Self-esteem is a shared relationship resource: Additive effects of dating partners’ self-esteem levels predict relationship quality

Though self-esteem is known to positively impact individuals’ romantic relationship outcomes and those of their partners, the interactive nature of both partners’ self-esteem levels has not been systematically investigated. Using actor–partner interdependence model analyses we estimated actor, partner, and four types of dyadic effects of self-esteem on relationship quality in a sample of over 500 heterosexual dating couples. Lower self-esteem individuals and their partners reported lower satisfaction and commitment to their relationships than did higher self-esteem individuals and their partners. An additive effect whereby both partners’ self-esteem levels combine to predict relationship quality best described the dyadic effects. Results highlight the importance of considering the interactive nature of individual characteristics in dyadic research.

► We test actor, partner, and dyadic effects of self-esteem on relationship quality.
► High self-esteem predicts higher relationship quality for self and partner.
► Low self-esteem predicts lower relationship quality for self and partner.
► Higher sums of partners’ self-esteem levels predict better relationships.
► Self-esteem can be conceptualized as a relationship resource.