Stress Spillover and Crossover in Couple Relationships: Integrating Religious Beliefs and Prayer

Abstract

Burgeoning research investigating the effects of daily stress on romantic relationships has paved the way for identifying a variety of means of buffering the negative effects of stress. This article reviews the literature on stress spillover from outside the relationship (extradyadic) on relationship behaviors for both partners to stress inside the relationship, or intradyadic stress, as well as crossover of stress from one partner to another. Analysis of studies on daily stress spillover and crossover in dyads highlights mediators and moderators that can shape future research. Finally, an area central to the life of many people, religious beliefs and behaviors is considered. A meaning-making process is identified, partner-focused petitionary prayer, that could buffer the spillover of extradyadic stress on intradyadic stress, as well as the crossover to partner stress, ultimately having an impact on relationship outcomes. The potential to develop interventions around existing daily behaviors is explored.