The interpersonal benefits of goal adjustment capacities: the sample case of coping with poor sleep in couples

This study investigated the role of goal adjustment capacities and coping mechanisms in the relationship between spousal sleep efficiency and relationship satisfaction within romantic couples. Using a longitudinal sample of 113 heterosexual couples, the study found that goal disengagement buffered individuals from decreased relationship satisfaction associated with poor spousal sleep, partly through increased active coping and decreased partner self-blame. Conversely, goal reengagement was linked to lower relationship satisfaction in response to personal sleep problems, partly due to increased behavioral disengagement. These findings suggest that goal adjustment capacities and relationship-specific coping strategies could be targets for interventions aimed at maintaining relationship satisfaction in the face of sleep issues.

Meaghan A. Barlow, Carsten Wrosch, Christiane A. Hoppmann