Good moments in parents' spousal relationships: A daily relational maintenance perspective

Abstract

This study examined positively experienced spousal moments among couples with young children. The diary data were gathered from 95 women and 55 men in 95 Finnish families over a seven-day period using an open-ended question. Seven kinds of activities were identified in the descriptions of moments: doings, conversations, presence, positivity, physical intimacy, support, and conflict management. Doings related to shared tasks and favors as well as conversations concerning catching up and family issues were more often mentioned by women than by men. Notably, positive spousal moments also often included children who were described as a landscape for the spousal relationship, as participants in family life, and as a shared responsibility. The results are discussed in the context of the relational maintenance literature.

Keywords:

• diary method
• everyday approach
• families with young children
• relationship maintenance
• spousal relationship