Factors Associated with Relationship and Partner Ideals among Norwegian University Students

Abstract

Relationship and partner ideals are used to evaluate relationships and partners and may influence important decisions in relationships. The association between relationship and partner ideals and participants' sex and attachment styles was examined among 362 Norwegian university student volunteers (237 women, 126 men), ages 19 to 49 years ( M = 23.2, SD = 4.6). Women rated the Partner Warmth/Trustworthiness, Partner Status/Resources, and Relationship Intimacy/Loyalty ideal dimensions significantly higher than men. Those classified as having Dismissing relationship style had a significantly lower mean score on the Partner Warmth/Trustworthiness dimension than those with Preoccupied style, and a significantly lower mean on the Relationship Intimacy/Loyalty dimension than those classified as Secure. A significantly lower mean score on the Relationship Passion dimension was found for those with Preoccupied than Dismissing styles.