I've Chosen Well, But Perhaps I Could Do Better : Maximizing Tendencies and Romantic Relationship Judgments

Abstract

People make choices in nearly every domain of life, and individuals differ in their choice-making strategies: maximizers search extensively for the best possible option. Satisficers search just until they encounter an option that fits what they are looking for. Studies suggest that maximizers ensure they have a lot of options to choose from, invest more time into exploring all options and report less certainty about having made the right choice (even though they often end up with highly favorable options). In this study, we explored how maximizing-satisficing manifests in romantic relationships.