The Sanctified Soulmate? Beliefs in God-Mediated Control in Mate Selection
摘要
Mixed evidence exists regarding the impact of romantic idealization and relationship aggrandizement on a range of outcome variables connected to satisfaction and health. While some research has connected belief in love myths to increased risk for dating violence and power inequalities, other evidence suggests that some manifestations of constraining romantic attitudes may be protective, fostering resilience. The current study of 267 religiously committed emerging adults who largely identified as nondenominational or Evangelical Christians found that relationship satisfaction correlated with God-mediated belief in a soulmate. In contrast, lower satisfaction was connected to a nonreligious belief in soulmate or destiny theory. Belief in God as a causal agent was related to greater idealization and reduced exaggeration of personal control. Higher spiritual maturity was linked to placing a greater value on God-mediated control, predicting higher relationship satisfaction, lower ludic love orientation, and a stronger interest in companionate love. These findings support the potential value of a sanctified soulmate theory for the enhancement of meaning and romantic commitment in religious young adults.