People who believe their relationship is 'destined to be' could lead to problems later on down the line, academics warn By Xantha Leatham Published: 00:00, 22 July 2024 | Updated: 00:05, 22 July 2024 e-mail View comments Some romantics might think that finding their partner was down to fate. But be warned – as believing your relationship is 'destined to be' could lead to problems down the line, a study suggests. Researchers have discovered that those who think relationships grow through effort, instead, tend to maintain higher levels of satisfaction over the years.
A team from the University of Basel recruited 904 couples from Germany , Switzerland, Austria and other countries. They ranged in age from 18 to 81 and had been relationships for varying lengths of time – from just a few months to several decades. Some romantics might think that finding their partner was down to fate.
But be warned – as believing your relationship is 'destined to be' could lead to problems down the line, a study suggests (stock image) Researchers have discovered that those who think relationships grow through effort tend to maintain higher levels of satisfaction over the years (stock image) The researchers asked participants to fill out a questionnaire that assessed their destiny beliefs and growth beliefs when it came to a relationship. For example, they rated how much they agreed with statements such as 'A successful relationship is mostly a matter of finding a compatible partner' or 'A suc.