Spotlights
Professor Mikhila Wildey, lead author of large-scale study, finding disruptive behaviors may lead to poorer romantic relationships
A Grand Valley researcher was the lead author of a large-scale study of nearly 800 couples that found disruptive behaviors, such as substance use and aggression, in one member of a relationship are associated with relationship distress for both partners.
Mikhila Wildey, assistant professor of psychology, joined researchers from Michigan State University on the study, which was published in the Journal of Personality Disorders. Wildey said it revealed an association between relationship satisfaction and certain disruptive behaviors, as well as positive and negative personality traits.
“The results of the study help bolster research in both academic and clinical settings about the connections between an individual’s traits and behaviors to relationship satisfaction,” Wildey said.
Researchers found that disruptive personality traits and behaviors, such as rule-breaking and aggression, were associated with lower relationship satisfaction for both the affected individuals and, interestingly, for their partners.
The researchers gathered data for eight years from nearly 800 couples. Participants were recruited from the MSU Twin Registry, the university’s ongoing, large-scale study of twins and their families.
Each partner completed surveys that rated their own satisfaction with their relationship. Each couple was also recorded for 10 minutes discussing issues in their romantic relationship to allow researchers to analyze the interactions.
Wildey said that the findings are consistent with prior work, which along with the scope of the study provides important depth to the research in this area.
Wildey, who is also a couples’ therapist, noted that the findings give insight for professionals working with patients in a clinical setting.
“These findings suggest that disruptive behaviors are not something to overlook when considering romantic partners,” Wildey said. “In addition, without any intervention, these behaviors can persist across adulthood and are, therefore, something that should be addressed for couples who want to have a healthier relationship with one another."
MSU psychology professor Brent Donnellan was a co-author on the paper. Donnellan, who researches personality, hopes these findings encourage people to consider patterns of behaviors and personality traits when thinking about long-term relationship partners.
“People might overlook these attributes in the initial stages of attraction, but this study highlights their relevance for happy and mutually satisfying partnerships,” Donnellan said.
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