Final answer:
Positive relationships with significant others and the idealization in marriages have been linked with increased well-being and satisfaction in adult life. Theories like Social Exchange Theory explain how individuals evaluate relationships, with idealization potentially influencing these appraisals. Aspirations for strong, stable marital and family relationships continue to be significant among younger generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies of dating and newly married couples have suggested that the phenomenon of idealization in relationships can have significant impacts. Notably, positive relationships with significant others in our adult years, as researched by Lavner et al. (2013), indicate that optimistic forecasts of marriage contribute to a state of well-being. Such idealization may lead to heightened expectations and a belief in the enduring quality of the relationship, which may play a role in the decisions to stay together despite challenges.
Consummate love, according to Sternberg, embodies a healthy relationship composed of intimacy, passion, and commitment. In the context of Social Exchange Theory, individuals weigh the costs and benefits of relationships, seeking a positive balance to achieve satisfaction and longevity in their partnerships. The idealization in this regard might play into the individual's calculations, contributing to their overall perception of the relatioship's value.
Additionally, broader social patterns also influence individual perspectives on relationships. Despite the prevalence of divorce, research has shown that the aspiration for a strong marriage and family life remains strong among younger generations (Popenoe and Whitehead 2004), suggesting that idealization of family and marital bonds persists as an aspirational goal within society.