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Together is Better: Higher Committed Relationships Increase Life Satisfaction and Reduce Loneliness

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Listed:
  • Alica Bucher

    (Heidelberg University)

  • Andreas B. Neubauer

    (German Institute for International Educational Research (DIPF))

  • Andreas Voss

    (Heidelberg University)

  • Carolin Oetzbach

    (Heidelberg University)

Abstract

Recently, the term mingle was introduced for persons with an intimate relationship who do not define themselves as romantic partners. This study examines differences between single, mingle and partnered adults in terms of life satisfaction and loneliness. Furthermore, need fulfillment is investigated as a mediator concerning the link between relationship status with life satisfaction and emotional loneliness. Lastly, a longitudinal analysis examined whether increases in commitment lead to higher well-being. A total of 764 participants completed an online questionnaire. Mingles fell in between singles and partnered adults regarding emotional loneliness and life satisfaction. With regard to female participants, relatedness and competence need fulfillment fully mediated the link between relationship status and life satisfaction whereas the association between relationship status and emotional loneliness was specifically mediated by the relatedness and autonomy component. Finally, shifting into more committed forms of relationship increased well-being regarding the longitudinal analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Alica Bucher & Andreas B. Neubauer & Andreas Voss & Carolin Oetzbach, 2019. "Together is Better: Higher Committed Relationships Increase Life Satisfaction and Reduce Loneliness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(8), pages 2445-2469, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:8:d:10.1007_s10902-018-0057-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-0057-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andreas B. Neubauer & Oliver K. Schilling & Hans-Werner Wahl, 2017. "What Do We Need at the End of Life? Competence, but not Autonomy, Predicts Intraindividual Fluctuations in Subjective Well-Being in Very Old Age," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(3), pages 425-435.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hui-Chuan Hsu, 2020. "Typologies of Loneliness, Isolation and Living Alone Are Associated with Psychological Well-Being among Older Adults in Taipei: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Amelia Rahayu & Tia Rahmania, 2022. "Loneliness During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Its Effect On The Trend Towards Smartphone Addiction In Early Adulthood Who Works From Home," Social Values & Society (SVS), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 4(1), pages 1-2, January.
    3. Julie A. Blake & Hannah J. Thomas & Anita M. Pelecanos & Jake M. Najman & James G. Scott, 2024. "Attachment in Young Adults and Life Satisfaction at Age 30: A Birth Cohort Study," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 19(4), pages 1549-1568, August.
    4. Francisco Olivos & Pablo Olivos-Jara & Magdalena Browne, 2021. "Asymmetric Social Comparison and Life Satisfaction in Social Networks," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 363-384, January.
    5. Amelia Rahayu & Tia Rahmania, 2022. "Loneliness During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Its Effect On The Trend Towards Smartphone Addiction In Early Adulthood Who Works From Home," Social Values & Society (SVS), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 4(1), pages 1-2, January.

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