Self-determination theory was applied to coping, emotion, and behavior in romantic relationships. Sixty heterosexual couples were videotaped in a semistructured interview designed to emphasize differences in how partners view the relationship. Multilevel analyses revealed support for several hypotheses. First, controlled orientation was associated with rating an ideal partner according to how one views oneself, whereas this was weaker with autonomy. Second, autonomy orientation was associated with more relationship-maintaining coping strategies, whereas controlled orientation was associated with more denial. Finally, during the discussion, autonomy orientation was associated with less negative emotion and more positive behaviors, whereas controlled orientation was associated with fewer positive behaviors. The findings are discussed in terms of the benefits of a general motivation toward growth in relationships.
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