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

Background: 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. Methods: 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). Results: Emotional competence plays a more significant role in romantic relationships (r r = 0.33 to r = 0.35) than in non-romantic relationships (r 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. Limitations: 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. Conclusion: 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.