Speakers
Description
Background
Emotional linkage between romantic partners fosters intimacy, empathy, and relationship satisfaction. However, previous studies offer mixed evidence, with some highlighting interdependence and others revealing substantial variability across couples.
Methods
To investigate this further, we conducted a 30-day experience sampling study with 77 Italian romantic couples. Participants completed brief questionnaires on their emotional states and partner-related experiences five times per day. We analyzed the data using multilevel modeling and network analysis.
Results
We found overall trends of emotional interdependence, alongside notable heterogeneity between couples. Gender differences emerged in the patterns of emotional connection. Specifically, women’s momentary affect was predicted by both the positive and negative affects of their male partners. In contrast, men’s emotional states were influenced only by their partners’ positive emotions. This suggests that women may be more attuned to a broader range of their partner’s emotional cues, while men might focus on a single dominant emotional tone.
Conclusions
Our findings underscore the complexity of emotional dynamics in romantic relationships, marked by both general patterns and individual differences. The observed gender differences point to the importance of considering gender-specific emotional sensitivities in both research and interventions aimed at enhancing emotional bonds between partners. The intensive longitudinal design and fine-grained analytic approach proved crucial in capturing these subtle and dynamic emotional interdependencies.
