An upward spiral: Bidirectional associations between positive affect and positive aspects of close relationships across the life span

•We review research on associations between positive affect and close relationships.•Positive affect and close relationships are reciprocally linked across the life span.•Three types of relationships are highlighted: parent–child, friend, romantic.•We detail processes that may serve as partial mechanisms in these associations.•Future directions for this area of research are discussed.

Both positive affect and positive close relationships contribute significantly to overall well-being. This review examines the literature assessing associations between positive affect and positive indices within close relationships across the life span. Specifically, the reviewed research includes parent–child relationships, friendships, and romantic relationships in relation to a variety of positive emotions and happiness more generally. This review also highlights several processes that may serve as partial mechanisms linking positive close relationships and positive affect including the interpersonal regulation and coregulation of positive emotion and the biological processes involved in experiences of positive affect and close relationships. Throughout the review, evidence of bidirectional, reciprocal associations between positive affect and positive close relationships is emphasized. Based on the current state of the literature, future directions for research in this area are considered.