The Michelangelo effect in close relationships: can a relationship partner boost the ideal self of her second half?

The paper describes the Michelangelo phenomenon in close relationships (Drigotas, Rusbult, Wieselquist i Whitton, 1999). Due to its reference to the concept of 'self᾿, described were also theories of the relational and extended self. Conditions necessary for the occurrence of the Michelangelo effect were described as well as factors that facilitate and delimit its scope. The paper reviews research concerning this phenomenon along with the employed empirical procedures, obtained research results and consequences of the Michelangelo effect for an individual and the relationship. In the paper we have also formulated our doubts (theoretical and methodological) concerning the universality of the Michelangelo effect in close relationships. peerReviewed publishedVersion