Sparks and Stability: The Role of Consistency Between Partner Responsiveness and Relationship Satisfaction in Commitment

In research on intimate relationships, perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) and relationship satisfaction (RAS) are recognized as critical predictors of relationship commitment. The present study examined 305 adults currently involved in romantic relationships and employed response surface analysis to investigate the effects of PPR and RAS, as well as their congruence, on relationship commitment, while exploring the moderating role of relationship duration. Results indicated that: (1) higher congruence between PPR and RAS was associated with greater relationship commitment; (2) when discrepancies existed between PPR and RAS, individuals reported higher commitment when PPR exceeded RAS; and (3) the influence of PPR–RAS congruence on commitment was moderated by relationship duration, with the predictive effects attenuating as relationships lengthened. Overall, commitment was highest when both PPR and RAS were elevated, particularly when PPR exceeded RAS, highlighting the interactive and dynamic nature of these relational processes across the course of romantic relationships.