Self-Monitoring, Trust, and Commitment in Romantic Relationships

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-monitoring and trust with a focus on commitment among college students in the United States. Both partners in 38 heterosexual dating couples filled out questionnaires that included the Self-Monitoring Scale (M. Snyder, 1974) and the Trust Scale (J. K. Remple, J. G. Holmes, M. P. Zanna, 1985). Findings indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between the self-monitoring scores of the dating partners. Those couples consisting of 2 high self-monitors were significantly less likely to believe that they would marry their current partners than couples that included at least 1 low self-monitor, and they scored significantly lower on the subscale of the Trust Scale that assessed continuing commitment to the relationship.