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Generalizability Theory Applied to Daily Relationship Quality: Substantive and Statistical Directions
Madison Shea Smith1, Susan C South2
1Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
Multivariate Behavioral Research
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Understanding daily romantic relationship quality is crucial. This study found relationship satisfaction is relatively stable, but conflict and support vary significantly by person and day, influenced by attachment security.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Daily romantic relationship quality is key to understanding relationship dynamics.
- Previous research often assumes consistency in daily relationship measures.
- Sources of variability in daily relationship quality are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test variance components in daily relationship quality.
- To assess the consistency of daily relationship measurements.
- To examine the impact of attachment security on daily relationship quality variability.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed six daily self-reports of relationship satisfaction and functioning from 101 couples.
- Utilized generalizability theory to examine variance components.
- Investigated individual differences in attachment security as a moderator.
Main Results:
- Significant variance in daily relationship quality exists at person and day levels.
- Variance proportions differed across relationship functioning indices (e.g., conflict, support).
- Attachment security moderated the observed variance patterns.
Conclusions:
- Daily relationship satisfaction demonstrates relative stability when persons are the unit of analysis.
- Findings inform the design and interpretation of diary and ecological momentary assessment studies.
- Understanding variability sources is critical for accurate relationship quality assessment.
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