Regulating connection: Implicit self-esteem predicts positive non-verbal behavior during romantic relationship-threat

In the current research we suggest that in response to relationship-threat implicit self-esteem regulates connection, and this process is moderated by perceptions of a partnerʹs commitment. We used experimental and observational methodologies to explore this possibility. Study 1 indicated that, in the relationship-threat condition, participants high (vs. low) in implicit self-esteem reported engaging in more positive nonverbal behaviors when they perceived their partner as more committed. Participants high and low in implicit self-esteem did not differ in behavior when partner commitment was low. This pattern was not evident in the control condition. Study 2 similarly revealed that participants high (vs. low) in implicit self-esteem were observed engaging in more positive nonverbal behavior during a conflict interaction when they perceived their partner as more committed. Participants high and low in implicit self-esteem did not differ in behavior when partner commitment was low. The results suggest that implicit self-esteem predicts connection and may be particularly sensitive to evidence of a partnerʹs availability.