The quest for conviction: Motivated cognition in romantic relationships

In this article I explore the motivated construal processes that allow indi viduals to dispel doubt and sustain conviction in the face of less-than-per fect partners and relationships. The surface features of conviction are dis cussed first with a focus on the positive illusions that predict relationsh ip well-being and stability. The structural underpinnings of conviction are then discussed with a focus on the cognitive mechanisms that contain the i mplications of negativity within positive relationship representations. I c onclude by discussing possible self-evaluation motives that may interfere w ith intimates dispelling doubt and finding the sense of conviction needed t o sustain satisfying, stable romantic relationships.