Research has shown that time pressure reduces the operation of controlled, analytical processes while enhancing the use of heuristics and intuitive processing (e.g., Bargh & Thein, 1985; Finkel et al., 2009; Payne, 2001; Yovetich & Rusbult, 1994). In Study 3, we tested how the decision to sacrifice is differentially affected by automatic and controlled cognitive processes, using a time-pressure paradigm.
participants were more likely to sacrifice for a close other when they engaged in automatic rather than controlled processing in decision making.
Although psychologists have assumed that much relationship behavior is driven by automatic selfish impulses, the current work suggests that under certain conditions, automatic processes are more likely than deliberative processes to foster prosocial responses. In communal relationships, it may be that the first impulse frequently is to be responsive to the partner’s needs, even at the cost of personal interest.
The reading list includes this paper in the section of helping, but it's more closely related to the study for close relationships.
Selfish impulses, which the reading says psychologists have assumed much relationship behavior is driven by, can be explained with social exchange theory and equity theory. However, the impulses described in the reading can hardly be since they are gut-level.
The interpersonal relationships can be distinguished between exchange and communal. Both of them are according to selfish impulses, but only communal relationship is for the gut-level impulses. Those relationships are beneficial for the actor, thus the existence of the selfish impulse is assumed. However, the gut-level impulses are not likely to have considerations expected in exchange relationships.
As stated in the above, it says psychologists assumed the selfish impulses as a main factor of sacrificing in close relationships. Assuming the influence of sacrificing impulses is, however, can bring different ideas in the further study, and also better understanding in daily life.
Though the study is assuming such impulses are natural, they are not necessary to be communal. For instance, people may unconsciously consider whether sacrificing is fair in the exchange relationship. In such a case, they can make decisions according to the exchange without any consideration at the moment. We need to investigate the unconscious to understand the hidden logic.