Joint Leisure Time in Friend and Romantic Relationships: The Role of Activity Type, Social Skills and Positivity

After research that has identified joint activity time as a relational maintenance behavior, this study examined specific qualitative variables that affect the reward value and maintenance potential of joint leisure time. This experiment manipulated leisure activity type in romantic and friend relationships, and measured the social skills and positivity exhibited in a joint leisure event in the laboratory. A total of 104 dyads (50 romantics and 54 friends) were videotaped while engaged in one of three activity conditions (game, relax, TV). Participants also completed follow-up questionnaires. In general, results indicated that when participants exhibited good social skills and perceived positivity in their partner, their joint activity time was more satisfying. Activity type influenced the opportunities for satisfying interaction. Relationship type had no effect on leisure satisfaction. Contributions to rewarding joint leisure time for relationships are discussed.