Sense of purpose as a protective factor against negative spousal interaction

Negative spousal interaction (e.g., criticism, arguments) can undermine psychosocial and relational well-being. The present research examined whether sense of purpose buffers these effects using two national longitudinal datasets (MIDUS and HRS). In MIDUS, associations between negative spousal interaction and same-wave life satisfaction, depression, relationship satisfaction, and marital strain were weaker among people reporting higher (versus lower) sense of purpose. Using HRS data, we disaggregated between- and within-person effects and found that sense of purpose similarly attenuated two between-person associations (linking average negative spousal interaction with depression and anxiety) and one within-person association (linking wave-to-wave fluctuations in negative spousal interaction with depression). Unexpectedly, between-person and within-person links between negative spousal interaction and relational well-being (enjoyment and closeness) were also moderated by purpose but in the opposite direction. This pattern of results appeared to be driven by purpose enhancing relational well-being among people who report low strain and during low-strain waves. Together, these findings indicate that sense of purpose may protect individuals from corrosive effects of negative partner interaction and enhance relationships during harmonious periods.