Unique Effects of Depressive Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction on Exposure and Reactivity to Daily Romantic Relationship Stress

Abstract

We evaluated the unique effects of depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction on dating college students' exposure and reactivity to daily romantic relationship (RR) events. Students completed initial measures of depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction, followed by Internet-based measures of state affect, state relationship satisfaction, and daily life events for 10 consecutive nights. Individuals who were initially higher in depressive symptoms experienced greater decreases in positive affect (PA) and relationship satisfaction in response to RR stressors than individuals who were initially lower in depressive symptoms. Initial relationship satisfaction was associated with fewer RR stressors and more RR positive events. Individuals who were initially more satisfied with their relationship experienced greater decreases in PA in response to RR stressors, and weaker increases in their relationship satisfaction in response to RR positive events, compared to initially less satisfied individuals. These findings highlight the value of a daily process methodology to study the daily lives of individuals in romantic relationships.