Date of Award

Summer 8-23-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Walter Buboltz

Abstract

Sleep plays a pivotal role in overall health and well-being, influencing mental health, cognitive abilities, memory, emotional balance, and physical well-being (Luyster et al., 2012; Mukherjee et al., 2015). Emotions constitute a natural and indispensable element of human existence but necessitate proper regulation, as any disruption in emotion control has been associated with various mental health disorders (Gross & Jazaieri, 2014; Kring & Gordon, 1998; Phelps, 2006). Furthermore, human connections and relationships are fundamental aspects of the human experience, contributing to emotional support, personal growth, a sense of belonging, and even influencing one's physical health outcomes (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Umberson & Montez, 2011). The interaction between these variables helps conceptualize the connection between our internal states, physiological states, and the quality of our relationships. Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating our emotions, affecting our mood, and influencing how we navigate interpersonal connections (Lemola et al., 2013; Weinberg et al., 2016). Additionally, emotional well-being has a profound impact on our ability to build and maintain satisfying relationships (Baglioni et al., 2010; Weinberg et al., 2016). The present study examined the interrelatedness of these concepts, examining emotion regulation as a moderator of the relationship between sleep and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 155 adults who were married or in long-term partnerships. Results indicated that both sleep and emotion regulation significantly predicted overall relationship satisfaction in the sample. Additionally, emotion regulation was found to significantly moderate the relationship between sleep and relationship satisfaction. Related implications, limitations, and directions for future research are addressed.

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