ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 25 (UPI) -- Sacrifices, large or small, have a greater positive effect on relationships if the sacrifices were made with genuine intent, U.S. researchers claim.
University of Rochester researcher Heather Patrick says she wanted to answer one of the most common conundrums of romantic relationships.
Patrick asked 266 men and women in relationships to document either their own or their partner's pro-relationship behaviors for two weeks. Pro-relationship behavior can be any sacrifice or accommodation made out of consideration for one's partner or one's relationship -- doing the dishes every night, or agreeing to move to accommodate a partner's career.
Patrick found that partners who engaged in pro-relationship behaviors because they wanted to -- not because they felt pressured or obligated to -- were more satisfied in their relationships, more committed to them, and felt closer to their mates following their pro-relationship actions.
The researcher says this information gives couples and psychology professionals insight into why some relationships aren't fulfilling even when everything looks all right on the surface.
Patrick is scheduled to present the findings at a self-determination theory conference at the University of Toronto this weekend.
