The current study investigated how couples regulate emotional intensity during intimate interactions to explore possible mechanisms underlying the observed negative relationship between intimate interactions and depression. Couple dyads were recruited from online forums and social media platforms through adverts targeting individuals who were currently in romantic relationships. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires measuring their self-reported levels of depressive symptoms and intimate interaction frequency. They then engaged in a video chat while discussing topics pertaining to their relationship and shared screenshots of intimate moments recorded using smartphone cameras. The recordings were coded for emotional intensity based on the number of smiles, laughs, tears, frowns, and other facial expressions displayed. Speech analysis was conducted to assess the amount of emotionally intense language used during the conversation.
Results showed that couples who reported higher levels of depressive symptoms exhibited lower rates of emotional expression during intimate interactions.
Couples whose members had higher levels of depressive symptoms displayed less verbal communication during these interactions, suggesting a potential mediating effect of emotional avoidance. These findings are consistent with previous research linking depression to reduced emotional expression and may have implications for interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes by addressing communication patterns in close relationships.
Discussion:
This study has important implications for understanding the complex relationship between intimacy, depression, and emotional regulation. By investigating how couples interact with one another, we can gain insight into the ways in which they communicate and regulate their emotions. This information could be useful in designing interventions that promote positive communication patterns and help prevent or alleviate depression in individuals who struggle with it. Future research should explore possible differences in emotional regulation across different types of relationships (e.g., romantic, parent-child) and the role of individual characteristics such as attachment style and personality traits in regulating emotions during intimate interactions.
How do couples co-regulate emotional intensity during intimate interactions?
During intimate interactions, emotions are likely to be shared between partners. Co-regulation refers to the process by which one partner regulates their own physiology, cognition, or affect in response to another partner's cues. It involves a combination of reciprocal feedback loops, mutual influence, and joint attention between two individuals. Emotional co-regulation allows for greater understanding of each other's feelings and can help create more satisfying relationships.