New study identifies six tactics people use to invest in romantic relationships

A new study has identified six groups of tactics that individuals use to invest in their romantic relationships. Those who employed tactics categorized as emotional and material gestures reported higher marital satisfaction. These individuals also tended to engage more in shared activities with their partner and their partner’s family and friends. The research was published in Personal Relationship.

Marital and romantic relationships are among the most important interpersonal connections for human well-being. The quality of a romantic relationship can significantly impact a person’s mental health. A poor romantic relationship can serve as a major stressor, even increasing susceptibility to various mental health disorders.

Conversely, a healthy relationship offers protection against the negative consequences of stress. Studies have shown that individuals who are satisfied with their romantic relationships tend to experience better physical health, greater personal well-being, and overall happiness. Those in fulfilling marital relationships are also better equipped to cope with adverse life events and receive more social support compared to unattached individuals.

Study authors Ya’arit Bokek-Cohen and Riki Halamish-Leshem emphasized that romantic relationships require ongoing maintenance. To sustain and enhance a relationship’s quality, partners must invest in it. This involves engaging in various activities and thought processes aimed at nurturing and strengthening the relationship. Research has shown that couples who feel more committed to one another are more likely to invest in their relationships and derive greater satisfaction from them.

However, people differ in how they invest in their romantic relationships. Bokek-Cohen and Halamish-Leshem sought to map the tactics individuals use to maintain their relationships. Specifically, they aimed to identify the techniques, behaviors, and practices people employ to improve their romantic relationships.

The study included 204 participants aged 19 to 77, 80% of whom were women. The average age of participants was 39. Among them, 41% were in non-marital romantic relationships, while 59% were married. Additionally, 5% of participants were in same-sex relationships. The duration of participants’ relationships ranged from 1 to 54 years.

To map these relationship investment tactics, the authors developed a dedicated assessment tool called the Relationship Investment Tactics Scale. To create this tool, they first asked 110 individuals, recruited from their colleagues, friends, and relatives, to list ways in which people can enhance their romantic relationships. The researchers then used these responses to construct the initial version of the scale, which they administered to study participants. Participants also completed the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale to report their relationship satisfaction.

In developing the scale, the researchers identified 46 distinct ways individuals invest in their romantic relationships. These were grouped into six categories, referred to as relationship investment tactics:

1. Emotional care and gestures (e.g., “I usually use affectionate nicknames for my partner”).
2. Material gestures and pampering (e.g., “I usually buy gifts for my partner”).
3. Giving one another space (e.g., “I usually allow my partner to go out with friends without me joining”).
4. Investing in physical appearance and sex (e.g., “I tend to diversify my sexual activity with my partner”).
5. Shared activities (e.g., “As a couple, we usually go on trips and vacations together”).
6. Third-party care and support (e.g., “I usually help my partner’s family and friends”).

The analysis revealed that men employed material gestures more frequently than women. However, there were no gender differences in the use of the other five tactics. Stronger application of each of these tactics was associated with higher relationship satisfaction. This suggests that individuals who actively invest in their relationships tend to experience greater satisfaction compared to those who invest less.

Emotional gestures, shared activities, and third-party tactics were most strongly associated with relationship satisfaction. Additional statistical analyses revealed that emotional gestures had the strongest link to satisfaction. However, shared activities, third-party care, and material gestures also made independent contributions to relationship satisfaction. For instance, individuals who purchased gifts or provided material support, engaged in shared activities, or supported their partner’s family and friends reported greater satisfaction beyond what could be explained by emotional gestures alone.

“It is the hope of the authors that the findings of this pioneering study will pave the way for educators and couple therapists to teach people how to improve their well-being by nurturing their couple relationship. Most relationship investment tactics are low cost or free, as well as quick, easy, and simple to employ, so why not employ them?” the study authors concluded.

The study provides a valuable contribution to the systematization of scientific knowledge on relationship investment. However, it is important to note that the sample consisted predominantly of women, individuals of higher socioeconomic status, and Jewish participants (the study was conducted in Israel). The findings may not generalize to other demographic or cultural groups.

The paper, “Tactics of investment in couple relationship and their impact on relationship satisfaction,” was authored by Ya’arit Bokek-Cohen and Riki Halamish-Leshem.