Transactive Memory, Self-Construal and Subjective Well- Being in a Group of Indian Couples

Abstract

People in close relationships foster the development of shared memory schemas of each other. Their constellation of thoughts, feelings and actions shape their cognition, expression and experience of emotions. This shared mental model between the couples may lead to subjective well-being. The present study tries to explore the pattern of transactive memory system and self-construal in a group of urban Indian couples and how it relates to their subjective well-being. Transactive memory system was found to be the most significant predictor of subjective well-being. The results also reveal that the couple groups formed on the basis of different background variables did not differ significantly. But the pattern of relationships between the couple dyads was found to be strong for working wives group and couples having children. Future study with larger sample size from different regions of India with varied socio -economic and educational background will enhance understanding in this area.

Keywords

• transactive memory
• self-construal
• subjective well-being
• intimate relationships