Lesser Interest, Principle of

The Principle of Lesser Interest, also called the principle of least interest, is a theoretical principle suggesting that, in romantic partnerships, when one partner is more emotionally involved than the other, the less emotionally involved partner can [Page 968]exploit the more involved partner in various ways. This entry explores the origins of this principle, empirical findings, and related research.

Commonly discussed in the social-psychology literature on dating relationships, the Principle of Lesser Interest is usually attributed to Willard Waller, who observed in the 1930s that romantic partners often proceeded at different paces in their emotional involvement with one another. In Waller's view, large differences in emotional involvement put the less interested partner in a position to exploit the more interested party because the less-interested party could dictate the conditions of association.

Although Waller is widely credited with developing the Principle of Lesser Interest, he acknowledged other important sources for the principle, including a popular French epigram and sociologist Edward Ross. Ross had written (some 17 years earlier) in his sociology textbook that, in a variety of social relationships, the person who cared less could exploit the person who cared more. Ross went beyond romantic relationships in his thinking to consider parent-child relationships as well, but Waller's coining of the term focused primarily on premarital dating relationships.

Although there is not a large body of research on the Principle of Lesser Interest, several studies show support for the principle and related ideas. Perceptions of unequal emotional involvement are common among contemporary dating couples, and men are more likely than women to be perceived as the partners with less interest in their relationships. Less-interested partners are seen as having more control over the continuation of their relationships, and couples with unequal emotional involvement tend to have lower satisfaction than couples with equal involvement. Some studies have found that unequally involved relationships are more likely to break up than those with equal emotional involvement. Closely related studies show positive outcomes from equal emotional involvement between dating pairs; equal levels of dependence and commitment have been associated with positive emotions and relationship satisfaction.

Waller would likely not be surprised at any of these findings. He found evidence of the Principle of Lesser Interest in his 1930s observations of college students in prestigious fraternities and sororities. He also observed gender differences in these relationships, noticing that women seemed more astute in relationship processes, and that their perceptions of relative involvement were particularly predictive of breakup. Although it does not appear that he tracked relationships across time, he would most likely have expected a higher breakup rate among unequally interested couples and seen their breakups as preferable to long-term emotionally unequal partnerships.

Contemporary research on the Principle of Lesser Interest is sparse and limited by its predominant use of quantitative methods and a focus on White, heterosexual college youth. Yet a broader view of the related literature reveals great interest in this general area of inquiry, if not in the Principle of Lesser Interest specifically. In recent years, for example, many researchers have explored power relations between couples (both heterosexual and same sex), searching for the practices that go along with contemporary egalitarian ideals. Interview studies of American couples reveal that relationship dynamics consistent with the Principle of Lesser Interest are common. Yet unequal interest and power can erode the strength of relationships over time, leading prominent relationship researchers such as Pepper Schwartz to promote the benefits of “love between equals.” Peer marriage, she argues, is conducive to longevity and staying in sync with one's partner. Schwartz's position is in line with Willard Waller's own conclusions. In 1938, he described lesser interest relationships as being unhealthy in the long term due to the potential for extreme exploitation. He suggested that it might be better if these relationships dissolved before getting to the point of marriage.

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