Adult Playfulness and Relationship Satisfaction: An APIM Analysis of Romantic Couples

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2019Source: Journal of Research in PersonalityAuthor(s): René T. Proyer, Kay Brauer, Annegret Wolf, Garry ChickAbstractPrevious research has shown that adult playfulness contributes to relationship satisfaction (RS). Using 211 heterosexual romantic couples we test the association between four facets of playfulness (Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, and Whimsical; OLIW) and indicators of RS in an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM)-design. The four OLIW components are differentially associated with indicators of RS. Out of the OLIW facets, predominantly Other-directed and Intellectual playfulness were associated with high RS. Couple similarity was unrelated to RS. Overall, the findings support the notion that distinguishing between the facets of playfulness and those of RS is needed for a comprehensive understanding of their association. We discuss the findings with respect to theoretical and practical implications.

Source: Journal of Research in Personality - February 9, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research