Positive illusions in couples in transition to marriage: identifying antecedents and consequences

Positive illusions are a key feature of couple relationship. The present work investigated the factors that may contribute to or inhibit the development of couple positive illusions. In addition, it explored the linkage between such illusions and relational and individual well-being. The study was conducted on 337 couples in transition to marriage. This stage in partners’ life is supposed to be a crucial moment in the processes of consolidation of couple identity and of differentiation from the families of origin and thus to be a favourable observation point to study the process of establishment of couple positive illusions. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling. Results showed that both the centrality of couple relationship to one’s identity and positive illusions towards one’s family of origin were significant predictors of positive illusions. However, the relationship between couple and family positive illusions was moderated by the level of intrusive parenting. Finally, couple positive illusions predicted couple and individual well-being.