Vocational Personality in Romantic Relationships: How Vocational Similarity Contributes to Couple Functioning

In the early 1980s, three studies had found that vocational similarity between romantic partners was significantly associated with couple adjustment. However, given that these studies had important methodological and statistical limitations that compromised their validity, the contribution of vocati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Contemporary family therapy 2023-06, Vol.45 (2), p.172-185
Main Authors: Mayrand, Kristel, Sabourin, Stéphane, Savard, Claudia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adjustment
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Cohabitation
Couples
Family
Indexes
Mating
Original Paper
Personal relationships
Personality
Psychology
Psychotherapy
Romantic relationships
Social Work
Sociology
Vocational interests
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Summary:In the early 1980s, three studies had found that vocational similarity between romantic partners was significantly associated with couple adjustment. However, given that these studies had important methodological and statistical limitations that compromised their validity, the contribution of vocational similarity to couple functioning needs to be further explored. This study aimed to examine the potential mechanisms explaining vocational similarity within couples and the extent to which vocational similarity contributes to couple functioning, using two similarity indices: The C index and the profile similarity correlation (PSC). A sample of 104 cohabiting couples was recruited and completed online questionnaires. Results showed that vocational similarity between partners was low to moderate and was mainly explained by mating preferences. Moreover, higher vocational similarity was significantly associated with greater couple adjustment and relational stability, especially when partners were similar on the Artistic or Enterprising type. The PSC was a stronger predictor of couple adjustment and relational stability than the C index. Sharing similar vocational interests and competencies seems to help in creating and maintaining well-adjusted romantic relationships.
ISSN:0892-2764
1573-3335
DOI:10.1007/s10591-021-09620-7