The role of emotional competence in romantic and non-romantic relationships: A meta-analysis

The relationship between emotional competence and the quality of romantic relationships has already been established. The present meta-analysis aims to fill the research gap of non-romantic relationship quality and to identify relevant moderator variables. Both studies on romantic relationships and on social relationships in general, such as friendship or family, were considered. From a total of N = 57 studies, 53 effects for romantic relationships and 16 effects for non-romantic relationships were summarized (independent samples). Emotional competence plays a more significant role in romantic relationships (r = 0.33 to r = 0.35) than in non-romantic relationships (r = 0.15 to r = 0.16). The moderator variables considered for age, relationship length, the method of measuring emotional competence and the type of relationship quality measurement proved to be significant in this association. The overall sample is rather heterogeneous. Furthermore, the results are limited by the uneven number of studies and the lack of objectivity of the measurement instruments. The role of emotional competence was confirmed for non-romantic relationships, although it is smaller than in romantic relationships. In the future, relationship quality should be more closely examined in a non-romantic context to supplement data and better tailor interventions.