For the Love of Money: The Role of Economically Contingent Self-Esteem in Romantic Relationships

https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407521991663

Commentary

In romantic relationships, economic conflicts are one of the most common reasons for dissatisfaction and dissolution. And because no research has examined the psychological antecedents of economic conflict that go beyond economic burdens and contribute to relationship satisfaction, this study was designed to investigate whether self-esteem based on economic success is associated with greater perceived economic conflict with a partner, and worse relationship outcomes.

The study was investigated through a cross-sectional study (N = 167), a two-way study (N = 193 couples), and a six-week diary study (N = 74 couples).

Results explained that participants with financially contingent self-esteem reported more financial conflicts with their partners, which were associated with lower relationship satisfaction and perceptions of partner support. According to the last experiment (N = 337), participants who were led to expect many (few) benefits of financial success reported lower current self-esteem, more money-based and greater conflict reactions to economic scenarios involving a partner.