Katarina Banov

To explore how vocational self-concepts align with ideal partner preferences, we collected data from two Croatian heterosexual samples: 271 couples and 335 single participants. Using the same inventory, participants rated their own vocational interests and those desired in an ideal partner. We assessed trait-level and profile-level similarities between self and ideal-partner interests in both samples. In couples, we additionally examined actual partner congruence (similarity between one’s own and partner’s self-reported interests), ideals agreement (similarity between partners’ ideal-partner preferences), and partner–ideal congruence (the match between an individual’s ideal and their partner’s actual vocational interests). Results revealed both assortative (similar-to-self) and aspirational (higher-than-self) ideal-partner preferences. Gendered preferences followed a complementary pattern, aligned with established gender differences in vocational interests, most pronounced in women’s preferences for partners high in Realistic and Conventional interests, and in men’s preferences for partners high in Social and Artistic interests. Among couples, partner–ideal congruence showed a strong normative component, while its distinctive (couple-specific) component modestly predicted men’s relationship satisfaction. These findings suggest that vocational interests meaningfully inform partner preferences among single and coupled individuals and contribute to relationship dynamics.

Balancing work and family demands is a significant challenge for dual-earner couples, often undermining relationship satisfaction. While core self-evaluati

To examine the alignment between individuals’ vocational self-concepts and their vocational ideal-partner standards, we collected data from two Croatian heterosexual samples: 271 couples and 335 single participants. Using the short form of the Personal Globe Inventory, participants rated their own vocational interests and those they desired in an ideal partner. We assessed various dimensions of similarity, including normative and distinctive partner-ideal congruence, actual partner congruence, ideals agreement, and self-ideal similarity across the full interest profile and theoretical interest dimensions. The findings indicate that participants generally preferred ideal partners with elevated vocational profiles. Trait-wise self-ideal similarity was significant but modest across all RIASEC types, along with the Ideas-Data and Prestige but not the People-Things dimension of the Personal Globe. Significant distinctive self-ideal profile agreement emerged in both samples. Among couples, actual partners’ vocational interests were more closely aligned with ideal preferences than self-reported interests reflecting gender normativity of vocational interest profiles. The similarity between an actual partner’s vocational profile and the ideal partner’s profile modestly predicted relationship satisfaction, particularly for women, emphasizing the importance of ideal standards in vocational interests. These findings support the idea that vocational interests contribute to processes of partner selection and couple functioning. We discuss our results in the context of assortative mating preferences and gendered occupational stereotypes.

The study explored the predictive role of vocational interests in work-family conflict and work-family enrichment in 271 employed heterosexual couples. We administered questionnaires measuring vocational interests, time-based and strain-based work-family conflicts and work-family enrichment. Going beyond prior studies, we (a) utilized a dyadic paradigm to examine actor and partner effects of interest types, (b) considered two characteristics of the interest profile - differentiation and elevation, and (c) simultaneously tested (dis)similarity effects. Actor-partner interdependence modelling and dyadic response surface analysis were employed. The results revealed modest negative actor effects of Investigative, Social, and Enterprising interests on various types of work-family conflict, along with positive actor effects of Social, Enterprising and Conventional interests, profile elevation and differentiation on work-family enrichment. Partner effects supported the interpersonal relevance of people-oriented interest types. The effects obtained were similar for women and men, and evidence generally spoke against the (dis)similarity effects of interests on work-family conflict or enrichment. A higher educational level in women was associated with increased work-family enrichment but also family-work conflict. This study highlights the interdependence of vocational interests in romantic dyads and their contribution to work-family dynamics.

Objective: The current study investigated actor and partner effects and the effects of (dis)similarity in the dark triad traits on self‐reported relationship satisfaction of both members of romantic couples. We examined these effects on actual similarity, similarity of perception, and men's and women's perceived similarity.Methods: On the sample of 205 heterosexual romantic couples, we administered questionnaires for measuring self‐reported and partner‐reported psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism, as well as self‐reported relationship satisfaction. For analyzing data, we used dyadic response surface analysis.Results: The results corroborated our hypotheses that the dark triad traits exerted mainly negative actor and partner effects on both partners' relationship satisfaction. The effects of (dis)similarity were obtained for psychopathy and narcissism. Dissimilarity in psychopathy was related to lower men's relationship satisfaction. Dissimilarity in narcissism was related to lower, whereas similarity in this trait to higher relationship satisfaction of both partners. Generally, our findings were similar across methods and sources of assessment.Conclusion: The results suggest that the DT traits of both members of a romantic couple matter for judgments of their relationship satisfaction and that along with actor and partner effects, the effects of (dis)similarity in psychopathy and narcissism also contribute to their relationship satisfaction.

The role of attachment and filial maturity dimensions in predicting expectations of filial caregiving was investigated on a sample of 296 (186 females) prospective caregivers aged 26 to 60. Consistent with previous studies, attachment avoidance negatively predicted the filial caregiving expectations. These effects were partially mediated by filial comprehending, which predicted higher self-expectations in providing assistance to the parent. Filial distancing was proven to be a negative predictor of caregiving expectations, although in low relation with attachment avoidance. Findings suggest the importance of further exploration, as well as the importance of the concept of filial maturity in the context of filial responsibilities and long-term parent-child relations.

The present study links the person–environment fit theory of vocational interests (VI) with the research on the selection of romantic partners. Empirically, we explore the assortment for VI in 215 heterosexual romantic partners. Using both the variable‐centered (VCA) and couple‐centered (CCA) approaches, we test the hypotheses on positive versus negative assortment, initial assortment versus convergence, and active assortment versus social homogamy. A modest to moderate positive assortment was found for Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, and Social interests but not Conventional interests, whereas evidence of couple similarity in Enterprising interests was less consistent. A moderate level of positive assortment was identified in couples when full interest profiles were evaluated. The results indicate an initial and active assortment rather than convergence or social homogamy effects. The analysis also shows that the assortment for interests represents an independent preference that cannot be easily seen as a by‐product of the assortment in the five‐factor personality traits. These findings highlight the importance of VI in the active selection of romantic partners. We discuss implications for future research and practice.

The growing evidence show that romantic partners’ personality traits mutually influence each other’s health. The research on relationship between personality and health behaviours should include bo...