How do romantic relationship satisfaction, gender stereotypes, and gender relate to future time orientation in romantic relationships?


Sakalli-Ugurlu N.

JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY, vol.137, no.3, pp.294-303, 2003 (SSCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 137 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00223980309600615
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.294-303
  • Keywords: attitudes, future time orientation, gender difference, gender stereotypes, heterosexual dating, romantic relationship satisfaction, OPPOSITE SEX, INVESTMENT MODEL, COMMITMENT, COUPLES
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The present study is an investigation into how romantic relationship satisfaction and attitudes toward gender stereotypes about romantic relationship and gender are related to future time orientation in romantic relationships (FTORR). Four hundred and thirteen (208 men and 205 women) university students taking elective psychology courses at Middle East Technical University were given a scale including items about FTORR, romantic relationship satisfaction, and attitudes toward gender stereotypes about romantic relationships. All the participants were then involved in a heterosexual romantic relationship. Multiple regression results showed that for the women, attitudes toward men's assertiveness and men's dominance in relationships were more important predictors of FTORR than relationship satisfaction. For the men, attitudes toward men's assertiveness and romantic relationship satisfaction were important predictors of FTORR, but attitude toward men's dominance was not a predictor of FTORR. Women were more future oriented in their ongoing romantic relationships than were men. Finally, participants who were highly satisfied with their relationships scored higher on FTORR than those who were less satisfied.