Citation

Hudson NW, Lucas RE, Donnellan MB. Person. Soc. Psychol. Bull. 2020; 46(4): 572-589.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0146167219867960

PMID

31409247

Abstract

Previous research suggests both relationship status and relationship quality correlate with well-being. The present study extended these findings in three ways. First, we benchmarked individuals with various-quality relationships against uncoupled people to determine whether even low-quality relationships are associated with greater well-being than being unpartnered. Second, research suggests global well-being (e.g., life satisfaction) and experiential well-being (e.g., momentary affect) oftentimes have different predictors. Thus, we tested whether individuals report greater experiential well-being while with their partners. Finally, we examined whether daily time invested into one's relationship predicted well-being.

RESULTS indicated that being in a romantic relationship, interacting with one's partner, and investing greater time into the relationship all predicted greater well-being. However, these effects were moderated by relationship quality, such that being in even relatively neutral relationships and interacting therein were associated with lower well-being than being unpartnered.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; close relationships; day reconstruction method; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; life satisfaction; Love; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; negative affect; Personal Satisfaction; positive affect; relationship quality; romantic relationships; subjective well-being; Young Adult