From choosing sides to changing minds: A taxonomy of behavioral responses to social network disapproval of one’s romantic relationship and evidence for the importance of commitment

Abstract

Social network approval of romantic relationships positively predicts relational satisfaction, commitment, and stability; social network disapproval of one’s romantic relationship (SND-RR) may pose a threat to relationships. How do people navigate this threat? We sought to develop a taxonomy of behavioral responses to SND-RR and to examine whether commitment to one’s romantic partner or to a disapprover predicts these responses. In three studies, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlational and experimental methods, we identified seven categories of behavioral responses that people employ in the face of SND-RR (distance from partner, draw closer to partner, distance from disapprover, draw closer to disapprover, elude disapproval, address disapproval, and ignore disapproval). Across studies, commitment to a romantic partner and/or disapprover predicted participants’ endorsement of behavioral responses. These findings lay the foundation for work considering how people might constructively navigate SND-RR.