Dynamic processes in emotion regulation differ between cancer survivor couples with relationship difficulties and healthy couples: Emotional needs and partner responsiveness

Although emotion regulation within romantic couples is considered an important causal factor in keeping the relationship healthy, this topic has not been extensively researched. In this study we investigated the perception and expression of attachment-related emotional needs and the responsiveness of partners to each other’s emotional needs as central elements of emotion regulation in romantic couples. An intensive longitudinal research design with high-frequent measurements was used to study these dynamic processes in romantic relationships. Clinical couples (N = 16) reporting clinically relevant relationship difficulties after cancer treatment were compared with healthy couples (N = 12). At ten times per day during seven consecutive days both partners completed a brief questionnaire about their stress perception, attachment-related emotional needs, and perceived partner responsiveness. When both variables were measured simultaneously, expressed emotional needs were positively related to partners’ responsiveness in the full sample, although more so in clinical couples than in healthy couples. However, greater expressed emotional needs predicted greater partner responsiveness at the next measurement point only in clinical couples, whereas this effect was absent in healthy couples. Furthermore, higher expressed emotional needs predicted lower partner responsiveness in participants with higher level of anxious attachment orientation, whereas this association was absent at mean and low levels. The findings in this study supported several predictions based on the theoretical premises. The unexpected moderation effects of clinical status (clinical vs. healthy couples) on the association of expressed emotional needs and perceived partner responsiveness are discussed.