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. At face value, autonomy may seem antithetical to relationships; autonomy, however, is not equated with "separateness" or "independence," but rather, a sense of authoring one's own actions. Findings suggest that 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. How the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Model may explain the link between autonomy and dyadic coping was explored. Implications for privileging autonomy in relationship theory, research, and practice is discussed.