Joint relational savoring: Correlates and protective effects among individuals in romantic relationships

Savoring is a process that involves focusing attention on sources of pleasure that one experiences. Prior research has primarily investigated savoring as an individual cognitive-behavioral process. The current study adds to our understanding of savoring by testing the measurement and distinct benefits of savoring as a mutual process with one’s romantic partner. Among a nationwide sample of 589 individuals, results from confirmatory factor analyses suggest the superiority of a one-factor model of a joint relational savoring scale that subsequently demonstrated strong validity and reliability. Multiple regression models reveal that higher levels of joint relational savoring were positively associated with indicators of relationship well-being and quality of life while controlling for multiple individual and demographic factors. Some evidence was also found for the protective effects of joint relational savoring from perceived stress for a subset of relationship and individual outcomes. Study findings contribute toward relationship maintenance scholarship and practitioners working with couples.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Dvlpmt & Family Studies

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Larsen, Noah B

Contributors dc:contributor

• Barton, Allen W
• Ogolsky, Brian

• Savoring
• Couples
• Relationship Maintenance
• Relationship Quality
• Perceived Stress
• Moderation
• Satisfaction
• Well-being

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Noah Larsen

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125508

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125508