Couples just want to have fun? The association between joint engagement in leisure, mutual liking of leisure activities, and relationship satisfaction trajectories

El Kawas, Ghada

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127185 Copy

Description

Title

Couples just want to have fun? The association between joint engagement in leisure, mutual liking of leisure activities, and relationship satisfaction trajectories

Author(s)

El Kawas, Ghada

Issue Date

2024-11-12

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Ogolsky, Brian G.

Committee Member(s)

Kanter, Jeremy B.

Department of Study

Human Dvlpmt & Family Studies

Discipline

Human Dvlpmt & Family Studies

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• dating relationships
• joint leisure
• relationship satisfaction

Abstract

Joint engagement in leisure activities with a romantic partner has been linked to relationship satisfaction and short-term relationship quality. Furthermore, there is robust evidence highlighting the importance of similarity between partners for romantic relationship outcomes. Past research has mainly focused on similarities in personality traits or attitudes and less on similarities in leisure preferences. This study aimed to examine the association between joint engagement in leisure activities with change in relationship satisfaction across time as well as how mutual liking of leisure activities moderates this association. The data were derived from a large, federally funded study conducted between 1993 and 1995. Multilevel modeling indicated a direct positive association between joint leisure engagement and shorter-term relationship satisfaction. Although there were no significant moderation effects for either shorter- or longer-term relationship satisfaction, perceived mutual liking of leisure activities was positively associated with shorter-term relationship satisfaction. The study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding both the frequency and the context of leisure engagement for romantic partners and provide avenues for future research. 

Graduation Semester

2024-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127185

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Ghada El Kawas

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