Anger Rumination, Loneliness and Psychological Well-Being in Romantic Relationships: A Dyadic Model

Abstract

Anger rumination, characterized by persistent focus on angry thoughts and feelings, is a maladaptive emotional process that can undermine intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Psychological well-being is closely linked to relationship satisfaction, as positive relationship dynamics can enhance individual well-being, while relational distress may undermine it. Loneliness, as a potential interpersonal consequence of emotional dysregulation and reduced intimacy, may mediate the influence of anger rumination on psychological well-being. This study examines the direct and indirect relationships between anger rumination, loneliness, and psychological well-being in romantic relationships using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. A total of 313 heterosexual couples (N = 626) participated (mean age of females = 34.21, males = 36.70). Relationship types included dating, engaged, and married. Participants completed the Anger Rumination Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), and Psychological Wellbeing Scale. Structural equation modeling showed that higher anger rumination was associated with greater loneliness, which in turn predicted lower psychological well-being in both partners, confirming loneliness as a mediator. Women's anger rumination positively predicted their partners' loneliness, whereas men's anger rumination did not significantly predict women's loneliness. Men's loneliness negatively predicted women's psychological well-being, but the reverse was not significant. These findings suggest that loneliness mediates the negative impact of anger rumination on well-being and highlight potential targets for couple therapy interventions aimed at reducing anger rumination and loneliness to enhance psychological well-being. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature.