The Association Between Emotion Work Balance and Relationship Satisfaction of Couples Seeking Therapy |
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Authors: | Kristen E. Holm Ronald J. Werner-Wilson Alicia S. Cook Peggy S. Berger |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Family Life , Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA;2. Counseling and Family Therapy , St. Louis University , St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
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Abstract: | Emotion work refers to the efforts that are made to enhance emotional well-being and provide emotional support in a relationship. Data were collected from 63 couples who were seeking therapy to determine the relation between emotion work balance and relationship satisfaction. On the basis of comparative scores on emotion work, each dyad was categorized as either: (a) balanced; (b) participant performs more emotion work; or (c) partner performs more emotion work. Results indicate that both men and women are most satisfied with their relationship when levels of emotion work are approximately equal. Thus, clinical interventions that aim to establish balance in emotion work may benefit both partners in a relationship. |
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