THE EFFECTS OF NEUROTICISM ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP CONFIDENCE IN THE FACE OF DOUBT

This study aimed to determine the effects of neuroticism on relationship confidence in the face of doubt. Neuroticism has been found to predict negative outcomes in relationships including diminished feelings of relationship satisfaction such as relationship confidence and security. Relationship security is one’s assessment of their partner’s positive feelings toward the relationship, while relationship confidence is one’s belief in the future success of the relationship. Much of the existing literature does not explore experimentally-induced doubt with these constructs but instead focuses on feelings of rejection and replaceability. Also, the impact of neuroticism has not been explored. In the current study, participants unknowingly participated in a doubt manipulation and completed measures for neuroticism, relationship confidence, and relationship security. A regression framework was used to determine whether neuroticism moderated the relationship between doubt condition and relationship confidence. We did not find a moderating effect of neuroticism on the association between task assignment and relationship confidence. However, there was a significant correlation between relationship confidence and security and an effect of relationship security on relationship confidence. This relationship suggests that individuals that believe their partner is committed to the relationship also feel that they can make the relationship last for the long term.<p></p>