To think or to do: The Impact of Assessment and Locomotion Orientation on the Michelangelo Phenomenon

M. Kumashiro, C.E. Rusbult, C. Finkenauer, S.L. Stocker

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    341 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    This work examines how individual differences in assessment and locomotion shape goal pursuits in ongoing relationships. The Michelangelo phenomenon describes the role that close partners play in affirming versus disaffirming one another's pursuit of the ideal self. Using data from a longitudinal study of ideal goal pursuits among newly committed couples, we examined whether the action orientation that characterizes locomotion creates an optimal environment in which to give and receive affirmation, whereas the evaluative orientation that characterizes assessment creates a suboptimal environment for giving and receiving affirmation. Consistent with hypotheses, locomotion is positively associated with partner affirmation, movement toward the ideal self, and couple wellbeing, whereas parallel associations with assessment are negative. We also explore the behavioral mechanisms that may account for such associations. © 2007 SAGE Publications.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)591-611
    Number of pages20
    JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships
    Volume24
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'To think or to do: The Impact of Assessment and Locomotion Orientation on the Michelangelo Phenomenon'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this