Relationship work among young adult couples: Romantic, social, and physiological considerations

Abstract

We examined romantic, social, and physiological variables associated with partners discussing romantic challenges together and with friends, a process known as relationship work (RW). Actor‐partner interdependence models examining 71 heterosexual, young adult couples and their friends suggested social network approval, friendship quality, and partners' perspective taking were each associated with partners' RW patterns. Skin conductance activity readings revealed males universally experienced greater physiological arousal when discussing romantic problems than females. Unexpectedly, both males and females experienced greater skin conductance activity when discussing romantic challenges with friends than with partners. Males were more likely to discuss romantic challenges with friends when their female partners experienced greater baseline skin conductance activity. Findings inform researchers regarding links between romantic, social, and physiological functioning.

Family Coping Strategies During Finland’s COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Several studies on intimate relationships have tested Huston's social-ecological theory, which has been a useful framework for understanding aspects of romantic relationships, including romantic challenges [14], conflicts between partners [15], and equity dynamics in infant care [16]. In our adaptation of social-ecological theory, we explore if and how these three levels of analysis are evident in the experiences of families' coping strategies; however, instead of applying all the nuances of Huston´s [10] theory, we chose to utilize the three levels of analysis to conceptualize and define these coping strategies in a broader framework.…”