Buying (Quality) Time Predicts Relationship Satisfaction

In brief

Couples who pay to save time, on cleaning, meal delivery and the like, report more satisfying relationships, in an 11-year panel and in daily diaries. The benefit comes from converting the saved hours into quality time together, and it is strongest for dual-income couples under stress. Outsourcing a chore is, in effect, buying an evening.

Abstract

Seven studies examine the association between time-saving purchases (e.g., housecleaning and meal delivery services) and relationship satisfaction. Study 1 uses an 11-year longitudinal panel survey to show that increases in time-saving purchases predict long-term increases in relationship satisfaction. Study 2 replicates these findings with a 6-week daily diary study, demonstrating that time-saving purchases predict daily increases in relationship satisfaction, particularly for members of dual-income couples who are experiencing higher levels of stress. Studies 3 through 4b reveal that time-saving purchases are most beneficial when couples translate this influx of temporal resources into quality time spent together. Study 5 identifies two key aspects of quality time-positive mood when together and perceived support-that uniquely predict relationship satisfaction. Study 6, a preregistered study, provides evidence for our conceptual model: Members of committed relationships who make time-saving purchases more effectively manage daily stressors (i.e., household chores) and spend more quality time together, which predicts increased relationship satisfaction. Once again, these benefits are strongest for individuals experiencing higher levels of stress. These findings develop a nuanced framework connecting time-saving purchases to relationship satisfaction.

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Published version (DOI) · More on couples and household finance