Partner selection standards, real-life partner evaluation and relationship satisfaction in people sensitive to rejection
Description
Choosing the right romantic partner is one of the factors influencing the satisfaction with the relationship. In a potential partner, people pay attention to both sexually determined features and those resulting from individual preferences. The aim of the study was to examine how the rejection sensitivity is related to the standards of an ideal partner and real partner evaluation with respect to the same characteristics, but also to satisfaction, commitment, and investments made in the relationship as well as perceived alternatives. The sample comprised 278 (203 female, 75 male). The main results showed that RS is associated with higher standards for potential partners and more discrepancy between standards for ideal partner and real partner evaluation with respect to High-Status standards. The research also showed the mediating role of High-Status ideal vs. real partner discrepancy in the relationship between RS and relationship satisfaction. The results were discussed in light of the of the evolutionary approach and socio-cognitive defensive model of rejection sensitivity.