Two Methods That Funness Might Strengthen or Weaken Your Romantic Connection, as Suggested by a Psychologist
You might not immediately think that playfulness is a key ingredient in keeping your relationship strong, but recent research published in Scientific Reports suggests otherwise. This study delves into the impact of various forms of playfulness on attachment styles and experiences of jealousy in relationships.
Psychologists have a different perspective on playfulness; they see it as an ability to find entertainment, interest, or intellectual stimulation in situations. This ability shapes how we interact with the world, turning mundane or upsetting scenarios into something enjoyable and lighthearted.
Research from Personality and Individual Differences breaks down playfulness into four categories:
- Other-directed playfulness: This type involves using humor or playful banter to connect with others, such as using light teasing to diffuse tension or reenacting past memories to spark joy.
- Lighthearted playfulness: This approach involves viewing challenges with humor, embracing spontaneity, and turning difficult situations into games.
- Intellectual playfulness: This type revolves around playing with ideas, concepts, and problem-solving. Couples who share creative solutions to daily or imaginary problems demonstrate this kind of playfulness.
- Whimsical playfulness: People high in this type enjoy quirky, unpredictable, and unconventional humor; they love adding a surprise and novelty to their relationships.
According to the study, certain forms of playfulness are beneficial for relationships, while others may contribute to different experiences of jealousy. Those with other-directed, lighthearted, and intellectual playfulness are more likely to have secure attachment styles. Couples who exhibit these types of playfulness might be less likely to dwell on disagreements or engage in heated arguments.
Surprisingly, whimsical playfulness did not show a strong correlation with attachment security. Additionally, the study found that above-average whimsical playfulness was linked to higher levels of cognitive and behavioral jealousy, as playful individuals might be more prone to suspicious thoughts or behaviors.
Playfulness and jealousy also have a complex relationship, with the research showing a link between lower emotional jealousy and various forms of playfulness. This suggests that playful individuals are less likely to experience intense negative emotions when faced with perceived relationship threats.
Regardless of the type of playfulness in the relationship, it is essential to nurture this spark to maintain a sense of connectedness. While not all types of playfulness may have the same effects, incorporating humor, intellect, or lightheartedness in your interactions can create a stronger and more secure bond with your partner.
The study published in Scientific Reports highlights the role of jealousy in relationships, particularly in relation to playfulness. Psychologists view playfulness as an ability to find entertainment or intellectual stimulation in situations.
Other-directed playfulness, including the use of humor and playful banter, can help connect with others and diffuse tension in relationships. Lighthearted playfulness turns challenges into enjoyable and playful situations.
Intellectual playfulness involves problem-solving and creative solutions, often demonstrated by couples sharing solutions to daily or imaginary problems. Whimsical playfulness, on the other hand, enjoys quirky and unconventional humor.
The study found that other-directed, lighthearted, and intellectual playfulness are linked to secure attachment styles, while whimsical playfulness may contribute to higher levels of cognitive and behavioral jealousy.
Playful individuals tend to have lower emotional jealousy, suggesting they're less likely to experience intense negative emotions in the face of perceived relationship threats. Mark Travers, a researcher who contributed to the PsyPost summary of this study, emphasizes the importance of nurturing playfulness to maintain connectedness within relationships.
