86 posts · 37,930 views
Relationship research in real time. Insights into the dynamics of interpersonal relationships brought to you by the scientists at eHarmony Labs. Read reviews on recent findings and discover what is new in the field of relationship science.
eHarmony Labs
86 posts
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- January 4, 2012
- 12:17 PM
- 131 views
Promises, promises – Why breaking promises isn’t always a bad sign
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
If he loved me he would stop smoking; if she loved me she wouldn’t talk to other guys. When people make and break promises in relationships, most take this as a bad sign. But researchers disagree. Find out why.... Read more »
Peetz, J., & Kammrath, L. (2011) Only because I love you: Why people make and why they break promises in romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 100(5), 887-904. PMID: 21244176
- December 27, 2011
- 11:03 PM
- 56 views
Idealizing in Long Distance Relationships
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Long distance relationships can be really tough, but recent findings have shown long distance relationships are equally or more satisfied with their relationship than couples who are geographically close to one another. Why does this happen? Read here to find out.... Read more »
Stafford, L., & Merolla, A. (2007) Idealization, reunions, and stability in long-distance dating relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24(1), 37-54. DOI: 10.1177/0265407507072578
- December 20, 2011
- 03:30 PM
- 71 views
How your attractiveness affects your perception of others
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Have you ever been to a bar or other social hangout and been approached by someone who just doesn’t get the hint that you’re not interested? Conversely, have you felt that that you were doing everything you can to send an “ask-me-for-my-number” signal to no avail? Why do we have such difficulty in accurately reading sexual cues from others? ... Read more »
Farris C, Treat TA, Viken RJ, & McFall RM. (2008) Perceptual mechanisms that characterize gender differences in decoding women's sexual intent. Psychological science, 19(4), 348-54. PMID: 18399887
- December 7, 2011
- 01:54 PM
- 42 views
Scientists use serotonin to change the way you think about relationships
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
A recent study shows that chemicals in the brain can alter the way you think about romantic relationships. Find out how and what this means for your next date.... Read more »
Bilderbeck AC, McCabe C, Wakeley J, McGlone F, Harris T, Cowen PJ, & Rogers RD. (2011) Serotonergic activity influences the cognitive appraisal of close intimate relationships in healthy adults. Biological psychiatry, 69(8), 720-5. PMID: 21396628
- November 29, 2011
- 08:26 PM
- 68 views
Can Stress Be Good for a Relationship?
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Stress has been known to send your marital satisfaction on the decline, but can stress early in a relationship actually create more satisfied couples? Read here to find out.... Read more »
Neff LA, & Broady EF. (2011) Stress resilience in early marriage: Can practice make perfect?. Journal of personality and social psychology, 101(5), 1050-67. PMID: 21688919
Finkel EJ, & Campbell WK. (2001) Self-control and accommodation in close relationships: an interdependence analysis. Journal of personality and social psychology, 81(2), 263-77. PMID: 11519931
Schulz MS, Cowan PA, Cowan CP, & Brennan RT. (2004) Coming home upset: Gender, marital satisfaction, and the daily spillover of workday experience into couple interactions. Journal of family psychology : JFP : journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 18(1), 250-63. PMID: 14992625
- November 22, 2011
- 01:48 PM
- 63 views
The trouble with in-laws… (Holiday Edition!)
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
The holidays are time for cheer and goodwill, but can sometimes be buried under stress and scrutiny – especially from your in-laws. Read on to learn about how research says you should handle these sometimes fragile relationships during the holidays. ... Read more »
Bryant, C., Conger, R., & Meehan, J. (2001) The Influence of In-Laws on Change in Marital Success. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(3), 614-626. DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00614.x
Marx, J., Miller, L., & Huffmon, S. (2011) Excluding Mothers-in-Law: A Research Note on the Preference for Matrilineal Advice. Journal of Family Issues, 32(9), 1205-1222. DOI: 10.1177/0192513X11402176
Wu, T., Yeh, K., Cross, S., Larson, L., Wang, Y., & Tsai, Y. (2010) Conflict With Mothers-in-Law and Taiwanese Women's Marital Satisfaction: The Moderating Role of Husband Support. The Counseling Psychologist, 38(4), 497-522. DOI: 10.1177/0011000009353071
- November 15, 2011
- 01:02 PM
- 63 views
How you can kill love with “should,” “always” and “never.” Do you have unrealistic expectations for a relationship?
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Do you expect your relationships to have a perfect fairytale ending? That you'll never fight and will always be happy? Read more about this research to find out how unrealistic expectations about relationships may actually undermine them.... Read more »
Fincham, F.D., & Bradbury, T.N. (1987) The impact of attributions in marriage: a longitudinal analysis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53(3), 510-7. PMID: 3656082
Sharp, E., & Ganong, L. (2000) Raising Awareness About Marital Expectations: Are Unrealistic Beliefs Changed by Integrative Teaching?*. Family Relations, 49(1), 71-76. DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2000.00071.x
- November 11, 2011
- 05:50 PM
- 221 views
Soulmates – how believing in them (or not) affects your relationships
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Do you believe in soulmates? Read the latest research and find out how your beliefs about relationships can impact your approach to relationships and the long-term quality.... Read more »
Franiuk, R., Cohen, D., & Pomerantz, E. (2002) Implicit theories of relationships: Implications for relationship satisfaction and longevity. Personal Relationships, 9(4), 345-367. DOI: 10.1111/1475-6811.09401
Knee, C. (1998) Implicit theories of relationships: Assessment and prediction of romantic relationship initiation, coping, and longevity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(2), 360-370. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.74.2.360
Wilcox, W., & Dew, J. (2010) Is love a flimsy foundation? Soulmate versus institutional models of marriage. Social Science Research, 39(5), 687-699. DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2010.05.006
- November 4, 2011
- 02:11 PM
- 177 views
How many relationships should you have before settling down with ‘the one’?
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Has anyone identified the number of relationships you should have before you decide to settle down? According to Peter Todd, he has. And the answer might surprise you. ... Read more »
Lichter, Daniel T., Qian, Zhenchao. (2008) Serial Cohabitation and the Marital Life Course. Journal of Marriage , 70(4), 861-878. info:/
- November 1, 2011
- 09:33 PM
- 189 views
“We’re in love, so we’ll work it out” and other dating myths
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
As yet another celebrity marriage bites the dust, one wonders if these two actually talked about the realities of the future more than the endorsements for the wedding ceremony. To give them the benefit of the doubt that at least one or two conversations were had before the trip down the aisle, what kept them from seeing the obvious red flags? What can dating couples learn from Kris and Kim’s demise?... Read more »
Sharp, E., & Ganong, L. (2000) Raising awareness about marital expectations: Are unrealistic beliefs changed by integrative teaching?. Family Relations, 49(1), 71-76. DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2000.00071.x
Murray, S. (1999) The quest for conviction: Motivated cognition in romantic relationships. Psychological Inquiry, 10(1), 23-34. DOI: 10.1207/s15327965pli1001_3
- October 28, 2011
- 08:48 PM
- 146 views
Is marriage losing importance around the world? The changing face of marriage in Asia
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
From all the way around the world, marriage is changing and becoming less important. But for different reasons in Asian than Western countries. Here are a few interesting research findings about marriage in Asia.... Read more »
Iwasawa, M., & Mita, F. (2007) Boom and Bust in Marriages Between Coworkers and the Marriage Decline in Japan. Japanese Economy, 34(4), 3-24. DOI: 10.2753/JES1097-203X340401
- October 21, 2011
- 06:49 PM
- 138 views
To Text or Not To Text? Dating and Your Mobile Phone
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
When you are starting a new relationship, how should you use your phone? Should you call or text them? What kind of underlying signals are you sending along with your text message? Read here to find out.... Read more »
Reid DJ, & Reid FJ. (2007) Text or talk? Social anxiety, loneliness, and divergent preferences for cell phone use. Cyberpsychology , 10(3), 424-35. PMID: 17594267
- October 18, 2011
- 05:11 PM
- 167 views
Do you take your own relationship advice?
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
When I read the community boards, I see a lot of great advice given by members. You are wise. But do you follow your own advice? Knowing the right thing to do in relationships and actually choosing to do it are not always tied together. Find out why. ... Read more »
Turan, B., & Vicary, A.M. (2010) Who recognizes and chooses behaviors that are best for a relationship? The separate roles of knowledge, attachment, and motivation. Personality , 36(1), 119-31. PMID: 19884652
- October 14, 2011
- 09:08 PM
- 172 views
How can you tell if someone is interested?
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Studies show that most people are really bad at knowing who is attracted to them. Although human attraction is a complex issue, psychologists have made a few steps in helping to solve this riddle. Read on.... Read more »
Back, M.D., Penke, L., Schmukle, S.C., & Asendorpf, J.B. (2011) Knowing your own mate value: sex-specific personality effects on the accuracy of expected mate choices. Psychological Science, 22(8), 984-9. PMID: 21724949
Back, M., Penke, L., Schmukle, S., Sachse, K., Borkenau, P., & Asendorpf, J. (2011) Why mate choices are not as reciprocal as we assume: The role of personality, flirting and physical attractiveness. European Journal of Personality, 25(2), 120-132. DOI: 10.1002/per.806
- October 7, 2011
- 05:17 PM
- 125 views
“I love you this many dollars worth.”
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
“Presents are the best way to show someone how much you care. It is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say, ‘Hey man, I love you this many dollars-worth.’” – Michael Scott
How true is this quote? Is it really the thought that counts, or deep down are you placing a dollar amount on your relationship?
... Read more »
Belk, R., & Coon, G. (1993) Gift Giving as Agapic Love: An Alternative to the Exchange Paradigm Based on Dating Experiences. Journal of Consumer Research, 20(3), 393. DOI: 10.1086/209357
Nguyen, H., & Munch, J. (2011) Romantic gift giving as chore or pleasure: The effects of attachment orientations on gift giving perceptions. Journal of Business Research, 64(2), 113-118. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2010.02.006
- October 5, 2011
- 03:30 PM
- 131 views
How long do you wait for the ring?
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
You have a great guy. You've beeen serious for a while. You would like to take the relationship to the permanent next level but your man has yet to agree. Is your guy patient or just stringing you along? How long should you wait for a proposal? ... Read more »
Huston, T.L., Caughlin, J.P., Houts, R.M., Smith, S.E., & George, L.J. (2001) The connubial crucible: newlywed years as predictors of marital delight, distress, and divorce. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(2), 237-52. PMID: 11220443
Surra, C. (1985) Courtship types: Variations in interdependence between partners and social networks. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 49(2), 357-375. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.49.2.357
- September 30, 2011
- 05:54 PM
- 124 views
Are secret relationships alluring or damaging?
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Have you ever had a secret relationship? A relationship you wanted to keep from others? Was the excitement of the secret enough to keep the relationship together or did it eventually fizzle out? Learn more about this topic and how secrecy can affect your own relationships.... Read more »
Foster, C., & Campbell, W. (2005) The adversity of secret relationships. Personal Relationships, 12(1), 125-143. DOI: 10.1111/j.1350-4126.2005.00105.x
Lehmiller, J.J. (2009) Secret romantic relationships: consequences for personal and relational well-being. Personality , 35(11), 1452-66. PMID: 19713569
Wegner, D., Lane, J., & Dimitri, S. (1994) The allure of secret relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 66(2), 287-300. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.66.2.287
- September 30, 2011
- 05:29 PM
- 108 views
For love and money: 6 steps to keeping financial problems at bay in your relationship
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
Finances can be a major source of concern and conflict for many couples. Find out why money is such a major issue and what successful couples do to keep their checkbooks in order.... Read more »
Brotherson, S. E., & Moen, D. A. (2011) Establishing a home: A study of practical dimensions in the transition to marriage. Family Science Review, 59-74. info:/
Henry, R.G., Miller, R.B., & Giarrusso, R. (2005) Difficulties, disagreements, and disappointments in late-life marriages. International Journal of Aging , 61(3), 243-64. PMID: 16248292
Schramm, D., Marshall, J., Harris, V., & Lee, T. (2005) After “I Do”: The Newlywed Transition. Marriage , 38(1), 45-67. DOI: 10.1300/J002v38n01_05
Skogrand, L., Johnson, A., Horrocks, A., & DeFrain, J. (2010) Financial Management Practices of Couples with Great Marriages. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 32(1), 27-35. DOI: 10.1007/s10834-010-9195-2
- September 27, 2011
- 07:56 PM
- 105 views
Your first fight
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
What happens when the honeymoon ends and conflict begins? When this happens, you might question the love between you two, and whether it was a mistake to get married. But don’t panic, at least not yet: conflict in early marriage doesn’t necessarily mean doom for the relationship. Find out why...... Read more »
Eldridge KA, Sevier M, Jones J, Atkins DC, & Christensen A. (2007) Demand-withdraw communication in severely distressed, moderately distressed, and nondistressed couples: rigidity and polarity during relationship and personal problem discussions. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(2), 218-26. PMID: 17605544
Karney, B.R., & Bradbury, T.N. (1997) Neuroticism, marital interaction, and the trajectory of marital satisfaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72(5), 1075-92. PMID: 9150586
Karney, B.R., & Bradbury, T.N. (2000) Attributions in marriage: state or trait? A growth curve analysis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(2), 295-309. PMID: 10707336
McNulty, J.K., & Russell, V.M. (2010) When "negative" behaviors are positive: A contextual analysis of the long-term effects of problem-solving behaviors on changes in relationship satisfaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(4), 587-604. PMID: 20307131
Murray, S.L., Bellavia, G.M., Rose, P., & Griffin, D.W. (2003) Once hurt, twice hurtful: How perceived regard regulates daily marital interactions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(1), 126-47. PMID: 12518975
Schneewind, K., & Gerhard, A. (2002) Relationship Personality, Conflict Resolution, and Marital Satisfaction in the First 5 Years of Marriage. Family Relations, 51(1), 63-71. DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2002.00063.x
- September 26, 2011
- 09:03 PM
- 113 views
The trouble with in-laws…..
by eHarmony Labs in eHarmony Labs Blog
It has been shown that newlywed’s relationships with their in-laws are important to predicting marital success. But does this effect begin to wear off with time? ... Read more »
Bryant, C., Conger, R., & Meehan, J. (2001) The Influence of In-Laws on Change in Marital Success. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(3), 614-626. DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00614.x
Timmer, S., & Veroff, J. (2000) Family Ties and the Discontinuity of Divorce in Black and White Newlywed Couples. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(2), 349-361. DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2000.00349.x
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