Digital Commons Network^™

An Examination Of Relational-Interdependent Self-Construal, Communal Strength, And Pro-Relationship Behaviors In Friendships, Brent A. Mattingly, Debra Oswald, Eddie M. Clark

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

Individual differences in relational-interdependent self-construal (RISC) are associated with positive relationship characteristics. This suggests that RISC is positively associated with the degree to which individuals view their relationships as communally-oriented (i.e., governed by norms of responsiveness), which should in turn be associated with increased use of pro-relationship behaviors. Thus, the current study explored the associations between RISC, communal strength, and pro-relationship behaviors in friendships. As predicted, RISC was positively associated with pro-relationship behavior use, but this association was mediated by greater communal strength. This suggests that increased RISC is associated with greater relationship satisfaction because the manner in which individuals …