Self-expansion theory suggests what about close relationships?

• A. They primarily function to achieve sexual satisfaction.
• B. They increase conflict by reducing autonomy.
• C. They allow individuals to expand their sense of self by including another person.
• D. They are primarily about investment exchange.

Answer: (C)

Self-expansion theory in close relationships says that people grow by including aspects of their partner in their own self-concept. As partners become more entwined, their traits, experiences, and resources start to feel like parts of “me,” not just “you.” This merging expands what a person can do, know, and be, which often leads to greater closeness, satisfaction, and motivation to invest in the relationship because helping the partner also helps the expanded self. So, the best answer is that close relationships allow individuals to expand their sense of self by including another person. This framing explains why relationships feel exciting and growth-oriented—your identity broadens as you share and integrate someone else into your life. The other ideas don’t fit as well: focusing on sexual satisfaction misses the broader self-expansion mechanism; suggesting conflict arises primarily from reduced autonomy misreads the theory, which emphasizes growth through inclusion rather than erosion of independence; and framing relationships as investment exchange points to a different theoretical lens that centers on costs and benefits rather than expanding the self.