Anticipatory communication about housing, care and end of life in romantic partnerships

BACKGROUND: Communication about housing, care, and end of life often happens in reaction to, rather than in anticipation of, critical life periods. As such, it is mostly studied in critical situations and clinical contexts, although anticipatory and repeated communication in close relationships may come with unique benefits.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at providing a better understanding of the frequency of anticipatory communication about housing, care, and end of life in romantic partnerships and its immediate behavioral, cognitive, and affective benefits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 118 individuals, among them 55 couples, aged 63 years on average were surveyed on their anticipatory communication, preparatory behavior, feelings of preparedness, and topic-specific anxiety via questionnaires. For analyses, we applied multilevel modeling.

RESULTS: Anticipatory communication happened rarely but was associated with behavioral, cognitive, and affective benefits. More frequent communication about housing was most strongly associated with preparatory behavior. More frequent communication about the end of life was most strongly associated with feelings of preparedness and reduced anxiety.

CONCLUSION: The context of the romantic relationship is particularly promising for anticipatory communication. Anticipatory communication should be enabled and supported.