The concept of subjective well-being refers to how an individual feels about their overall quality of life and happiness. It encompasses various aspects such as physical health, social relationships, financial stability, career success, personal growth, and emotional fulfillment. Life satisfaction is a related construct that measures how satisfied individuals are with different domains of their lives, including work, leisure, family, friendships, and community involvement. In general, people who experience high levels of subjective well-being and life satisfaction tend to have better physical and mental health outcomes, higher productivity, and more positive interactions with others.
Understanding what factors contribute to these outcomes can be challenging. One important factor that has been studied extensively in recent years is perceived partner support, which refers to the perception of emotional, instrumental, and informational support provided by one's romantic partner. This article will explore how perceived partner support contributes to subjective well-being and life satisfaction across time.
Perceived partner support refers to the belief that one's partner is emotionally available, willing to provide practical assistance, and capable of offering advice or guidance when needed. Research suggests that individuals who feel supported by their partners tend to report higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction compared to those who do not receive this type of support (Hofmann et al., 2016).
A study conducted among married couples found that greater emotional support from partners was associated with lower depressive symptoms over time (Lyubomirsky & Sheldon, 2005). Similarly, another study found that men who reported receiving more emotional support from their wives experienced fewer negative mood states during stressful events (Rhoades et al., 2006). These findings suggest that emotional support may play an essential role in promoting overall psychological well-being.
Instrumental support is another aspect of perceived partner support that involves providing practical assistance such as help with household chores, childcare, or financial management. A study conducted among newlyweds found that women who received more instrumental support were more satisfied with their marriages and less likely to divorce than those who did not receive this type of support (Amato & Previti, 2003). Another study found that participants who felt their partners provided more instrumental support also had higher self-esteem and greater relationship quality (Waite & Lachman, 20008).
These studies suggest that instrumental support can contribute significantly to subjective well-being and life satisfaction.
Informational support refers to the provision of information about new ideas, beliefs, or experiences. Research has shown that individuals who feel supported by their partners through the sharing of information tend to experience higher levels of personal growth and fulfillment. In one study, college students who discussed important topics with their romantic partners reported higher self-esteem and relationship satisfaction compared to those who did not engage in such conversations (Huston et al., 1984).
A longitudinal study found that couples who engaged in regular discussions about shared interests experienced more positive changes over time compared to those who did not have these types of exchanges (Murstein et al., 1975). These findings indicate that informational support may play an essential role in promoting individual development and overall well-being.
Perceived partner support is an important factor contributing to subjective well-being and life satisfaction across time. Emotional, instrumental, and informational support from a partner can promote psychological health and enhance individual development.
It is crucial to note that these effects vary depending on the nature and frequency of the support received. Future research should focus on understanding how different forms of support influence subjective well-being and life satisfaction within specific contexts.
How does perceived partner support contribute to subjective well-being and life satisfaction across time?
The perception of social support from partners has been found to have a significant impact on an individual's overall sense of happiness and fulfillment over time. Research suggests that individuals who feel supported by their romantic partners experience greater levels of contentment and satisfaction with their lives (Lyubomirsky et al. , 2005).