A group of researchers from the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) of the University of Granada (UGR) has carried out research with 169 couples, in collaboration with other Spanish universities, to analyze the effects of the partner's inclusion in the self (IOS) on relational and life quality.
Effects of the inclusion of the partner in "the self" on relational and life quality
Partner relationships are central to people's well-being and the quality of their relationships because they become, to some degree, part of the 'self' of people's own identity. This perception that you and your partner are one has been termed "the inclusion of the partner in the self" (IOS). Research has shown that people often develop a sense of "we-ness" in partner relationships over time. By way of explanation, a couple's identity is formed, which emerges from the blending of individual identities.
Although it has been documented that IOS has benefits at the relational (e.g., less conflict, more constructive responses and greater satisfaction with the relationship) and individual (e.g., greater life satisfaction) levels, the vast majority of studies have only examined the effect of individual IOS on one's own relational or life quality ("actor effect"). The role of individual IOS on the quality of one's relationship and life with one's partner ("partner effect") has hardly been studied.
This study, which uses the actor-partner interdependence model, goes further and not only analyzes the effects of one partner's IOS ("actor effect") on the quality of the relationship and life but also considers the effects of both partners ("actor-partner") and those of the combination of both IOS (similarity).
Higher IOS on the part of the individual and/or the partner was found to increase the indices of relational quality (higher relationship and sexual satisfaction, as well as less conflict). Couples with high similarity in IOS showed higher relational and life quality (i.e., higher life satisfaction and lower stress). Thus, the results support the idea that IOS and its balance between partners in the relationship are relevant in predicting well-being and relationship stability in Spanish couples.
Reference:
Alonso-Ferres, M., Sáez, G., Garrido-Macías, M., Navarro-Carrillo, G., Serrano-Montilla, C., & Valor-Segura, I. (2024). Inclusion of the partner in the self and its association with relational quality and quality of life: an analysis based on the actor-partner interdependence model. International Journal of Social Psychology, 39(1), 117-141. https://doi.org/10.1177/02134748231221442
Contact of CIMCYC researchers
Ginés Navarro-Carrillo (ginesnc@ugr.es)
Inmaculada Valor-Segura (@email)