Sliding versus Deciding in Relationships: Associations with Relationship Quality, Commitment, and Infidelity.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey study (graded by design analogy for non-clinical social science research).
PubMed 23690736 · doi:10.1080/15332691.2013.779097
What was done
The authors surveyed a sample of 252 men and women across different relationship statuses (dating, cohabiting, or married) to assess whether more thoughtful and deliberate relationship decision-making was associated with relationship satisfaction, dedication to one's partner, and extra-dyadic involvements.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical statistics, correlation coefficients, or effect sizes. Directionally, participants reporting more thoughtful and clear relationship decision-making reported higher dedication to their partners, higher relationship satisfaction, and fewer extra-dyadic involvements across all relationship statuses.
Why it matters
It provides observational evidence that intentional decision-making in relationships is linked to better relationship satisfaction and lower reported infidelity.
Limits
The study relies on cross-sectional self-reported survey data, preventing causal conclusions. The abstract provides no quantitative effect sizes, confidence intervals, or specific demographic details for the 252 participants.
Cited by
- supports Research by Scott Stanley shows that couples who 'slide' into relationship commitments rather than actively 'deciding' have higher divorce rates and lower marital happiness.