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Related Experiment Video

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Measurement of the Directional Information Flow in fNIRS-Hyperscanning Data using the Partial Wavelet Transform Coherence Method
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Self-expansion and flow in couples' momentary experiences: an experience sampling study.

James M Graham1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9089, USA. Jim.Graham@wwu.edu

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|August 30, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Engaging in exciting activities together boosts relationship quality for couples. This effect, linked to positive emotions, supports the self-expansion model of relationships.

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Published on: March 1, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Relationship Science

Background:

  • The self-expansion model suggests exciting activities enhance relationship satisfaction.
  • Existing research links flow states to positive experiences and engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the self-expansion model in couples' daily experiences.
  • To integrate self-expansion with flow theory.
  • To examine momentary relationship quality predictors.

Main Methods:

  • Experience sampling method over one week.
  • 20 couples provided data on 1,265 unique experiences.
  • Assessed activity activation, affect, and relationship quality.

Main Results:

  • Higher activity activation positively correlated with relationship quality.
  • Positive affect mediated the activation-relationship quality link.
  • Activation predicted later affect only when exceeding individual norms.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support the self-expansion model in real-time relationship dynamics.
  • Self-expansion can be viewed as a component of flow states.
  • Activity-induced arousal is key for momentary relationship enhancement.