Relationship quality profiles and well-being among married adults

The marital relationship rarely exists in isolation and yet few studies have examined the multiple relationships experienced by most married people. This study used the Convoy Model of Social Relations to examine patterns of multiple relationships and well-being among men and women ages 22 to 79 years (N = 654). Cluster analyses identified profiles of relationship quality among people with spouse, family (children, mother, father), and a best friend (N = 451) and those married with family but no best friend (N = 202). Relationship profiles differed in quality and by gender, race, and age. Among people with best friends, having at least 2 high quality relations, not necessarily with a spouse, is associated with greater well-being. In contrast, among people without best friends, the spousal relation appears to be particularly important for well-being. Although family relationships (e.g., spouse) are important for well-being, interventions should consider the composition and quality of social networks to determine which relationships may need improvement.