Depressive symptoms as a potential mechanism for the association between perceived autonomy support and optimal commitment in long-term couples

The satisfaction for one’s need for autonomy—that is, the need to experience volition, agency, and ownership of one’s actions—has been associated with several positive relationship variables, such as relationship satisfaction. However, no study has examined whether perceiving autonomy support from o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of behavioural science 2024-08
Main Authors: Vallée, Amélie, Turgeon-Arès, Maude, Beaulieu, Noémie, Brassard, Audrey, Péloquin, Katherine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autonomy
Close Relationships
Commitment
Couples
Female
Human
Major Depression
Male
Partners
Relationship Satisfaction
Symptoms
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Summary:The satisfaction for one’s need for autonomy—that is, the need to experience volition, agency, and ownership of one’s actions—has been associated with several positive relationship variables, such as relationship satisfaction. However, no study has examined whether perceiving autonomy support from one’s romantic partner is associated with relationship commitment. Moreover, the mechanisms that may explain the associations between autonomy support and positive relationship outcomes have rarely been investigated. Using a community sample of 151 mixed-sex couples, this prospective dyadic study investigated the links between individuals’ perception of autonomy support by their partner and both partners’ level of optimal commitment to the relationship, and whether depressive symptoms could account for these associations. Both partners completed online measures at baseline and 4 months later. Path analyses revealed that individuals’ perceptions of autonomy support by their partner was associated with their own lower depressive symptoms which, in turn, were associated with both partners’ higher optimal commitment 4 months later. The direct links between an individual’s perception of autonomy support and both partners’ optimal commitment were not significant. No sex difference was found. Overall, the results suggest that autonomy support could contribute to psychological well-being, which might be an essential ingredient for optimal commitment in long-term couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)
ISSN:0008-400X
1879-2669
DOI:10.1037/cbs0000424