The complementarity of humility hypothesis: Individual, relational, and physiological effects of mutually humble partners. Issue 2 (4th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Tongeren, Daryl R.; Hook, Joshua N.; Ramos, Marciana J.; Edwards, Megan; Worthington, Everett L.; Davis, Don E.; Ruiz, John M.; Reid, Chelsea A.; Garthe, Rachel C.; Nonterah, Camilla W.; Cowden, Richard G.; Opare-Henaku, Annabella; Connelly, Ruth; Omoruyi, Osunde; Nkomo, Thobeka S.; Osae-Larbi, Judith Ansaa
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive psychology. Volume 14:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 178
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2019-03-04
• Subjects: Humility -- dyadic couples -- relationship satisfaction -- mental health; Positive psychology -- Periodicals; Quality of life -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Happiness -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2017.1388433
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9760

Abstract

Abstract: We report two studies of romantic couples that examine the interactive effects of actor and partner humility on individual, relational, and physiological well-being. Using both longitudinal (Study 1) and physiological (Study 2) methods from two samples of romantic couples, we explored the interactive effects of actor and partner humility. Individuals in dyads with complementary high humility reported better mental health over time following a major life transition, the birth of their first child, in Study 1 and higher relationship satisfaction and lower physiological responses (i.e. blood pressure) following the discussion of a topic of disagreement in Study 2. These results suggest that being humble is beneficial when one has a humble partner, but being arrogant – especially within a disagreement with one's partner – could undermine the benefits of humility. That is, the benefits of humility are greatest in dyads in which both partners are humble.