Optimism in romantic relationship: Predicting relationship satisfaction from optimism in Hong Kong young adult couples

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed at examining the actor, partner and similarity effects of optimism on relationship satisfaction in young adult couples. Additionally, the relationship of love biography with optimism and relationship satisfaction was also investigated. Method: A total of 78 Hong Kong Chinese young adult couples completed a questionnaire that accesses their optimism, relationship satisfaction and love biography. Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to examine the actor and partner effect, while multiple regression analysis with absolute difference scores of optimism as similarity coefficient was used to examine the similarity effect. Results: Optimism and length of relationship were found to be significantly correlated with positive relationship satisfaction. There were also significant and equally strong actor and partner effects of optimism on relationship satisfaction. However, the similarity effect was found to be insignificant. Conclusions: The association between optimism and relationship satisfaction was robust. Within couples, One‘s optimism could greatly affect both partners‘ satisfactions on their relationship. It indicated that optimism plays an important role in relationship functioning. But, having a similar optimism level with relationship partners is not necessarily a key ingredient for a satisfying romantic relationship.