Implications of daily world beliefs for relationship satisfaction: The role of positive relationship illusions

The current research examined implications of day-to-day variability in beliefs about the world's general goodness for daily relationship satisfaction and the mediating role of positive relationship illusions. In a dyadic daily diary study of romantic couples, participants were more satisfied with their relationships on days when they or their partner had more positive beliefs about the world. These effects were mediated by positive images of the partner. Participants had more positive images of their partner on days when they or their partner saw the world as a better place, which predicted their own and their partner's greater satisfaction. Results suggest that, by shaping how people perceive their partners, positive world beliefs may promote satisfying relationships for both couple members.