Couples vacations and romantic passion and intimacy

Bibliographic Data

ID13136331
AuthorsJohn K Coffey (0000-0003-0088-382X, Yale University, corresponding author), Moji Shahvali (0000-0001-9330-0739, Breda University of Applied Sciences), Deborah Kerstetter (0000-0002-0392-3471, Pennsylvania State University), Arthur Aron (0000-0003-2887-9400, Stony Brook University)
Year2024
Volume5
Issue1
Pages100121-100121
Publication date2024-02-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnnals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2666-9579 • E-ISSN: 2666-9579
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.annale.2024.100121
OpenAlexW4391477242
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited51

Despite limited empirical support, vacations are marketed as beneficial for romantic partners. Using the self-expansion model as a foundation, we tested how self-expanding (e.g., novel, interesting, challenging) vacation experiences are associated with passion, physical intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Study 1 (n = 238 partners) found that higher individual self-expanding experiences on vacations predicted higher post-vacation romantic passion and relationship satisfaction for couples traveling with their partners, but not those that did not travel together. Study 2 examined 102 romantic dyads that traveled together and found that higher self-expanding experiences on vacations predicted more post-vacation physical intimacy. Our findings advance self-expansion research and provide evidence for the tourism industry to design and promote self-expanding vacation experiences for couples seeking improved relationships and meaningful vacations

Geography · Passion · Psychoanalysis · Romance · Tourism · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Psychology · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Social Psychology