Positive peripheral social partners: Relationship and social interaction evaluations across adulthood

Abstract

Older adults are theorized to prioritize relationships with close social partners who support their emotional goals. Throughout the lifespan, social partners of varying closeness may play different roles in one’s emotional life. We investigate the relationship between age, social closeness, and social partner evaluations at relationship and social interaction levels. Participants aged 25–85 (N = 309) completed social network questionnaires with relationship evaluations of their enjoyment and conflict with partners of varying closeness. In an experience sampling procedure (6x/day for 10 days), participants reported on closeness, pleasure, and discomfort for their most recent social interaction, as well as momentary affect. Older age was associated with higher enjoyment of relationships with peripheral social network members and higher pleasure during interactions with less-close social partners. We also examined how links between momentary social closeness, evaluations, and affect vary by age. Among older, but not younger and middle-aged adults, prior social interaction pleasure was associated with higher positive affect regardless of relationship closeness. Older adults’ disproportionately positive evaluations of peripheral network members and interactions with non-close others may result from their pruning of social partners who do not support their emotional goals. Positive social interactions, even with acquaintances or other non-close partners, may become increasingly relevant for well-being across the adult lifespan.