Citation

Boldero JM, Robins GL, Williams BJ, Francis JJ, Hampton A, Fourie AJ. Asian J. Soc. Psychol. 2009; 12(4): 259-273.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Asian Association of Social Psychology and the Japanese Group Dynamics Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-839X.2009.01290.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Relational discrepancy theory proposes that discrepancies in the extents to which relational partners meet relational standards are associated with emotions and that perceiving relationships in specified ways moderates associations. In a range of relationships, ideal relational discrepancies were associated with dejection and ought relational discrepancies with agitation (Study 1), associations moderated by relationship type. Discrepancy valence also moderated ideal discrepancy associations. Similar associations were found in friendships, moderated by relationship type (Study 2). Finally, relationship type and valence moderated associations in relationships with supervisors but not with colleagues (Study 3). These results support relational discrepancy theory propositions.