Partner support and goal outcomes: a multilevel meta-analysis and a methodological critique
Partner support and goal outcomes: a multilevel meta-analysis and a methodological critique
In the meta-analysis, we combined evidence across studies from different theoretical perspectives addressing the association between partner support (responsive, practical and negative support) and goal outcomes (self-efficacy, commitment and progress). The sample included 195 effect sizes from 36 samples with 10,130 participants in romantic relationships. The results were analysed using a random-effects multilevel model and the overall effect size was r =.25. This effect size is comparable to strong individual predictors of goal outcomes (e.g. high intention to achieve a goal) highlighting the importance of close relationships in goal pursuit. In line with the theory of thriving through relationships, the findings suggested that both responsiveness (r =.27) and practical (r =.22) support are helpful for goal outcomes whereas negative (r = −.14) support can hinder goal pursuit. Existing studies have strong methods but lack validated measures. Results have implications for areas including changing health behaviours and improving occupational, educational and therapy outcomes.
attachment theory, close relationships, goals, interdependence theory, partner support
679-694
Vowels, Laura M.
c30dc6eb-4a98-4534-b784-499c2d291c5f
Carnelley, Katherine B.
02a55020-a0bc-480e-a0ff-c8fe56ee9c36
June 2022
Vowels, Laura M.
c30dc6eb-4a98-4534-b784-499c2d291c5f
Carnelley, Katherine B.
02a55020-a0bc-480e-a0ff-c8fe56ee9c36
Vowels, Laura M. and Carnelley, Katherine B.
(2022)
Partner support and goal outcomes: a multilevel meta-analysis and a methodological critique.
European Journal of Social Psychology, 52 (4), .
(doi:10.1002/ejsp.2846).
Abstract
In the meta-analysis, we combined evidence across studies from different theoretical perspectives addressing the association between partner support (responsive, practical and negative support) and goal outcomes (self-efficacy, commitment and progress). The sample included 195 effect sizes from 36 samples with 10,130 participants in romantic relationships. The results were analysed using a random-effects multilevel model and the overall effect size was r =.25. This effect size is comparable to strong individual predictors of goal outcomes (e.g. high intention to achieve a goal) highlighting the importance of close relationships in goal pursuit. In line with the theory of thriving through relationships, the findings suggested that both responsiveness (r =.27) and practical (r =.22) support are helpful for goal outcomes whereas negative (r = −.14) support can hinder goal pursuit. Existing studies have strong methods but lack validated measures. Results have implications for areas including changing health behaviours and improving occupational, educational and therapy outcomes.
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220102meta_analysis_accepted
- Accepted Manuscript
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Accepted/In Press date: 9 February 2022
e-pub ahead of print date: 17 February 2022
Published date: June 2022
Additional Information:
Funding Information:
This research was supported by the first author's Jubilee Scholarship, University of Southampton. We thank the research assistants, Eloise Kitchener, Bethany Hemsley and Helena Bjerglys for their assistance with determining the eligibility of the included studies.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors. European Journal of Social Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Keywords:
attachment theory, close relationships, goals, interdependence theory, partner support
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 455001
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/455001
ISSN: 0046-2772
PURE UUID: b3a95537-8052-4afd-86d5-c45b54a753dc
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Date deposited: 03 Mar 2022 17:41
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 07:08
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Author:
Laura M. Vowels
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