Work

Are we doing good? Perceived emotion regulation success and relationship quality in couples

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Emotion regulation (ER) plays a central role in shaping relationship quality and stability. However, little is known about how individuals' perceptions of their own ER success (as regulators), their partner's ER success (as targets), and the similarity of these perceptions relate to relationship quality across gender and age groups. Methods: = 70.27). Both partners reported their perceived ER success and relationship quality. Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) was used to examine actor, partner, and similarity effects across gender and age. Results: Higher perceived ER success was associated with greater relationship quality. This association was particularly evident among women and older ones. Among men, similarity between their perceived success as regulators and targets emerged as a unique predictor of their higher relationship quality. Discussion: These findings advance the understanding of gender- and age-specific emotional processes in romantic relationships and suggest that fostering women's emotional self-awareness-especially in later life-and enhancing mutual emotional understanding among men can strengthen relationship quality.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1683846

Authors: Yan Li, Ute Kunzmann, Philipp Kanske, Margund K. Rohr

Institutions: University of Helsinki, Technische Universität Dresden, Leipzig University, Babeș-Bolyai University, Evangelische Hochschule Dresden

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801