ABSTRACT
There are many dilemmas that arise in romantic relationships such as the temptation of alternative others that can threaten one’s satisfaction, well-being, and commitment in ongoing relationships. Consequently, people in highly committed relationships often adopt cognitive relationship maintenance strategies that help protect their relationship in the face of such threat. These cognitive strategies involve a mental restructuring of one’s thoughts to enhance couple well-being (Rusbult, Arriaga, & Agnew, 2001). The use of cognitive strategies is associated with many relationship benefits such as greater happiness, persistence, and relationship satisfaction over time (e.g., Murray & Holmes, 1997; Rusbult et al., 2001). At the same time, they can also present consequences for personal well-being. While people sometimes engage in cognitive strategies intentionally, it typically happens automatically outside of one’s awareness as a result of strong commitment to a partner (Rusbult et al., 2001). We describe the four cognitive strategies (i.e., cognitive interdependence, positive illusions, perceived superiority, and inattentiveness to or derogation of alternatives) that partners use to maintain their relationships and consider how these strategies relate to relationship functioning and well-being.
