Work

Appreciated and Motivated: Examining Whether, When, and Why Receiving Gratitude Enhances Instrumentality Intentions in Romantic Relationships

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: partners' continued instrumentality. Research on gratitude led us to examine whether, when, and why receiving expressions of gratitude for one's instrumentality would increase people's intentions to be instrumental to their romantic partner's goal(s) in the future (future instrumentality intentions [FIIs]). In a correlational study (Study 1) and two experiments in which we manipulated expressed gratitude (Studies 2 and 3), gratitude receipt positively predicted FIIs. This finding persisted regardless of whether partners achieved their goal (Study 3). We identify potential mechanisms and show that gratitude receipt is particularly important for boosting FIIs among people in lower (vs. higher) quality relationships. These findings serve as a foundation for research examining antecedents to instrumentality and considering long-term consequences of gratitude receipt for support processes in romantic relationships.

Source: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

DOI: 10.1177/01461672251360832

Authors: Emily R. O’Brien, Amanda L. Forest

Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Science Foundation, University of Pittsburgh, Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences

Awards: Eliciting support in times of distress: Examining when and for whom expressing positivity is an effective strategy, G93385778