When you're with me, baby, the skies will be blue for all my life? A dyadic longitudinal study of relationship happiness through midlife

Objectives: Romantic relationships are critically important for the development of a range of psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan. However, relatively few studies have examined change, interdependence, and predictors of relationship happiness within and between romantic partners in midlife. We therefore aim to (1) describe the trajectories of relationship happiness of romantic couples in midlife and (2) examine whether children living in the household, work status, and gender predict these trajectories. Methods: Dyadic latent growth curve models were applied to six waves of longitudinal data from N = 2,363 romantic couples (Mage = 48.28, SD = 7.27) taking part in the Swiss Household Panel Study (2014-2019). Furthermore, a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model was run to investigate the dynamic interconnection of men’s and women’s relationship happiness.Results: We found small decreases in relationship happiness over time, with steeper declines detected among younger participants. Level and change were correlated within couples. Being female, not working at any timepoints during data collection and one’s partner not working at any timepoints during data collection were related to lower levels, but not change, in relationship happiness. At some waves, but not continuously, men’s happiness predicted changes in women’s happiness and vice versa. Discussion: Findings illustrate that relationship happiness changes throughout midlife in nuanced ways which underscores the importance of examining this important phase of life. We discuss the need for further research on interindividual differences as well as implications for improving relationship happiness during this life phase.