TY - JOUR
T1 - To think or to do: The Impact of Assessment and Locomotion Orientation on the Michelangelo Phenomenon
AU - Kumashiro, M.
AU - Rusbult, C.E.
AU - Finkenauer, C.
AU - Stocker, S.L.
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
U2 - 10.1177/0265407507079261
DO - 10.1177/0265407507079261
M3 - Article
SN - 0265-4075
VL - 24
SP - 591
EP - 611
JO - Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
JF - Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
ER -