Economic strain and support in couple: The mediating role of positive emotions

Abstract

This study examined positive emotions as mediating mechanisms in the association between economic strain and spouses' supportive behaviour. Data were collected from 295 married couples living in Romania. Results from the Actor–Partner Mediator Model indicated that economic strain had a negative indirect effect on spouses' supportive dyadic coping due to its negative association with partners' positive emotions (joy, contentment, and pride). For both partners, positive emotions decreased when they experienced economic strain, which in turn reduced supportive dyadic coping in couples. These findings have theoretical implications in explaining the association of economic strain with partners' positive emotions and behaviours and also clinical implications for practitioners working with couples experiencing economic strain.