Valuing Your Partner More: Linking Emotional Intelligence to Better Relationship Quality

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been positively associated with relationship quality in romantic couples, but few studies have examined the mechanisms underlying this association. The current study examines the mediating role of extrinsic emotion regulation (regulating your partner’s emotions) on the associations between EI and relationship quality. Specifically, we studied the mediating effects of three extrinsic regulation strategies involving high engagement with the partner’s emotions (cognitive reframing, receptive listening, and valuing). Heterosexual couples (N = 175) completed three waves of surveys across 14 weeks from August to October 2021. EI, extrinsic emotion regulation strategies, and relationship quality were measured at three time points. Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Models (APIMeMs) were applied to analyse the dyadic data. Results showed that valuing one’s partner was the only significant mediator linking EI to relationship quality. For both men and women, individuals' EI is associated with better relationship quality for themselves and their partners, through their extrinsic emotion regulation behaviours of valuing their partners. These findings underscore the importance of fostering EI and mutual valuing within couples, which relates to healthier and more successful romantic relationships.