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Shared Activities and Marital Satisfaction: Causal Direction and Self-Expansion versus Boredom

SAGE Publications Inc
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
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Abstract

Fifty-three married couples were randomly assigned to engage in activities for 1.5 hours each week for 10 weeks that were self-defined as (a) exciting or (b) pleasant, or couples were in a (c) no-special-activity control group. Pretest and post-test data were obtained on a standard marital satisfaction measure (adjusted for scores on a social desirability index). A planned linear contrast comparing the two activities groups to the control group was not significant and had a small effect size; thus the theory that any kind of activity enhances marital satisfaction was not supported as an explanation for the well-established association of time together and satisfaction. However, the other planned orthogonal contrast found significantly higher satisfaction for the exciting than the pleasant group, a difference that had a moderate effect size. This finding is consistent with views emphasizing habituation as an obstacle to relationship maintenance - for example, Aron & Aron's (1986) prediction from their self-expansion model that sharing stimulating activities will enhance marital satisfaction.
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... In general, a positive relationship has been observed between joint activities and couple relationship satisfaction (Johnson et al., 2006;Orthner, 1975;Reissman et al., 1993). Previous research has also indicated that various activities, such as playing games together, chatting, sharing hobbies, walking or biking, and cooking or dining together, are significant contributors to couple relationship satisfaction (Ward et al., 2014), in addition to cultural activities such as attending concerts or shows (Harmon, 2016). ...
... Second, our results suggest that social visits involving both partners are a key factor in couple relationship satisfaction. This is in line with previous studies suggesting that joint activities significantly increase couple relationship satisfaction (Flood & Genadek, 2016;Reissman et al., 1993). Joint activities also define and reinforce the couple's identity within a shared universe as well as provide opportunities to improve communication and conflict management skills (Hickman-Evans et al., 2018). ...
Article
This study examined the relationship between couple relationship satisfaction and the transitivity of ties with family and friends within couples, i.e., the tendency of partners to share friends and family. In this case, transitivity was measured by using three indicators: (1) the proportion of shared friends (friendship network overlap); (2) the frequency of contact that each partner has with their own friends and family as well as those of their partner; and (3) whether social visits to friends and family are made with/without the partner (togetherness). The data were obtained from the Measurement and Observation of Social Attitudes in Switzerland survey, which included 1320 partnered individuals residing in Switzerland. The association between the transitivity of ties with family and friends within couples and couple relationship satisfaction was estimated by using structural equation modeling. According to the results, transitivity was consistently informed by the three selected indicators (i.e., friendship network overlap, frequency, and togetherness), while transitivity positively contributed to couple relationship satisfaction. Moreover, transitivity explains a couple’s relationship satisfaction more than the partner’s education level and nationality, or the duration of the couple’s relationship. By emphasizing the role and importance of joint visits by each member of the couple, this study provides unique insights into the ways in which marital satisfaction can vary.
... The strengths of Study 1 include the use of a large sample size and multiple relationship quality metrics. Additionally, our quasiexperimental design comparing individual experiences for couples that traveled together on their most recent vacation to those who did not is similar to experimental self-expansion studies where one group is assigned to do self-expansion while the other is not (e.g., Reissman, Aron, & Bergen, 1993). Study 1 allowed for a wide array of leisure vacation types and self-expanding activities as participants focused on their last leisure vacation with no restrictions. ...
... We found that couples who do more new, interesting, challenging, and exciting things together while on vacation (i.e., self-expanding experiences) report higher romantic passion and physical intimacy after vacations have ended. Self-expanding experiences happen in many ways and situations that do not have to be complex, costly, or complicated when new, interesting, adventurous, romantic, and humorous experiences will do (e.g., Aron et al., 2022;Graham, 2008;Reissman et al., 1993). The tourism industry can capitalize on our research by providing and promoting an array of self-expanding activities for different market segments. ...
Article
Despite limited empirical support, vacations are marketed as beneficial for romantic partners. Using the self-expansion model as a foundation, we tested how self-expanding (e.g., novel, interesting, challenging) vacation experiences are associated with passion, physical intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Study 1 (n = 238 partners) found that higher individual self-expanding experiences on vacations predicted higher post-vacation romantic passion and relationship satisfaction for couples traveling with their partners, but not those that did not travel together. Study 2 examined 102 romantic dyads that traveled together and found that higher self-expanding experiences on vacations predicted more post-vacation physical intimacy. Our findings advance self-expansion research and provide evidence for the tourism industry to design and promote self-expanding vacation experiences for couples seeking improved relationships and meaningful vacations.
... This suggests that on days when couples engaged in these activities more than they typically did, they experienced an increase in relationship satisfaction, which could reflect a heightened sense of engagement or emotional connection with one another on these days. These results align with previous research and the selfexpansion model, which emphasizes the role of exciting and engaging activities on promoting relationship satisfaction (Aron et al., 2000;Cortes et al., 2020;Girme et al., 2014;Harasymchuck et al., 2020;Harasymchuk et al., 2022;Muise et al., 2019;Reissman et al., 1993). COUPLES' ACTIVITIES AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION Lastly, this study considered the effects of baseline levels and changes in couples' activities on change in relationship satisfaction over time. ...
Preprint
Shared leisure activities play a crucial role in close relationships, with prior research linking exciting joint activities with higher relationship satisfaction. While most studies have focused on comparing different couples, rather than examining variations within couples, this study expands on previous findings by exploring both between- and within-couple associations of shared activities with relationship satisfaction, as well as their short- and long-term effects. This research draws on data from 1,039 heterosexual couples, who completed four sets of daily diaries over a 20-month period (> 62,000 observations total). Results suggest that joint activities (without others present), shared daily life experiences, and frequent sexual contact were associated with higher relationship satisfaction at both between- and within-couple levels. Additionally, daily conversations and shared activities with others were linked to short-term increases in relationship satisfaction within couples but were not associated with higher overall satisfaction between couples. Over time, those couples who managed to maintain high levels of joint activities, sexuality, and conversations experienced weaker declines in relationship satisfaction. Understanding these dynamics can provide deeper insights into how shared experiences influence romantic relationships and inform strategies to enhance relationship satisfaction.
... Why would individuals differ in their energy allocation to specific social relationships? Research has long demonstrated that people spend more time with those whom they like [40] and to whom they are more committed [41,42]. In other cases, people may spend more time with others simply because they are (physically) nearby. ...
Article
Full-text available
Past studies have investigated the variability in how people engage with their personal networks, yet less is known about how people perceive their energy allocation to different ties. Drawing on an online survey sample (N = 906), we tested whether subjective perceptions of energy allocation conform to so-called Dunbar’s Number(s). In addition, we evaluated the predictive roles of Big Five personality traits and self-esteem while controlling for differences in network structure. Results revealed significant heterogeneity in perceived energy allocation to different layers of personal networks (i.e., inner 5 vs. middle 15 vs. outer 150 relationships). In contrast to expectations, extraversion was not associated with perceived energy allocation, whereas self-esteem was associated with greater energy allocation to the middle (vs. inner) network layer. Our findings add to our knowledge of how people perceive relationship maintenance across their personal networks, along with the links to key psychological traits. More broadly, the findings suggest that more attention should be paid to psychological implications of the middle layer of personal networks. To conclude, we discuss the importance of studying individual differences in how people prioritize – and reflect on – different relationships in their networks.
... In related homework-style studies, couples assigned to engage in novel and exciting (versus mundane but pleasant) activities report greater relationship quality; for a review, see Aron et al. (2022). For example, Reissman et al. (1993) assigned couples to participate in 1.5 h of exciting activities per week or 1.5 h per week of pleasant activities, or couples were assigned to a no-activity control condition for ten weeks. Participants assigned to the novel condition reported greater relationship quality than the other two conditions at the end of the study. ...
Article
Full-text available
According to self-expansion theory, sharing novel experiences with a romantic partner can help prevent boredom and maintain relationship quality. However, in today’s globalized modern world, partners spend less time together and are more likely to live apart than in previous generations, limiting opportunities for shared novel experiences. In two in-lab experiments, we tested whether shared novel activities in virtual reality (VR) could facilitate self-expansion, reduce boredom, and enhance relationship quality. In Study 1, couples (N = 183) engaged in a shared novel and exciting activity in either VR or over video. Participants in the VR condition reported greater presence (i.e., felt like they were in the same space as their partner) and were less bored during the interaction compared to the video condition, though no main effects emerged for reports of self-expansion or relationship quality (relationship satisfaction and closeness). Consistent with predictions, people who reported more presence, in turn, reported greater self-expansion, less boredom, and greater relationship quality. In Study 2, couples (N = 141) engaged in a novel and exciting or a mundane experience in VR. Results were mixed such that participants in the novel VR condition reported less boredom and greater closeness post-interaction, though no effects emerged for self-expansion or relationship satisfaction. In exploratory analyses accounting for immersion, couples who engaged in the novel virtual experience reported more self-expansion, less boredom, and greater closeness. The findings suggest that virtual interactions may have less potential than in-person interaction to promote self-expansion but offer interesting future directions given VR’s ability to enhance presence beyond video interactions.
... In related homework-style studies, couples assigned to engage 66 in novel and exciting (versus mundane but pleasant) activities report greater relationship 67 quality [10]. For example, Reissman and colleagues [16] assigned couples to participate in 68 1.5 hours of exciting activities per week or 1.5 hours per week of pleasant activities, or 69 couples were assigned to a no-activity control condition for ten weeks. Participants as-70 signed to the novel condition reported greater relationship quality than the other two con-71 ditions at the end of the study. ...
Preprint
Full-text available
According to self-expansion theory, sharing novel experiences with a romantic partner 11 helps couples maintain relationship quality. However, partners spend less time together and are 12 more likely to live apart today than in previous generations, limiting opportunities for shared novel 13 experiences. In two in-lab experiments, we test whether shared novel activities in virtual reality 14 (VR), when couples are not physically in the same space, can facilitate self-expansion and, in turn, 15 reduce boredom and enhance relationship quality among couples. In Study 1, couples (N = 183) who 16 engaged in a shared novel and exciting activity using VR (i.e., a virtual hot air balloon ride through 17 a Kenyan safari) compared to those who viewed the same experience during a video chat, reported 18 more presence (i.e., felt like they were in the same space as their partner) and in turn, found the 19 interaction more self-expanding (i.e., novel, broadening) and less boring, and reported greater close-20 ness and relationship satisfaction, suggesting the potential of VR to simulate shared activities. In 21 Study 2, after accounting for how immersed participants were in the virtual environment, couples 22 (N = 141) in the novel and exciting condition (i.e., a virtual gondola ride through the Swiss Alps) 23 reported more self-expansion and, in turn, less boredom and higher relationship satisfaction follow-24 ing the experience, compared to those in the mundane condition (i.e., sitting on a virtual porch). The 25 findings provide some initial evidence that couples can experience "virtual" self-expansion, which 26 might create novel opportunities for connection. 27
... Additional research related to the mental health implications of companion animal-related self-expansion is needed, as well as how the level of self-expansion may change over time. Research indicates that levels of self-expansion in human-human relationships are higher at the beginning of relationships but often decrease over time without continued engagement in new and exciting activities, and research is needed in the humancompanion animal relationship field to explore whether this is true for human-companion animal relationships as well (Aron and Aron, 1986;Reissman et al., 1993). Additionally, more research is needed related to the nature of self-expansion among different types of companion animals. ...
Article
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Although many people experience a close and complex relationship with their companion animals, our understanding and measurement of this relationship has lagged far behind that of human-human relationships. Important advances in human-human relationship concepts and measurement have yet to be applied in the context of human-companion animal relationships, including the critically relevant concept of self-expansion (i.e. the process through which positive content is added to the self). The aim of this research was to develop and validate a new full and short-form measure of self-expansion within the human-companion animal relationship, the Companion Animals Self-Expansion Scale (CASES). The sample included in the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) phase consisted of 366 adult English-speaking companion animal owners, while the sample included in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) phase consisted of 368 adult English-speaking companion animal owners. All participants completed demographic questions and the CASES. Analyses revealed the full version of the CASES to be 15 items, six of which were retained for the short form of the scale based on their consistently high-factor loadings and theoretically relevant content. The CASES, as well as its short form, the CASES-SF, are both reliable and valid in measuring self-expansion within the human-companion animal relationship.
... These findings, as well as the findings regarding the negative association between relationship duration and self-expansion, imply that human-pet relationships require maintenance, just as human-human relationships do. For example, in human-human relationships, engaging in novel and exciting activities can be a common relationship maintenance strategy and an opportunity for increasing the experience of self-expansion [44][45][46]. Within human-pet relationships, pet owners may need to seek ways to inject self-expansion into their daily lives, especially as their pets age or as the relationship duration increases. Opportunities for self-expansion can include simple activities such as walking one's dog to a new place or playing with a new toy with one's cat. ...
Article
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Simple Summary The present research explored the links between human–pet relationship duration, pet life stage, and four markers of relationship quality: pet-related self-expansion, perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond, for dog and cat owners. Human–pet relationship duration negatively predicted self-expansion for dog and cat owners, and self-expansion was also higher for owners of younger pets compared to owners of older pets. Perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond were not associated with relationship duration or pet life stage. The findings of the present research indicate that human–pet relationship duration and pet life stage have implications for how much people feel a pet helps them grow. Abstract Although many companion animal (or “pet”) owners report that their relationships with their pets are important, we know little about how animal ownership duration and animal life stage are related to relationship quality. In a sample of 1303 dog and cat owners, the present research explored the associations between relationship duration, pet life stage (puppy/kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior), and four markers of relationship quality: pet-related self-expansion, perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond. We found that relationship duration was negatively and linearly associated with self-expansion for both dog and cat owners. Results comparing relationship quality markers across pet life stages revealed that for both dog and cat owners, self-expansion was higher for owners of younger animals compared to owners of older animals. There were no significant effects for perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, or human–animal bond based on relationship duration or animal life stage. These findings indicate that the duration of the relationship with one’s pet and animal life stage have implications for how much people feel a pet helps them grow, whereas other markers of human–pet relationship quality likely vary based on other experiences.
... One way of achieving ongoing self-expansion as the relationship progresses is through participating in shared novel and exciting activities with one's partner (Aron et al., 2013). Participating in activities with a partner that are perceived as novel and exciting is associated with increased relational self-expansion (Harasymchuk et al., 2020(Harasymchuk et al., , 2021 and enhanced relationship quality and romantic attrac tion (Aron et al., 2000;Coulter & Malouff, 2013;Graham, 2008;Lewandowski & Aron, 2004;Muise et al., 2019;Reissman et al., 1993). Generally, research has defined these activities in a variety of ways including arousing and novel (commonly referred to as exciting; Aron et al., 2000, Aron et al., 2013Malouff et al., 2012), and have been examined in both lab settings (Aron et al., 2000) and in the context of couples' daily lives (Harasymchuk et al., 2020). ...
Article
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New and exciting activities with a partner have been linked to a variety of benefits for intimate relationships; however, less is known about what hinders these activities. The goal of the present research was to examine the barriers that people face when planning shared new and exciting (i.e., self-expanding) relationship activities with their intimate partner and whether some people have traits (i.e., destiny and growth beliefs) that promote persistence in the face of these barriers. Across two studies, participants in intimate relationships reflected on barriers associated with participating in self-expanding activities that they planned with their partner in the past and identified the frequency of these barriers in the past six months (Study 1), and then rated the extent to which barriers interfered with their ability to carry out the activities (Study 1 and 2). In Study 2, participants completed measures of destiny and growth beliefs, and identified their level of enjoyment and desire to participate in similar self-expanding activities in the future. In both studies, we found that participants rated finances, limited resources, and obligations as barriers that interfered the most with activities. Our findings suggest that barriers were more likely to interfere with activities for people higher in destiny beliefs (vs. growth beliefs). Growth beliefs were significantly associated with greater enjoyment from self-expanding activities and a greater likelihood of participating in similar activities in the future (vs. destiny beliefs). Our findings have implications for understanding barriers that couples face when engaging in self-expanding activities in their intimate relationships.
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