Abstract
Recently, research has shown that stress experienced outside the relationship is negatively associated with relationship outcomes, such as relationship satisfaction. However, the exact mechanisms through which this phenomenon, also known as stress spillover, effects relationships are not completely clarified. Also, most of the studies utilized married couples, and less is known about stress spillover in dating relationships. The aim of this study was to investigate relations between external stress, relationship efficacy, and relationship satisfaction in dating relationships. A total number of 390 men and women, aged from 18 to 35 participated in the study. Our participants were dating for at least six months, but did not live with their partners. The results showed that experiencing greater levels of external stress was associated with lower relationship satisfaction. Both experienced external sources of stress and perceived distress significantly contributed to explaining relationship satisfaction. The results indicated that relationship efficacy mediateed the relationship between experienced and perceived stress and relationship satisfaction. Higher levels of experienced and perceived stress were associated with lower perception of relationship efficacy, which was related to lower relationship satisfaction. Our findings point to the importance of self-regulation processes for relationships outcomes in dating relationships in emerging adulthood. It seems that lower relationship efficacy partly explains the detrimental effects of external stress spillover on relationships.
Highlights
Nowadays, in their quest to fully understand intimate relationships, relationship researchers are turning to the importance of external context of those relationships
One could expect that perceived relationship efficacy, comprising of beliefs in our abilities to solve relationship problems (Fincham, Harold, & Gano-Phillps, 2000), will have positive effects on relationship outcomes, and a buffering effect on stress in relationships
Based on the previously established importance of cognitive beliefs and self-regulatory processes, as mediators of the negative relationship between external stress and relationship satisfaction, and general buffering effects of self-efficacy against stress, one could posit that perceived relationship efficacy represents an important pathway by which stress spillover exerts its negative effects on relationship satisfaction
Summary
Nowadays, , in their quest to fully understand intimate relationships, relationship researchers are turning to the importance of external context of those relationships. Various studies investigated mediators of the negative relationship between outside stress and relationship satisfaction, clarifying pathways by which this phenomenon occurs They found external stress to be associated with negative mood (Repetti, Wang, & Saxbe, 2009), social withdrawal (Repetti, 1989), more negative perceptions of relationships (Neff & Karney, 2004), more negative communication between partners (Bodenmann, 1997), diminished capacities for regular relationship maintenance and deteriorated self-regulatory skills (Buck & Neff, 2012). It seems that believing in our ability to cope with stressful situations has an important role for stress spillover effects, both on an individual and dyadic level. The response is a result of the primary cognitive appraisal, whereas the assessment of perceived stress, as a result of secondary cognitive appraisal, offers a subjective perspective that encompasses thoughts and feelings associated with those stressful situations
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