Weight-related social control and relationship quality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate accuracy and bias effects in partners' reports and perceptions of diet- and exercise-related social control in conjunction with their relationship satisfaction. Actor–partner interdependence mediation models (APIMeM) were used to examine the reports of diet- and exercise-related social control in 192 couples. In line with the accuracy and bias framework, we found that couples are accurate and biased with regard to their social control attempts and that accuracy and bias were associated with relationship satisfaction for positive social control. Individuals also reported greater relationship satisfaction when they reported using less negative social control and when they perceived more positive social control from their partners. These findings provide corroboration for self-reports of social influence in close relationships while simultaneously demonstrating bias in perceptions of partners’ social control and highlighting concurrent associations with people’s relationship satisfaction.