The role of relational mobility in relationship quality and well-being

Abstract

This paper examined the associations among: (1) the perceived freedom to initiate and end interpersonal relationships ( relational mobility), (2) relationship quality, and (3) well-being. Across 38 nations, people in nations with higher relational mobility reported greater well-being, which was explained by higher-quality relationships with close others (Study 1A). This effect was replicated at the individual level, after controlling for extraversion and socio-economic status (Study 1B). Finally, first-year college students with higher relational mobility reported receiving more social support from new friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, which explained those students’ higher well-being during the pandemic (Study 2). Together, this work demonstrates that relational mobility can explain enhanced well-being across nations, individuals, and life circumstances, and indicates potential avenues for interventions that increase the well-being of individuals and societies.

Do People From Different Cultures Vary in How Much Positive Emotions Resonate in Day-to-Day Social Interactions? Examining the Role of Relational Mobility

“…Although we observed differences in perceived positivity resonance (a desired social outcome) across countries, it will be worthwhile to test for sequential mediation via which relational mobility explains cultural differences in adaptive strategies such as emotion expressiveness, which in turn predict downstream desired social outcomes such as positivity resonance. As prior research has suggested that cultural variations in the quality of relationships with strong social ties contribute to differing levels of well-being (B. Park et al, 2022), it is also essential to investigate potential cultural differences in the extent to which the effects of co-experienced kind-hearted positive emotions cascade toward relational, mental, and physical well-being.…”

“…A recent study on relational mobility found that higher relational mobility is associated with greater intimacy with strong social ties (B. Park et al, 2022). We consider positivity resonance, a collective experience indicative of high-quality social interactions and strengthening social bonds, as another desired social outcome of these adaptive strategies.…”

“…As prior research has suggested that cultural variations in the quality of relationships with strong social ties contribute to differing levels of well-being (B. Park et al, 2022), it is also essential to investigate potential cultural differences in the extent to which the effects of co-experienced kind-hearted positive emotions cascade toward relational, mental, and physical well-being.…”

“…Whereas prior work established the link between relational mobility and adaptive strategies in the context of strong and weak ties, few studies have examined whether these adaptive strategies achieve desired social outcomes. A recent study on relational mobility found that higher relational mobility is associated with greater intimacy with strong social ties (B. Park et al, 2022).…”