External stressors and trajectories of marital quality during the early years of Chinese marriage: Buffering effects of resources at multiple ecological levels

Abstract

Drawing from the stress resistance process within the conservation of resources theory, this study examined how resources at multiple ecological levels—personal (self-esteem), relational (spousal support), and social network (relationships with parents and parents-in-law)—moderate the spillover and crossover effects from external stressors to trajectories of marital quality. We used three-annual-wave, dyadic data from 268 heterosexual Chinese couples who were at the beginning stages of marriage. Consistent with theory, personal, relational, and social network resources all buffered the detrimental effects of external stressors for marital quality. Further, nuanced findings emerged, likely given the social cultural context in contemporary China. Specifically, gender differences emerged in whether a specific resource attenuated the detrimental effects of external stressors (e.g., husbands’ vs. wives’ self-esteem attenuated detrimental effects of external stressors). Moreover, opposite patterns existed for the short-term versus long-term results for husbands’ relational resources. In sum, our findings highlight that when helping couples cope with stressors, it is necessary to (a) include available resources at multiple ecological levels (personal, relational, social network) and (b) consider whether social cultural backgrounds may have influenced the effectiveness of a specific resource.

Heterosexist discrimination and relational sacrifice of same‐sex couples

“…Further, individuals with low levels of internalized homophobia may have also resolved discriminatory events via personal efforts (e.g., using effective strategies such as confronting/ educating people who are homophobic and reminding themselves that there is nothing wrong with being a sexual minority individual; Kaysen et al, 2014). Experiencing and then handling these discriminatory events via their own personal efforts, individuals' challenging events may then be associated with minimal difficulties in couple relationships (Li et al, 2022a). Relational sacrifice may not even be needed between the two partners, possibly explaining why-among individuals with low internalized homophobia-individuals' discriminatory events were not related to higher levels of partners' sacrifice willingness.…”

Analysis of Incoterms and Relational Resources to Improve Competitive Advantage: A Study of Freight Forwarders Company in Indonesia

“…Due to the lengthy development process and significant ambiguity involved, such resources are expensive and difficult for a company's competitors to replicate (Morgan and Hunt, 1999). Study related to relational resources has been widely carried out in various fields and industries (Acharya et al, 2022;Beise-Zee, 2022;Chabowski and Samiee, 2023;Chen and Cooper-Thomas, 2022;Collings and Wright, 2022;Di Milia and Jiang, 2022;Fernandez et al, 2022;Helkkula and Arnould, 2022;Kang and González-Howard, 2022;Kassberg and Dornberger, 2022;Lavender-Stott and Allen, 2023;Lee and Yoo, 2022;Li et al, 2022;Lund and Wang, 2022;Maitlis, 2022;Mugwagwa et al, 2022;Oliver-Blackburn et al, 2022;Ozaslan et al, 2022;Parente et al, 2022;Schweikl and Obermaier, 2022;Seepana et al, 2022;Trygg and Wenander, 2022;Wu et al, 2022). However, the results of studies related to Freight forwarders are still few (Balci et al, 2019;Birkel et al, 2020;Carbone and Stone, 2005;Ferrer et al, 2010;Houé and Murphy, 2018;Shou et al, 2017;Wong and Karia, 2010).…”

Reciprocal associations between commitment, forgiveness, and different aspects of marital well‐being among Chinese newlywed couples

“…When their marriage does not meet these intrinsic needs, individuals are more likely to choose to end the relationship to pursue personal happiness rather than maintain a superficial relationship. Young couples' living experiences in contemporary China have been complicated by the coexistence of long‐lasting traditions and recent drastic transitions (Li et al, 2022; Zhai, 2017). Thus, the associations between commitment, forgiveness, and marital satisfaction may differ from the associations between commitment, forgiveness, and marital instability.…”