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The Science of Success
The Science Behind the Relationship Journal: Research-Supported Tools for Stronger Connections
The Relationship Journal from BestSelf.co is a structured tool designed to guide couples through 13 weeks of relationship-strengthening exercises. It encourages partners to explore their connection by building trust, communication, and mutual understanding. Each session covers various aspects of relationships, such as intimacy, conflict resolution, appreciation, and shared goals. By the end of the journal, couples will have a deeper understanding of each other and a stronger, more intentional bond.
Key Scientific Findings Supporting the Product
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND
The Importance of Rituals in Relationships
Research shows that couples who engage in rituals, such as regular date nights or structured conversations, report higher relationship satisfaction and resilience.
Links to scientific studies:
- "The Impact of Rituals on Relationship Satisfaction" by Zeynep Gurhan-Canli and Mary Frances Luce.
- "Rituals and Nuptials: The Emotional and Relational Consequences of Relationship Rituals" by Ximena Garcia-Rada, Ovul Sezer, and Michael I. Norton
- "The Role of Couple Interaction Rituals in Sustaining Marital Satisfaction" by Ted L. Huston and Heidi Melz.
- "The case for (promoting) marriage: The devil is in the details” by Ted L. Huston and Heidi Melz.
- "How Shared Experiences Affect Couple Satisfaction: The Role of Rituals and Habits" by Katie M. Kelley and Thomas N. Bradbury.
How It Relates
The Relationship Journal encourages couples to set aside time weekly to work on their relationship, which aligns with the idea that intentional rituals strengthen emotional bonds
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND
The Power of Gratitude
Links to scientific studies:
- The Role of Gratitude in Romantic Relationships" by Amie M. Gordon, et al.
- "Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-being in Daily Life" by Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough.
- "Gratitude Enhances Couples’ Relationships Through Commitment and Trust" by Nathaniel M. Lambert and Frank D. Fincham.
How It Relates
Many exercises in the journal, including the appreciation-focused sessions, aim to foster gratitude, helping couples focus on positive aspects of their relationship
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND
The Impact of Reflection
Dr. John Gottman’s research on couples indicates that how partners handle conflict is critical to the success of the relationship. Successful couples repair interactions and communicate openly about their issues.
Links to scientific studies:
- "Conflict and Its Resolution: Process and Outcome" by Susan Sprecher, et al.
- “How Conflict Resolution Strategies Predict Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships" by Mark A. Fine and John H. Harvey.
- “Conflict And Satisfaction In Romantic Relationships,” by Meghan Moland
How It Relates
The journal includes sessions on conflict resolution and empowered communication to help couples navigate disagreements in a healthy and productive manner
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND
Love Mapping and Knowledge of Partner
Research by the Gottman Institute highlights the importance of “Love Maps,” or knowing detailed information about your partner’s life, to maintain a strong relationship.
Links to scientific studies:
- "What Predicts Divorce?" by John M. Gottman.
- “Predicting Change in Marital Satisfaction Throughout Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy,” Susan Johnson, Tracy Dalgleish, Melissa Moser and Marie-France Lafontaine
- "Knowing Me, Knowing You: Reciprocal Knowledge Sharing and Couple Satisfaction" by Niels Van de Ven.
How It Relates
The Relationship Journal includes exercises specifically aimed at deepening a couple’s understanding of one another through shared memories and life experiences.
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND
Goal Alignment and Relationship Satisfaction
A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that couples who work together towards common goals report greater relationship satisfaction.
Links to scientific studies:
- "Shared Goals and Relationship Satisfaction" by Megan K. Johnson and Ann Meier.
- "Shared Aspirations and Couple Well-being" by Shira Gabriel, et al.
- Gender Differences in Relational and Collective Interdependence: Implications for Self-Views, Social Behavior, and Subjective Well-Being.” WL Gardner, S Gabriel - 2004
- "Goal Congruence in Romantic Relationships: The Importance of Shared Goals" by Benjamin Le and Chris Agnew.
- Commitment and its theorized determinants: A meta-analysis of the investment model,” by Benjamin Le and Chris Agnew.
How It Relates
The journal's goal-setting sessions prompt couples to align their personal and shared goals, fostering a sense of partnership and collaboration.