A MODERATING ROLE OF SELF-DISCLOSURE ON PERSONAL SELF-EXPANSION AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION AFFECTING COMMITMENT IN UNMARRIED ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

Self-expansion has long been studied in the personal relationship context when individuals seek to expand their sense of self through novel experiences with their partners, especially, the initial stage of relationships. However, the association between personal self-expansion for one’s own self-growth and relationship satisfaction remains unclear. Moreover, it has been found that self-disclosure (i.e., revealing about oneself to others) is an important factor in relationship satisfaction. This study aims to examine the association between personal self-expansion, self-disclosure, relationship satisfaction and its link with commitment among 136 Thai heterosexual participants, due to much research being limited on western cultures, aged between 18-64 years old (M = 33.9, SD = 12) who are in unmarried relationships for over 6 months. A linear regression was performed to analyze the association between (a) personal self-expansion and relationship satisfaction and (b) relationship satisfaction and commitment. Indirect effects analyses include mediation analysis (i.e., relationship satisfaction as a mediator) and moderation analysis (i.e., self-disclosure as a moderator). The significant findings showed that personal self-expansion positively predicted relationship satisfaction and relationship satisfaction also positively predicted commitment. Moreover, relationship satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between personal self-expansion and commitment. However, the significant indirect effect of self-disclosure as a moderator was not found in this study.

Keywords: Personal Self-Expansion, Self-Disclosure, Relationship Satisfaction, Commitment