Couples' Shared Participation in Novel and Arousing Activities and Experienced Relationship Quality
Aron, Norman, Aron, McKenna & Heyman (2000) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(2)
We use this paper in 4 places in the academy · 2 stated limits
What the study found
In three experiments, couples who did a new and exciting seven-minute task together reported a better relationship afterwards than couples who did a dull task.
A survey, a door-to-door study and three experiments found the same thing. Couples who did new and exciting activities together reported a better relationship. The link was explained by how bored they were with the relationship.
Couples who did a new and exciting activity together reported a better relationship than couples who did a dull one. Boredom explained the difference.
What the study cannot prove
People rated their own relationships, and the experiment itself was a short task in a lab, not a shared evening.
Limits we note on the exercises
The studies used established couples, not friends. We are borrowing the idea, not claiming the result.
The studies used established couples doing tasks in a lab. The idea that a specific, unusual meal is better than an ordinary drink is our own step, not their result.
Where we use it
We use this paper in 4 places in the academy. If the paper turned out to be wrong, we would have to change everything in this list. Some of the exercise instructions below are part of Gold. You can read every finding for free.
In the topics · 3
Other papers used in the same places
These papers are used in the same topics and videos as this one. That does not mean the papers agree with each other. It only means that the same exercises use both.
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Driver & Gottman (2004)It Doesn't Hurt to Ask: Question-Asking Increases Liking
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Rachman, Grüter-Andrew & Shafran (2000)Research
A real study. We tell you what it found, how many people were in it, and what it can't prove.
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