Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
The Fabric of Connection? Exploratory Studies on Being Moved in Committed Relationships. |
| Authors: |
Wiecha, Jan (AUTHOR), Åbom, Anette Karin (AUTHOR), Śmieja, Magdalena (AUTHOR), Wójcik, Małgorzata Elżbieta (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. Jun2026, Vol. 67 Issue 3, p923-939. 17p. |
| Subjects: |
Repeated measures design, Pearson correlation (Statistics), Satisfaction, T-test (Statistics), Attachment behavior, Questionnaires, Parameters (Statistics), Emotions, Descriptive statistics, Experience, Mathematical statistics, Research, Love, Research methodology, Interpersonal relations, Commitment (Psychology), Confidence intervals, Intimacy (Psychology), Regression analysis |
| Geographic Terms: |
Poland, Norway |
| Abstract: |
Being moved, also known as kama muta, is an emotion associated with warmth and social connectedness. Although theoretical accounts posit that it may contribute to the development and maintenance of romantic relationships by fostering intimacy, affirming commitment, and reinforcing shared values, empirical research remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted three studies. Study I explored the situational effects of recalling touching events on relationship satisfaction. Building on this, Study II examined whether proneness to being moved is associated with relationship satisfaction, and additionally tested intimacy and closeness as potential mediators, and attachment styles as potential moderators of this link. Study III refined this approach by employing a relationship‐specific measure of being moved to assess whether the observed effects generalize when measured within the romantic domain. Study I demonstrated that recalling touching events enhanced satisfaction, particularly among less satisfied individuals. Study II revealed that dispositional being moved was positively associated with satisfaction via intimacy and closeness, and that avoidant attachment attenuated these effects. Study III confirmed these results using the refined measure. Across three studies, being moved emerged as a relational emotion that promotes intimacy and closeness, thereby contributing to relationship satisfaction. By linking situational experiences, dispositional tendencies, and relationship‐specific measurement, this research provided preliminary indications of the potential role of kama muta in sustaining romantic bonds. Key Points: Being moved (kama muta) can be conceptualized as a relational emotion linked to warmth and social connectedness, with potential relevance for romantic relationships through its links to intimacy and closeness.Across three studies, higher levels of being moved were related to greater relationship satisfaction.The association between proneness to being moved and relationship satisfaction appeared to operate via intimacy and closeness.These associations were weaker among individuals high in avoidant attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|
Copyright of Scandinavian Journal of Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| Database: |
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
