Speaker: Ms. Eri Sasaki

Title:  Go beyond obligations to keep your partner grateful in the long run: Effects of relationship length and perceived obligations on gratitude

Date: Friday 22 April, 1-2 pm 

Venue: AS4/02-08 (Psychology Department Meeting Room) 

Abstract:

While gratitude brings benefits to a relationship, the experience of gratitude may differ depending on the type of relationship. The present study aims to examine how relationship length influences gratitude towards a positive partner’s gesture among dating couples, by employing a dyadic daily diary methodology. Multilevel modeling analyses showed that individuals in longer relationship experienced less gratitude towards a positive partner’s act, possibly because they held higher expectations of their partners. Additional analyses found that the perceived obligatory nature of the partner’s act moderated the effect of relationship length on gratitude, such that when a partner’s gesture was perceived to be non-obligatory, the effect of relationship length on gratitude was negligible. Implications on facilitating gratitude experiences in longer relationships will be discussed.

About the Speaker:

 Eri Sasaki is a Masters candidate pursuing her M.Soc.Sci at the Department of Psychology at NUS under the supervision of Dr Tsai Fen-Fang. Her research interests lie in the intersection of close relationships and positive emotions. Her current research explores the experience of gratitude in romantic relationships.