2010 Student Research Conference:
23rd Annual Student Research Conference

Friends and Lovers -- How Relationships Affect Subjective Well-Being
Melinda K. Gross*, Michaela M. Hoffman, Kristine Kastenbaum, and Elizabeth A. Necka
Dr. Michele Breault, Faculty Mentor

Relationship quality heavily influences an individual's subjective well-being. In this study, we examined the quality of subjects' relationships with their best friends and their romantic partners. We were interested in intimacy levels and feelings of companionate love in the two relationships. We were also curious about whether individuals with higher quality romantic relationships would have lower quality best friendships. Gender differences were also examined. We administered a survey containing the McGill Friendship Functions scale, the PAIR intimacy inventory, and Sternberg's commitment scale to determine feelings towards and virtues of the two types of relationships and their relation to subjective well-being. Our results show that when people are in a romantic relationship, they get more intimacy from their lover than they do from their best friends and that romantic partners fill more qualities of a best friend than a designated best friend does.

Keywords: relationships, friendships, subjective well-being

Topic(s):Psychology

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: 3-3
Location: SUB-GEO
Time: 4:15

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