1 - (SYM 83) Understanding the Association Between Income and Well-being Among Couples: Analysis of a Cognitive Mediational Model

People with low income are more likely to experience worse individual and relationship well-being compared to those with more money. While several theories attempt to explain these differences, little research directly examines them among couples. The current study thus explores two mechanisms in the link between income and individual and relationship functioning in couples: temporal focus and stress appraisal. First, having less income may create a temporal “absorbing state” that magnifies the salience of present stressors. In turn, this “absorption” might limit how much partners access relevant information about their own resources or coping efficacy, leading to negative stress appraisals and poorer well-being. Therefore, this study examined how stress appraisal mediates the association between temporal focus and individual and relational health as a function of income among couples.

Data were collected from cohabiting couples who varied greatly in income (N=244). Partners completed an online survey, which included measures of temporal focus, stress appraisal, individual functioning (e.g., mental and physical health symptoms, life satisfaction, health behaviors, substance use), and relationship satisfaction. Couples were identified as “low-income” if their household income was less than 200% of the U.S. federal poverty level relative to their household size (N=106); couples above this limit were designated “higher-income” (N=138). A multi-group actor-partner interdependence mediation model was used to (a) test the predicted pathways regardless of income and then (b) examine mean and pathway differences between income groups.

First, income group comparisons demonstrated mean differences (with low-income partners endorsing worse functioning across all outcomes). Second, the proposed associations were significant only within (not across) partners. Specifically, partners who were more present-oriented had more positive stress appraisals and, in turn, endorsed greater mental/physical health and higher life/relationship satisfaction. These paths were similar for both income groups. Thus, contrary to expectations, these results suggest that focusing on the present may have a positive influence on individual and couple functioning. Living in the here-and-now appears to be wise advice, even for couples who have to address ongoing stressors related to limited financial resources.