Micro-Moments of Positivity and Relationship-Supportive Behavior: A Pretest-Posttest Study

Close relationships are strongly linked to mental and physical well-being, and recent work suggests that small, everyday positive exchanges may play a key part in building them. This study examined whether practicing positive micro-moments for two weeks was followed by a change in relationship-supportive behavior. Thirty participants, selected through convenience sampling, took part in a one-group pretest-posttest study. Before and after the practice period, they completed a self-developed, unvalidated 10-item questionnaire (scored 10-40) on how often they showed behaviors such as appreciation, gratitude, active listening, emotional validation, and apology toward a person close to them. Between the two assessments, participants used a chart of micro-moment activities as a daily guide for 14 days. Scores were higher at posttest (M = 35.90, SD = 2.72) than at pretest (M = 28.17, SD = 6.29), a mean gain of 7.73 points, t(29) = 5.87, p < .001, d = 1.07. Twenty-six participants improved, one stayed at the maximum score, and three scored lower. The findings fit the view that small, repeated positive behaviors can support relationship-supportive behavior. However, the lack of a control group, the use of an unvalidated self-report measure, a ceiling effect, a small convenience sample, and the short duration mean the results are preliminary. Future studies should use controlled designs, validated measures, larger samples, and follow-up assessments.