Date of Submission

2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

David Rubenstein, PsyD

Second Advisor

Susan Panichelli Mindel, PhD

Third Advisor

Michael Becker, DO

Abstract

Relationship satisfaction has been shown to have a powerful effect on both individual psychological well-being and psychological distress. One factor that influences an individual’s relationship satisfaction is their endorsement of romantic beliefs. This finding has not been replicated in the U.S. in the past 20 years and the influence of romantic beliefs on relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, and psychological distress has not been studied in depth. This study implemented a quasi-experimental design using online self-report measures to test whether level of endorsement of romantic beliefs can predict relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, or psychological distress. It was hypothesized that romantic beliefs would moderate the relationship between relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being, and relationship satisfaction and psychological distress. One hundred thirty-five participants (64.4% female, 34.8% male, 0.7% other) were included in final analyses. Linear regression models were used to test hypotheses and it was found that romantic beliefs did not predict levels of relationship satisfaction, psychological well-being, or psychological distress. In addition, romantic beliefs did not moderate the relationship between relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being or relationship satisfaction and psychological distress. Exploratory analyses were conducted with mixed findings. These results have important implications for the theoretical underpinnings of current conceptualizations of cognitions about romantic relationships and for clinicians helping people improve their relationships and psychological well-being by examining their cognitions and beliefs.

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