Leisure in romantic relationships: An avenue for differentiation of self

Abstract

Bowen Family Systems Theory predicts that the ability to balance emotional intimacy with one’s partner with one's own sense of autonomy, called differentiation of self, results in stronger relationships. We tested whether this balance manifests in how individuals manage their time spent with and without their partner. Analyses utilized differentiation of self, leisure time balance with and without one's partner, and couple leisure satisfaction to predict dyadic adjustment. Although leisure time balance did not mediate the relationship between differentiation of self and relationship functioning, couple leisure satisfaction was found to partially mediate this relationship. The moderating effect of differentiation was also examined, which demonstrated that differentiation of self buffered the relationship between low couple leisure time satisfaction and relationship adjustment.

How is companionship related to romantic partners' affect, relationship satisfaction, and health behavior? Using a longitudinal dyadic score model to understand daily and couple‐level effects of a dyadic predictor

“…Therefore, studies on shared leisure time often add the additional construct of “leisure satisfaction” to touch on this element of companionship (i.e. Hickman‐Evans et al, 2018; Johnson et al, 2006; Stapley & Murdock, 2020). In shared leisure time, many social interactions can occur, including social support or companionship, but also mere co‐existence or mild discord.…”