Dual‐earner couples' sharing of work‐related experiences: Effects on relational and personal well‐being

Abstract

AbstractPersonal growth and self‐expressive goals have become increasingly important in modern marriages. In dual‐earner couples, sharing work‐related experiences with the partner can be particularly important in promoting mutual support for each other's personal growth. The current study examined dual‐earner couples' sharing of work‐related experiences and how it influenced both partners' relationship satisfaction and personal well‐being. A total of 102 heterosexual dual‐earner couples were recruited from communities in Hong Kong. They completed a pretest survey, a 14‐day daily diary study, and a follow‐up survey 1 year later. The Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model was adopted to analyze the dyadic effects of sharing positive and negative work‐related experiences on relationship satisfaction and personal well‐being on the same day and 1 year later. In general, the sharing of both positive and negative work‐related experiences had beneficial effects on the outcomes. Specifically, wives' sharing had more immediate effects on both partners' relational and personal well‐being, whereas husbands' sharing had more long‐term effects on the partner's personal well‐being. The findings highlight the importance of work‐related sharing in dual‐earner couples. Practical implications are discussed.