Well-being and social relationship styles: Effects of quantity and quality of social relationships

Abstract

We examined the effects of the quantity and quality of relationships on well-being. In Study 1, participants identified and located their close relationships on a sociogram. Results showed that while the number of relationships (number of people identified) was not associated with well-being (life satisfaction, physical health, and positive affect), relational quality (positive emotions derived from the relationships) was. In Study 2, we examined the participants' relationships in general, so as to include a broader range of relationships, and also inquired upon their relational needs (need for expansion vs. need for stability). Results indicated that both quantity and quality of relationships were associated with well-being, with the former having a stronger influence for those who seek to expand their social relationships, and the latter having more influence for those who prefer to maintain their current stable relationships. Those who seek to expand their social relationships had higher levels of general trust, better relationships with more people, and a higher level of life satisfaction. The implications of the effect of social relationships toward well-being were discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)