Effects of similarity of life goals, values, and personality on relationship satisfaction and stability: Findings from a two‐wave panel study

Abstract

Using data from the German Family Panel (pairfam; n = 3,674 heterosexual couples), this study examines the impact of partners' individual levels and dyadic similarity concerning life goals, values, and personality traits on relationship satisfaction and union dissolution. Controlling for partners' individual characteristics and for relationship duration, it was found that similarity on specific dimensions and stereotype-adjusted profile correlations exerted significant yet small positive effects on both partners' relationship satisfaction. These effects largely translated into beneficial indirect effects on union dissolution 1 year later (Wave 2, n = 2,820). Moderator analyses indicated the existence of some effect heterogeneity across relationship duration and types. Generally, partners' respective individual characteristics appeared to predict relationship outcomes better than dyadic similarity measures.

Are “Equals” Happier Than “Less Equals”? A Couple Analysis of Similarity and Well‐being

“…Attitudes regarding gender roles and family life, as well as interpersonal interaction styles, have been found to affect relationship quality (Amato & Booth, 1995;Chi et al, 2013;Faulkner, Davey, & Davey, 2005;Oldenbak & Figueredo, 2009). Emotional support and companionship are well-known sources of marital happiness and are likely to be fostered by shared norms and attitudes (Acitelli, Kenny, & Weiner, 2001;Arránz Becker, 2013;Luo & Klohnen, 2005;Stutzer & Frey, 2006).…”

“…In the literature on couple similarity and well-being a variety of different predictors have been used, ranging from personality characteristics, which have received by far the most research attention (Arránz Becker, 2013;Arrindell & Luteijn, 2000;Dyrenforth, Kashy, Brent, & Lucas, 2010;Gonzaga, Campos, & Bradbury, 2007;Gonzaga, Carter, & Buckwalter, 2010;Shiota & Levinson, 2007); demographic characteristics, such as age and education (Tynes, 1990;Watson et al, 2004); to attitudes, norms, and values (Acitelli, Kenny, & Weiner, 2001;Heaton & Pratt, 1990). Some studies have found similarity between partners to be associated with marital satisfaction (e.g., Wilson & Cousins, 2003), whereas in others little or no such association has been found (Luo, 2009;Luo et al, 2008;Luo & Zhang, 2009;Watson et al, 2004).…”

“…Second, different well-being outcomes have been used. Whereas the main focus has been on marital or relationship satisfaction (see Arránz Becker, 2013, andLuo et al, 2008, for recent overviews), measures of life satisfaction also figure in the literature (e.g., Arrindell & Luteijn, 2000;Stutzer & Frey, 2006). Finally, different methods and analytical strategies have been used, each with their own drawbacks and limitations (cf.…”

“…Finally, different methods and analytical strategies have been used, each with their own drawbacks and limitations (cf. Arránz Becker, 2013;Luo, 2009;Humbad, Donnellan, Iacono, McGue, & Burt, 2013). Moreover, many studies use small and often selective samples.…”

“…Moreover, many studies use small and often selective samples. One serious drawback is that in the majority of studies individual partners, rather than members of a dyad, are investigated, and thus the interdependencies between partners are ignored (e.g., Stutzer & Frey, 2006;Treas, van der Lippe, & Tai, 2011; some notable exceptions are Arránz Becker, 2013 andDyrenforth et al, 2010).…”