The Value of Prospective Reasoning for Close Relationships

this is not only useful for close relationships:

 

The Value of Prospective Reasoning for Close Relationships

1. Alex C. Huynh1⇑
2. Daniel Y.-J. Yang2
3. Igor Grossmann1

1. ¹Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
2. ²Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

1. Alex C. Huynh or Igor Grossmann, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1. Emails: alex.huynh@uwaterloo.ca; igrossma@uwaterloo.ca

Abstract

http://spp.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/07/27/1948550616660591.abstract

We examined how adopting a future (vs. present)-oriented perspective when reflecting on a relationship conflict impacts the process of reasoning and relationship well-being. Across two studies, participants instructed to think about how they would feel in the future (vs. present) expressed more adaptive reasoning over a relationship conflict—low partner blame, greater insight, and greater forgiveness, which was then associated with greater relationship well-being—for example, more positive versus negative emotions about the relationship and expectations that the relationship will grow. These findings were driven by a decrease in person-centered language when reflecting on the conflict. Implications for understanding how tempo