Who are "We"? Couple Identity Clarity and Romantic Relationship Commitment. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Emery, Lydia F.; Gardner, Wendi L.; Carswell, Kathleen L.; Finkel, Eli J.
• Is Part Of: Personality & social psychology bulletin. Volume 47:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: relationships -- self-concept clarity -- couple identity clarity -- commitment; Personality -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1177/0146167220921717
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-1672

Abstract

This research introduces the construct of couple identity clarity —the extent to which an individual, as one of two partners in a romantic relationship, believes that the two of them know who they are as a couple. Cross-sectional (Studies 1–2), experimental (Study 3), and longitudinal (Study 4) studies supported the hypothesis that couple identity clarity is associated with higher commitment. Moreover, higher couple identity clarity, although related to actual agreement between partners on their identity as a couple, predicted commitment above and beyond agreement (Study 2)—as well as predicted reduced likelihood of relationship dissolution over a 9-month period (Study 4). Exploratory analyses revealed that successful conflict resolution may enhance couple identity clarity, in turn predicting commitment (Study 4). These studies highlight the importance of people's understanding of who they are as a couple and how this understanding shapes relationship persistence.