Time perspective, perceived stress, self-control and relationship satisfaction in heterosexual dating relationships of emerging adults

Abstract

This study investigates possible protective and vulnerability factors in the link between perceived stress and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships of emerging adults. We investigate whether self-control, as a positive self-regulation resource, serves as a buffer mitigating the negative effect of stress on relationships. We posited a pathway model in which we examine whether maladaptive time-perspectives represent vulnerability factors leading to higher perceived stress which is in turn associated with impaired self-control and lower relationship satisfaction. In an on-line survey, we collected data on time perspectives, perceived stress, self-control and relationship satisfaction from 360 emerging adults in heterosexual dating relationships. Perceived stress was associated with impaired self-control and lower relationship satisfaction. Past-negative, but not present-fatalistic perspective, was associated with more perceived stress which mediated the relationship between past-negative perspective and relationship satisfaction. However, adding this vulnerability factor to the model lead to self-control no longer having a significant buffering effect.

Mental Health in Affectionate, Antagonistic, and Ambivalent Relationships During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latent Profile Analysis

“…External stressors and stressors within a relationship affect the quality of a relationship through the communication patterns between partners (Ledermann and Macho, 2009 ; Ledermann et al, 2010 ). Relational self-efficacy could be a protective factor in this process; individuals with higher relational self-efficacy are more prone to resolve conflicts through constructive communication in situations of perceived high levels of stress (Huić et al, 2016 ).…”

Communion Among Community-Recruited Emerging Adults: Testing Descriptive and Inferential Questions

“…We see this work as complementing existing work on ethnic identity and communal attitudes (e.g., Boykin et al, 1997;Cokley, 2005;Dennis et al, 2002;Gebauer et al, 2013;Henderson & Chan, 2005;Lieber et al, 2006;Marín & Marín, 1991). Yet, these findings also serve as a call for more large-scale and longitudinal work collecting addressing ethnic background and communal values to challenge and advance efforts in the field (e.g., Chang, 2015;Huić et al, 2018). Work is needed to purposefully situate noted differences between ethnic groups within sociohistorical contexts to appreciate, respect, and better represent relevant ecological influences in the lives of individuals and groups (Syed, 2021).…”

“…Stress includes the ways people view situations as overwhelming for their psychological resources (Cohen et al, 1983). Stress is tied to poorer relationship satisfaction (Huić et al, 2018) and poorer personal adjustment (Brissette et al, 2002).…”

“…Further, demographic factors, such as gender and ethnicity, may inform who seems to benefit more from incorporating communal values (i.e., Wang et al, 2018). Such differences could be a sign of fit with societal expectations, norms, or heritage (i.e., Boykin et al, 1997; Chang, 2015; Gebauer et al, 2013; Grysman et al, 2016; Huić et al, 2018). This project contributes to the literature on emerging adulthood and narrative identity by considering the possible moderators for how communion can show different benefits within and between emerging adults.…”

Perceived Partner’s Self-Control and Social Support Effects on Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Experiencing Infertility or Miscarriage: Dyadic Analyses

“…In the infertility or miscarriage context, which are unexpected and unplanned stressors, partners usually have difficulty coping and maintaining or regaining control over their own life [ 89 , 90 ]. Future lifestyle choices or choices regarding parentage or childlessness no longer seem to be under their control [ 91 ], which relates to higher perceived stress and lower relationship satisfaction [ 92 ]. There is a great need to feel safe and in control of couples with reproductive challenges [ 93 ].…”