Spill the tea, honey
Gossiping predicts well-being in same- and different-gender couples
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2933096 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chandler M Spahr (0000-0003-2239-0372, University of California, Riverside), Megan L Robbins (0000-0001-7114-9214, University of California, Riverside, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Pages | 3411-3431 |
| Publication date | 2025-08-30 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/02654075251375147 |
| OpenAlex | W4413855222 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 39 |
Despite its negative reputation, gossip is a common conversational behavior that can benefit relationships. However, its potential advantages have not been explored in romantic partnerships. Using a naturalistic observation method (the Electronically Activated Recorder; EAR) we assessed how frequently 76 same- and different-gender couples gossiped with each other, and whether this frequency was associated with self-reported happiness and relationship quality. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models revealed preliminary evidence that romantic partner gossip was positively associated with both happiness and relationship quality. This association held for both same- and different-gender couples. Given that romantic partners are primary sources of conversation and emotional exchanges for many adults, gossip may play a particularly important role in strengthening these bonds. Future research should replicate this finding and explore potential causal mechanisms and specific gossip characteristics that drive these associations, as gossip may be a fruitful avenue to test as a communication strategy for improving well-being in romantic partnerships
Developmental psychology · Gossip · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology
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Spill the tea, honey
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |