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Related Concept Videos

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We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
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The Joint Effect of Social Comparison and Social Distance on Evaluation of Intertemporal Choice Outcomes in Event-related Potential Studies
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The Joint Effect of Social Comparison and Social Distance on Evaluation of Intertemporal Choice Outcomes in Event-related Potential Studies

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Buying (quality) time predicts relationship satisfaction.

Ashley Whillans1, Jessica Pow1, Joe Gladstone2

  • 1Negotiation, Organizations and Markets Unit, Harvard Business School, Harvard University.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|April 21, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Purchasing time-saving services can boost relationship satisfaction. Couples who use these services and spend more quality time together report higher satisfaction, especially when managing stress.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Economics

Background:

  • Modern life presents numerous demands, often straining relationship satisfaction.
  • Time scarcity is a significant factor impacting couples' well-being.
  • The role of external services in mitigating time scarcity is increasingly relevant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between time-saving purchases and relationship satisfaction.
  • To explore the mediating role of quality time and stress management.
  • To identify specific components of quality time that enhance relationship satisfaction.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal panel survey (11 years).
  • Daily diary study (6 weeks).
  • Experimental and preregistered studies.

Main Results:

  • Time-saving purchases predict long-term and daily increases in relationship satisfaction.
  • Benefits are amplified for dual-income couples experiencing high stress.
  • Translating saved time into quality time (positive mood, support) is crucial.

Conclusions:

  • Time-saving purchases can enhance relationship satisfaction by improving stress management and facilitating quality time.
  • The positive impact is particularly pronounced for couples under significant stress.
  • A framework is established linking practical resource management to relational well-being.