Risk orientation, loving, and liking in long-term romantic relationships

Michael Smithson*, Cathy Baker

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This study investigates three hypotheses: Similarity between romantic partners in risk taking predicts partner liking and loving; risk taking in either partner correlates negatively with liking and loving; and these tendencies are accentuated in particular risk domains. A survey of 147 heterosexual couples tests these hypotheses in six risk domains. The similarity hypothesis is supported in all domains for perceived self/ partner differences but most emphatically in ethical risks. Likewise, higher self-reported risk taking and higher ratings of partner's risk taking negatively predict loving and liking, but only in specific domains. Overall, risk orientations in ethical, health, and gambling domains are the best predictors of loving and liking. Findings are discussed regarding theory and research on criteria for "ideal" partners in long-term romantic relationships.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)87-103
    Number of pages17
    JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships
    Volume25
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Feb 2008

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