Women's personality traits, interpersonal competence and affection for dating partners: A test of the contextual model

In this study we utilized the contextual model to examine the relationship between distal (Five-Factor Model of Personality), proximal (interpersonal competence), and affective outcome (love, liking) factors in women’s perception of their dating relationships. N = 123 females completed a questionnaire packet to assess each of the factors. Results indicated that women’s personality traits made direct and indirect contributions to liking and love for dating partners. Overall, the findings indicated that both distal and proximal factors contributed to relationship quality, and provided support for the contextual model.