Studies have found that, for both men and women, having a conscientious spouse (regardless of whether they work inside or outside the home) is associated not only with greater marital satisfaction, but also with greater professional success over time as measured by wages, job performance, and job satisfaction. These effects appeared to be attributable to increased support and help at home, reduced stress, and the inspiring effects of setting a good example. Conscientious spouses tended to be more supportive, organized, and dependable – so conscientiousness when associated with these qualities is what leads to the positive effects.
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary:
Warning: Conscientious spouses here should be differentiated from some “type A” personalities who are compulsively driven to achieve, self-focused, and emotionally detached. This personality type in the extreme may be experienced by a spouse as neglectful and unsupportive.
It’s not just who you are, but who you’re with, that impacts well-being and success. (Link here)
A life partner should have a net positive impact on who you are, your functioning, emotional regulation, and values and be someone who you feel is truly your friend. (This does translate to a perfect relationship, however, since everyone in a long-term intimate partnership goes through painful struggles and hard times in their relationship.)
References:
- May, C. (2015). For Couples, Success at Work is Affected by Partner’s Personality. Scientific American Mind. Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/for-couples-success-at-work-is-affected-by-partner-s-personality/
- Solomon, B. C., & Jackson, J. J. (2021). The role of spousal personality on career success and marital satisfaction. Journal of Applied Psychology, 106(4), 520-535. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000419
