards; and avoidance commitment is a desire away from instability in order to avoid the negative consequences or costs of relationship dissolution. Three studies developed and examined these commitment goals and the consequences for the individual and the relationship. Studies 1 and 2 created a reliable measure of approach and avoidance commitment, and Study 3 examined how these goals predicted relationship outcomes in a longitudinal study. The results showed that approach commitment was associated with high relationship satisfaction, more relationship-enhancing causal attributions for partner behaviors, and a greater likelihood of stability over time. In contrast, avoidance commitment was associated with low relationship satisfaction and less relationship-enhancing attributions. Avoidance commitment also predicted greater stability over time when individuals also perceived high barriers-to-exit, such as many investments and few alternatives. Overall, strong approach commitment was associated with a happy, stable relationship, and strong avoidance commitment (in combination with high barriers-to-exit) was associated with an unhappy, stable relationship.