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Relationships Among Emotion Regulation, Financial Self-Efficacy, and Financial Management Behaviors of Couples

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Abstract

This study examines the relationships among emotion regulation, financial self-efficacy, and couples’ financial management behaviors using the baseline data from 239 heterosexual couples (478 individuals) enrolled in a community-based relationship and financial education program. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model that examined both the individual and partner effects of emotion regulation on financial management behaviors mediated by financial self-efficacy. For both partners, there were significant effects of emotion regulation on financial self-efficacy and significant effects of financial self-efficacy on financial management. There was a significant positive, indirect association of emotion regulation with her overall financial management behaviors for female partners. There was a significant partner effect from males’ financial self-efficacy on female partners’ financial management behaviors. Implications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are discussed.

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for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families [Grant #90FM077-01-00; #90FM077-02-00; #90FM077-03-00].

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Kim, J., Falconier, M.K. & Conway, C.A. Relationships Among Emotion Regulation, Financial Self-Efficacy, and Financial Management Behaviors of Couples. J Fam Econ Iss 44, 342–355 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-022-09827-2

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