Among the numerous theories we have discussed regarding commitment, I have shown particular interest in MP Johnson's Theory of Commitment as I believe it very effectively analyzes the primary drives that lie behind the own desire, or lack thereof, to remain committed to a relationship. In his theory, Johnson describes three types of perceived commitment that ultimately lead to the decision to stay in one's relationship. These three types of commitment discussed are personal, moral, and structural commitment (Berscheid & Regan, 2005). The first of these three types, personal commitment, is the individual's desire to pursue a relationship. This personal desire to remain in this relationship, however, can be explained by three other elements. Personal commitment is described as the culmination of a person's attitude toward the relationship itself, toward one's significant other, and to what extent one feels that one's role in the relationship is an integral part of who one is as a person (Berscheid & Reagan, 2005). Moral commitment is the feeling that one should continue in their relationship regardless of whether the individual actually wants it, as discussed with personal commitment. In feeling that one should remain in a particular relationship, attention is shifted from the individual's personal desires to his or her moral or religious beliefs that he or she perceives as binding (Berscheid & Regan, 2005). While the first two types of commitment are those from an internal source, the third form of commitment, structural commitment, is that which is felt exclusively through external forces. Structural commitment is when an individual feels that a particular relationship must continue. The feeling that a relationship needs... half of the paper... d of the relationship. While the third component of the structural commitment would have little weight since he and his partner have never lived together and have no common property, the fourth component carries considerable weight. One of the strongest reasons why Matt never ended the relationship, despite the obvious dissatisfaction, was the fact that he wasn't sure whether or not he could find something better. He also stated that if he could find an alternative relationship he would break his current commitment, but since he has not found such an alternative (even though, in reality, he is not looking for it), he still remains in his current relationship. Interestingly, when analyzed according to Johnson's Theory of Commitment, Matt has a very strong overall commitment in his relationship on all levels, although sadly, for a few happy and healthy reasons.