The Association between Social Network Influence Behaviors and Commitment in Long-Distance Romantic Relationships

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2006
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Haverford College. Department of Psychology
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eng
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Haverford users only
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Abstract
A two-study investigation of the association between the specific behaviors of social network members and long-distance romantic relationship (LDRR) commitment was conducted in accordance with the theory of reasoned action and the investment model. Study 1 was a qualitative study that asked 109 undergraduate students to describe how they would demonstrate support or disapproval for a friend's LDRR. These responses were then coded into a list of supportive and unsupportive social network behaviors. Study 2 investigated the association between these specific behaviors and LDRR commitment and the characteristics of the social network member, the LDRR, and the LDRR participant that influence this association. Four hundred and thirty-nine people in undergraduate LDRRs participated in this online survey. The results of this study revealed that the supportive behaviors were negatively correlated with the LDRR participant's commitment. Furthermore, the sex of the LDRR participant, the combination of the sex of the friend and the sex of the LDRR participant, the general romantic relationship knowledge of the friend, and the specific romantic relationship knowledge of the friend all significantly influenced the association between the social network members' behaviors and a LDRR participant's commitment. The characteristics of the degree of closeness to the friend and the sex of the friend were also found to have some influence in this relationship but not to the same degree.
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