Partner social capital as a predictor of subjective well-being

Authors

  • Margarita Sapozhnikova National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54359/ps.v19i105.2049

Abstract

The study of subjective well-being remains a central topic in contemporary psychology, reflecting a sustained scholarly interest in the factors that contribute to individuals’ positive life evaluations. While socio-demographic and economic determinants are well-established, research increasingly focuses on relational variables, particularly the quality of intimate bonds. A robust body of evidence indicates that high-quality social relationships, including romantic partnerships, serve as critical buffers against stress, resources for recovery, and facilitators of psychological resilience. Crucially, the mere presence of a relationship is insufficient; its contribution to well-being is contingent upon the presence of trust, mutual support, and emotional intimacy—core dimensions conceptualized as social capital.

This study investigates partner-specific social capital as a key predictor of subjective well-being. The research aim was to empirically analyze the relationship between these constructs. A sample of 100 individuals in romantic relationships completed a survey employing adapted psychometric instruments with established reliability. The findings indicate that components of partner social capital differentially correlate with subjective well-being, with trust in one’s partner emerging as the most significant predictive factor.

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Author Biography

  • Margarita Sapozhnikova, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia

    PhD student, faculty of Social Sciences, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Myasnitskaya St., 20, 101000, Moscow, Russia

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Published

2026-02-27

Issue

Section

Experimental and empirical research

How to Cite

Sapozhnikova, M. (2026). Partner social capital as a predictor of subjective well-being. Psychological Studies, 19(105), 4. https://doi.org/10.54359/ps.v19i105.2049