Research has shown that couples who feel more committed to each other are more likely to invest in their relationship and be more satisfied. However, people differ in how they invest in their romantic relationships. An interesting study published in Personal Relationships sought to identify the tactics people use to maintain their relationships and identify the methods, behaviors, and practices they use to improve their romantic relationships. Read also: 8 things to consider when you are planning to get married
Read more about the study
To capture these relationship investment tactics, the researchers developed a special assessment tool called the Relationship Investment Tactics Scale. To create this tool, they asked 110 people, recruited from among their colleagues, friends and relatives, to list ways that people can improve their romantic relationships.
The researchers then used these responses to create an initial version of the scale that they administered to study participants. Participants also completed the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale to report relationship satisfaction.
The researchers found 46 different ways to invest in your romantic relationship, and grouped them into six categories called relationship investment tactics:
◉ Emotional care and gestures (eg “I usually use affectionate nicknames for my partner”).
◉ Material gestures and affection (eg “I usually buy gifts for my partner”).
◉ Giving each other space (eg “I usually let my partner go out with friends without me joining in”).
◉ Investments in appearance and sex (for example, “I try to diversify my sexual activity with my partner”).
◉ Shared activities (eg “As a couple we usually go on trips and vacations together”).
◉ Care and support of third parties (eg “I usually help my partner’s family and friends”).
More details
Emotional gestures, cooperative activities, and third-party tactics were most strongly associated with relationship satisfaction. Additional statistical analysis revealed that emotional gestures had the strongest association with satisfaction. Joint activities, third-party care, and tangible gestures also made independent contributions to relationship satisfaction.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
