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Relational events are more consequential when accompanied by emotional similarity
Noa Levavi-Francy1, Gal Lazarus1, Eshkol Rafaeli1,2
1Psychology Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Cognition & Emotion
|November 16, 2019
Summary
Emotional Similarity (ES) amplifies relationship events. High ES makes conflict more negative and sex more positive for couples, highlighting its role in relationship dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Shared experiences, like emotional similarity (ES), are crucial for close relationships.
- The context-dependent role of ES in romantic relationships remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the day-level, context-dependent effects of emotional similarity between romantic partners.
- To test the hypothesis that relational events are more consequential on days with high ES.
Main Methods:
- Utilized daily diary methodology with two samples of committed couples (N=44, N=80).
- Collected data over 3-5 weeks, assessing daily moods, relationship quality, conflict, and sexual activity.
- Operationalized ES as the profile similarity of partners' moods each day.
Main Results:
- Emotional similarity moderated the impact of relational events.
- Conflict had stronger negative effects on relationship quality on high ES days.
- Sexual activity had stronger positive effects on relationship quality on high ES days.
Conclusions:
- ES acts as an amplifier for significant relational events.
- Momentary assessment of ES is important for understanding relationship dynamics.
- Findings underscore the significance of shared emotional experiences in romantic relationships.
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