Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

Committee Chair

Keith D. Weber

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how previous romantic relationships impact subsequent romantic relationships. Specifically, this study examined if past relationship solidarity is related to current relationship commitment, satisfaction, investment, and maintenance behavior usage among individuals in dating relationships. Participants were 204 undergraduates at an Eastern university who were currently in a dating relationship. Results indicated that past relationship solidarity is significantly and negatively related to current relationship commitment and satisfaction, but not significantly related to current investment or maintenance behavior usage. Several mediating variables were also examined, including the nature and attribution of individuals’ breakups, the length of their relationships, contact with former partners, and participant sex. Results revealed that the nature and style of past breakups and participant sex were salient mediating variables such that past solidarity was predictive of future relationship commitment and satisfaction only when breakups were mutual and somewhat ambiguous. Furthermore, these relationships were significant only for women and not men.

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