Communal strength, exchange orientation, equity, and relational maintenance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore communal strength (i.e., partner-specific communal orientation) and partner-specific exchange orientation, as well as equity, as predictors of relational maintenance. A sample of 309 heterosexual couples completed self-reports. Given the dyadic interdependence, the actor–partner independence model was used. Dyadic analyses were undertaken using structural equation modeling conducted in AMOS. Results indicated that underbenefitedness was a predictor of maintenance behaviors, but overbenefitedness was not. Communal strength was also associated with engagement in maintenance behaviors. Importantly, communal strength moderated the association between underbenefitedness and maintenance such that underbenefitedness did not result in decreases in self-reported maintenance behaviors for those with greater communal strength to the same extent as it did for those with lower communal strength. Exchange orientation also moderated the association between underbenefitedness and maintenance behaviors such that a decline in maintenance behaviors was not as pronounced for those with lower exchange orientations as those with higher exchange orientations. Findings suggest the important role relational orientations may play in enacting our relationships.