22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Friends and Lovers- How Relationships Affect Subjective Well-Being
Elizabeth A. Necka*, Melinda Gross, Michaela Hoffman, and Kristine Kastenbaum
Dr. Michele Breault, Faculty Mentor
Relationship quality has a heavy influence on an individual's subjective well-being. In this study, we examined the quality of subjects' relationships with their best friends and with their romantic partners. In particular, we were interested in intimacy levels and feelings of companionate love in the two relationships. We hypothesized that high levels of intimacy and companionate love in both relationships would positively correlate with high levels of subjective well-being. We were also curious as to whether individuals with higher quality romantic relationships would have lower quality best friendships. Interesting gender differences also resulted. We administered a survey (n= 154) which contained the McGill Friendship Functions and Respondents Affection scales, the PAIR intimacy inventory, and a Sternberg's commitment scale to determine feelings towards and virtues of the two types of relationships and their relation to subjective well-being scores.
Keywords: Subjective well-being, Friendship, Romantic Relationships, Happiness, Intimacy
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 3-7
Location: PML
Time: 4:15