Couples' extrinsic emotion regulation and dyadic adjustment: an actor-partner interdependence model analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Couples' extrinsic emotion regulation (EER) strategies are linked to marital quality and dyadic adjustment.
• Previous research has not differentiated EER consequences based on positive versus negative motivational intent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether extrinsic emotion regulation (EER) predicts an individual's and their partner's dyadic adjustment.
• To examine if gender and relationship length moderate the effects of EER on dyadic adjustment.
• To explore the impact of positive versus negative EER motivations on relationship functioning.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) for dyadic data analysis.
• Analyzed self-report data on dyadic adjustment and EER from 103 Chilean couples.
• Participants' ages ranged from 22 to 78 years, with relationship lengths from 1 to 50 years.

Main Results:

• Positive EER motivation (intending to make a partner feel good) predicted higher dyadic adjustment for both the actor and partner.
• Negative EER motivation (intending to make a partner feel bad) predicted lower dyadic adjustment for both the actor and partner.
• No significant differences were found based on gender or relationship duration, but the presence of children in common was a factor.

Conclusions:

• The underlying motivation of extrinsic emotion regulation significantly influences marital quality and dyadic adjustment.
• Understanding the intent behind emotional regulation is crucial for healthy couple functioning.
• Further research is needed to explore other forms of EER and their impact on dyadic well-being.