The capitalization process in stable couple relationships: Intrapersonal and interpersonal benefits

Capitalization is the process through which people share good news with a significant other (e.g, a friend, the partner, a family member), which in turn responds in an “active” way in order to maximize the benefits deriving from the event. Previous daily experience studies found associations between capitalization responses and both intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being in young couples, but only one study have examined these longitudinal associations in more mature. The purpose of the study was to extend the knowledge on the capitalization process by analyzing the longitudinal associations between the four types of capitalization responses (active-constructive, passive-constructive, active-destructive, passive-destructive) and interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes in stable couples. One hundred and seventy-three married couples (Mean relationship duration = 18 years) completed two self-report questionnaires (at a four-month interval) containing scales designed to measure the perception of partner’s capitalization responses, relationship satisfaction, and individual well-being. Findings from hierarchical regressions showed that, for both women and men, the partner’s active-constructive responses positively predicted the individual’s relationship satisfaction over time, whereas the active-destructive responses negatively predicted the relationship satisfaction, but only for women. Moreover, for men, active-constructive responses predicted an increase in individual well-being as well. Capitalization responses, in particular the active-constructive style, are associated with changes in individual and relational well-being also in stable couples.