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From 'I' to 'We'? A Test of the Effect of I-sharing on We-ness in Couples
Fuchs, Natalie Anne
Fuchs, Natalie Anne
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Abstract
Healthy romantic relationships are important for overall health and well-being. Current literature suggests We-ness, or the extent to which couples view themselves as a ‘we’ unit, characterizes healthy relationships. Previous studies provide evidence that We-ness predicts relationship satisfaction, health, as well as psychological and physical well-being. To my knowledge, We-ness-oriented couples therapy (SCCT) remains the only evidence-based intervention that promotes We-ness in couples. The current study asks whether I-sharing, or overlap with regard to one’s subjective experience of reality, might also promote We-ness in couples. Research demonstrates that I-sharing predicts relationship satisfaction and promotes liking, warmth, selflessness, helping behaviors, and compromise. Here, I suggest that I-sharing may promote We-ness. I also examine whether increases in relationship-specific existential isolation mediates this effect, and whether the increases in We-ness hypothesized to result from I-sharing translates into improved relationship satisfaction. To test these hypotheses, I manipulate I-sharing and Me-sharing among adults in cohabitating romantic partnerships and measure their We-ness levels post-manipulation, as well as relationship-specific existential connection, perception of objective/subjective similarity, and relationship satisfaction. Results indicate that I-sharing increased post-manipulation We-ness via an indirect effect on relationship-specific existential isolation and this increase in We-ness, in turn, increased relationship satisfaction. The results of this study provide insight into another method that relationship counselors or struggling couples can use to help promote We-ness, and ultimately, relationship satisfaction.
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2024-01-01