Autonomy and Dyadic Coping: A Self-Determination Approach to Relationship Quality

Abstract

Drawing upon a sample of 460 individuals in committed romantic relationships, this study explored a key proposition of Self-Determination Theory: highly autonomous individuals are more likely to experience greater relationship quality and engage in pro-relationship behaviors. This study revealed that autonomy was indirectly associated with relationship satisfaction via a stress-communication process known as dyadic coping. Findings suggest when people feel autonomous, they may be motivated to seek support from or provide support to a romantic partner (i.e., dyadic coping), possibly because such behaviors are freely chosen, not controlled. Implications for privileging autonomy in relationship theory, research, and practice are discussed.

Keywords:

• Dyadic coping
• autonomy
• relationship satisfaction
• self-determination theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Oklahoma State University. Approved by Oklahoma State University IRB: HS-18-8-OFF.