Spelling HUMBLE with U and ME: The role of perceived humility in intimate partner relationships

Abstract

Humility predicts relationship satisfaction, partially mediated by commitment, in college students. The present study tested this mediation in a non-college sample of participants who have been in exclusive relationships for at least three months (N = 349). We supported a partial mediation model in predicting relationship satisfaction (Hypothesis 1). After controlling for commitment, accurate view of self was the most important factor in predicting relational satisfaction (Hypothesis 2). A simultaneous meditational analysis revealed that perceived humility predicted relationship satisfaction, mediated by gratitude in relationships (Hypothesis 3). A multiple regression analysis revealed that after controlling for personal virtues, perceiving humility in one’s partner predicted additional variance in relational satisfaction (Hypothesis 4). Our study provided support for a mediational model, but do not allow causal inferences because of cross-sectional design. Thus, we recommend that future studies include longitudinal studies to investigate the meditational models we observed.

Keywords:

• Humility
• commitment
• relationship satisfaction
• forgiveness
• gratitude

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Fetzer Institute under Grant number 2266; and the John Templeton Foundation under Grant number 14979. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fetzer Institute or the John Templeton Foundation.