Better together: The impact of exercising with a romantic partner

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110120
Author(s):  
Kyrsten Sackett-Fox ◽  
Judith Gere ◽  
John Updegraff
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Daily Experiences ◽  
Daily Exercise ◽  
Exercise Routine ◽  
The Impact

Many people have goals to increase their physical activity levels through engaging in exercise, but have difficulty establishing and maintaining an exercise routine. Research shows that people are more successful at exercising if they do so together with their romantic partner. In this study, we examined how exercising with a romantic partner may influence the experience of exercise itself, as well as people’s daily experiences. Specifically, we examined how joint exercise influences daily and exercise affect, daily relationship satisfaction, and amount of daily exercise. Young adults who were currently involved in a romantic relationship (N = 95) completed intake questionnaires and 14 daily reports of their exercise behavior, exercise and daily affect, and daily relationship satisfaction. Multilevel models showed that on days when people exercised with their romantic partner, they experienced higher positive affect during exercise, higher daily positive affect, and were more satisfied with their relationship compared to days when they exercised without their partner. No effects were found on daily and exercise negative affect, or amount of exercise. This study illustrates how exercising with a romantic partner may improve people’s experience of both exercising and their daily experiences, and may help provide a reason why people might be more successful at maintaining their exercise routine when they exercise together with their romantic partner.

Is It Adaptive for People With Personality Problems to Know How Their Romantic Partner Perceives Them? The Effect of Meta-accuracy on Romantic Relationship Satisfaction

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika N. Carlson ◽  
Thomas F. Oltmanns
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Romantic Couples ◽  
Know How ◽  
Romantic Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Insight Into

People with personality disorder (PD) symptoms tend to report and have partners who report lower quality relationships with them. Using a large community sample of romantic couples, the current research tested whether the established link between PD symptoms and partner-reported relationship quality was attenuated by meta-accuracy (insight into the impression one makes) as well as whether the link between PD symptoms and self-reported relationship quality was attenuated by positivity (assuming one makes a desirable impression). Results suggested that meta-accuracy for core personality traits moderated the link between PD symptoms and partner-reported relationship quality, such that high meta-accuracy attenuated whereas low meta-accuracy exacerbated the negative association between PD symptoms and quality. However, individuals with symptoms did not necessarily reap the same relational benefits of their meta-accuracy, and positivity did not moderate the link between their symptoms and relationship quality. Implications for assessment and whether meta-accuracy should be improved are discussed.

IMAGINING PARTNER LOSS AND MORTALITY SALIENCE: CONSEQUENCES FOR ROMANTIC-RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric D. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Mortality Salience ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Personality Characteristics ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Romantic Relationship Satisfaction

As hypothesized, imagining the death of one's romantic partner (for those currently involved in a romantic relationship for at least one continuous year) enhanced relationship satisfaction; unexpectedly, imagining one's own death did not markedly affect relationship satisfaction (Experiment 1). Experiment 2 found that imagining the death of one's partner has an impact similar to imagining a positive experience with one's partner regarding relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, imagining the death of one's romantic partner causes the individual to favorably change his/her perceptions of certain personality characteristics of the partner. Experiment 3 examined the interactive effects that certain personality traits had on imagining either the death of oneself or of one's romantic partner with respect to self-reported relation-ship satisfaction. The applied and theoretical implications of this research are extensively discussed.

scholarly journals Attached at the lips: The influence of romantic kissing motives and romantic attachment styles on relationship satisfaction

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-30
Author(s):  
Danica J. Kulibert ◽  
Elle A. Moore ◽  
Melinda M. Dertinger ◽  
Ashley E. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Romantic Attachment ◽  
Relationship Functioning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Although romantic kissing is an important part of relationship functioning, little research has focused on motives for romantic kissing and how they may relate to other aspects of romantic relationships. To understand how romantic kissing impacts romantic relationship functioning, the current study assessed the relationship between romantic attachment, romantic kissing motives, and relationship satisfaction. Overall, it was hypothesized that (a) those reporting more sexual/explicit kissing motives and fewer goal attainment/insecurity motives would report higher relationship satisfaction, (b) those reporting a more secure attachment style would report higher relationship satisfaction, and (c) the relationship between romantic kissing motives and relationship satisfaction would vary according to one’s romantic attachment styles. Results from a hierarchical linear regression with 286 adults, all of whom were currently in romantic relationships, revealed that sexual/relational (β = 0.25) and goal attainment/insecurity kissing motives (β = -0.35) predicted relationship satisfaction. However, the impact of kissing motives on relationship satisfaction varied according to one’s romantic attachment. Specifically, the influence of sexual/relational motives was only significant for avoidantly attached individuals, whereas the influence of goal attainment/insecurity motives was significant for avoidantly and anxiously attachment individuals. Overall, this suggests that sexual/explicit romantic kissing motives serve to enhance the relationships of insecurely attached individuals, but not securely attached individuals. Furthermore, goal attainment/insecure motives had a negative effect on the relationship satisfaction of insecurely attached individuals, but not securely attached individuals. This study has important implications for both practitioners working with romantic couples and researchers studying romantic relationships.

Better Battles by a Self-Compassionate Partner?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Nancy Tandler ◽  
Martin Krüger ◽  
Lars-Eric Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Romantic Partner ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Conflict Resolution Styles

Abstract. Self-compassion entails being kind towards oneself when encountering uncontrollable life events, inadequacies, or failure. When in conflict with a romantic partner, we expected self-compassion to be associated positively with functional (positive problem solving) and negatively with dysfunctional styles (conflict engagement, withdrawal, compliance). Adult individuals ( n = 163) involved in a serious romantic relationship for at least 2 years responded to a questionnaire that assessed self-compassion, personality factors, conflict resolution styles, and relationship satisfaction. High self-compassionate partners reported more functional and less dysfunctional styles when statistically controlling for demographics, neuroticism, and agreeableness. Conflict resolution styles fully mediated the significant path between self-compassion and relationship satisfaction.

scholarly journals The Stress-Buffering Effect of Daily Physical Activity on Negative and Positive Affect

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 405-405
Author(s):  
Sun Ah Lee ◽  
Susanna Joo ◽  
Kayeon Lee ◽  
Hye Won Chai ◽  
Hey Jung Jun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Study ◽  
Stress Buffering ◽  
Daily Experiences

Abstract Previous studies show that physical activity is beneficial for emotional well-being. This study extends prior research by examining whether engagement in physical activity moderates the association between daily stressor severity and daily emotional well-being. We used data from the second wave of the National Study of Daily Experiences, a sub-project of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Respondents (N = 1,851; ages 33 to84) reported their daily experiences across eight consecutive days. Multilevel models explored concurrent and lagged interaction effects between daily stressor severity and physical activity on negative and positive affect and whether these associations differed by age. Physical activity was measured by engagement in vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes. Results showed significant interactions between stressor severity and physical activity on same-day negative and positive affect. Specifically, stressor severity was associated with smaller elevation in daily negative affect on physically active days (b = 0.08, p < 0.001) compared to non-active days (b = 0.11, p < 0.001). Reductions in daily positive affect were greater on physically inactive days (b = -0.11, p < 0.001) compared to active days (b = -0.08, p < 0.001). These associations did not differ by age, but additional findings revealed that stressor severity was associated with greater elevation in negative affect among younger respondents (b = 0.12, p < 0.001) than older adults (b = 0.10, p < 0.001). These results highlight the importance of engagement in physical activity for emotional well-being under stressful situations in daily context.

The Impact of Physical Health, Race, and Financial Status on Relational Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2110588
Author(s):  
Eman Tadros ◽  
Melanie Barbini ◽  
Katherine A. Durante ◽  
Michelle Cappetto
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Evaluation ◽  
Relational Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Family Therapy ◽  
Financial Status ◽  
The Impact

Relationship satisfaction is a subjective and global evaluation of a romantic relationship based on a sense of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment felt by a partner. Prior research demonstrates that relationship satisfaction can help mediate difficult life situations and stress and may contribute to a partner’s well-being and health. However, the literature examining partner-specific sources of relational satisfaction are lacking. Through a medical family therapy lens, this study examined women’s reported physical health’s impact on relational satisfaction. A total of 555 women in romantic relationships completed a survey with questions from the Medical Outcomes Study 20-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Relationship Assessment Scale. A hierarchical linear regression indicated that physical health, race, and financial status were significant predictors of relational satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of physical health’s impacts on relational satisfaction and provide clinical implications and future directions on strengthening couples’ relational satisfaction.

scholarly journals From #RelationshipGoals to #Heartbreak – We use Instagram differently in various romantic relationship statuses

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Fejes-Vékássy ◽  
A. Ujhelyi ◽  
L. Faragó
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Relationship Status ◽  
Relational Factors ◽  
As Relationship ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractNowadays Social Media plays a key role in the formation, maintenance and breaking up of romantic relationships. Instagram, one of the most popular platforms among young adults, was examined by many researchers from the viewpoints of e.g. relationship goals, satisfaction and conflicts. These studies concentrate on the impact of online activities on relationships. With this current research our aim is to widen this perspective: we attempt to investigate how relational factors influence the use of the popular social network site. In Study 1 a qualitative approach was introduced (N = 18), in Study 2 participants (N = 238) reported in an online survey about their Instagram activity in various relationship statuses as well as relationship satisfaction and jealousy. We found that changes in the relationship status can be detected through the modification of Instagram usage. The characteristics of Instagram activity are significantly different at the beginning and at the end of a relationship. Furthermore, using cluster analysis we found that jealousy and relationship satisfaction are core predictors of post frequency, the amount of time spent with browsing and the importance of Instagram. In sum, the patterns of Instagram activity are strongly influenced by romantic relationship status.

scholarly journals Exploring the Association Between Social Media Addiction and Relationship Satisfaction: Psychological Distress as a Mediator

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Begum Satici ◽  
Ahmet Rifat Kayis ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Social Media Addiction ◽  
Relationship Assessment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Social media use has become part of daily life for many people. Earlier research showed that problematic social media use is associated with psychological distress and relationship satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to examine the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between social media addiction (SMA) and romantic relationship satisfaction (RS). Participants comprised 334 undergraduates from four mid-sized universities in Turkey who completed an offline survey. The survey included the Relationship Assessment Scale, the Social Media Disorder Scale, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. According to the results, there were significant correlations between all variables. The results also indicated that depression, anxiety, and stress partially mediated the impact of SMA on RS. Moreover, utilizing the bootstrapping procedure the study found significant associations between SMA and RS via psychological distress. Consequently, reducing social media use may help couples deal with romantic relationship dissatisfaction, thereby mitigating their depression, anxiety, and stress.

scholarly journals Romantic Relationship Quality in the Digital Age: A Study with Young Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Sánchez ◽  
Noelia Muñoz-Fernández ◽  
Rosario Ortega-Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Relationship Length ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Quality Dimensions ◽  
Romantic Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
The Impact

AbstractRecent studies suggest that the online and offline behaviors young people display in romantic relationships are closely related. However, the differential effects of the dimensions of couple quality in the online context have not yet been explored in depth. The aim of this study was to explore online couple quality in young-adult relationships, and its association with romantic relationship satisfaction, also looking at effects of gender, age, and length of the relationship. 431 university students currently in a romantic relationship (68.2% females; mean age = 21.57) participated in this study. They completed different self-report measures to tap the online quality of their romantic relationships (online intimacy, control, jealousy, intrusiveness, cyberdating practices, and communication strategies) and level of satisfaction with those relationships. Results showed that participants more often reported online intimacy (Mmen = 2.49; Mwomen = 2.38) than the negative scales of online quality (mean ranged from .43 to 1.50), and all the online quality scales decreased with age (correlations ranged from –.12 to –.30) and relationship length (correlations ranged from –.02 to –.20). Linear regression analyses indicated that online intimacy (b = .32, p = .001) and intrusiveness (b = .11, p = .035) were positively related to relationship satisfaction, while cyberdating practices (b = –.20, p = .001) and communication strategies (b = –.34, p = .001) were negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction. Moreover, gender and relationship length moderated some of these associations. Results indicate that while online quality and relationship satisfaction are related, the impact of different online quality dimensions on relationship satisfaction differs depending on a participant’s sex, age, and relationship length.

scholarly journals Stress-Buffering Effects of Volunteering on Daily Well-Being: Evidence From the National Study of Daily Experiences

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1731-1740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sae Hwang Han ◽  
Kyungmin Kim ◽  
Jeffrey A Burr
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Study ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Stress Buffering ◽  
Buffering Effect ◽  
Daily Experiences ◽  
Buffering Effects

Abstract Objectives Building on theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence linking volunteering and well-being in later life, we investigated the associations between daily engagement in formal volunteering, stressors, and negative and positive affect, focusing on the stress-buffering effect of volunteering. Methods We used 8 days of daily diary data from the second wave of the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE II), a national survey of middle-aged and older adults (participant N = 1,320; participant-day observation N = 8,277). A series of multilevel models were estimated to assess the within-person associations between daily volunteering, stressors, and affect. Results A direct link between daily volunteering and affect was not discovered. However, we found that the association between daily stressors and negative affect (but not positive affect) was weaker on days when volunteering was performed compared to days volunteering was not performed. Discussion Our findings suggested that the stress-buffering effect of volunteering contributes to improved emotional well-being for participants who volunteered on a daily basis. Future studies should investigate whether such stress-buffering effects are present for other forms of helping behaviors.

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