Levels Of Relationship Satisfaction Research Articles

Uncovering measurement bias: Differential item functioning by income in the Couples Satisfaction Index.

Relationship satisfaction is among the most popular constructs in family science. As the study of families and romantic couples continues to include more diverse samples, it is imperative to ensure the measures scholars use do not significantly vary in psychometric quality across groups. The goal of this study was to examine the psychometric utility of the four-item Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4; Funk & Rogge, 2007) for individuals across the income spectrum. This study uses data from the National Couples' Health and Time Study, which sampled married and cohabiting adults in the United States from late 2020 to early 2021. Differential item functioning in the CSI-4 was assessed based on income (N = 3,497) using item response theory. For individuals experiencing lower incomes, the CSI-4 demonstrated differential functioning compared to their more affluent peers, with a bias against individuals experiencing lower incomes equating to average scores 1.38 units lower than higher income participants on the CSI-4 despite having the same true levels of relationship satisfaction. Differential item functioning was less pronounced when comparing item performance of lower- and middle-income participants, equating to lower income participants scoring .21 units lower than middle-income individuals despite having the same true levels of relationship satisfaction. While advancing diversity in family science, researchers should employ psychometric methods to understand how measures perform across groups, which will help prevent the misinterpretation of statistical bias as real group differences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Uncovering measurement bias: Differential item functioning by income in the Couples Satisfaction Index.

Relationship satisfaction is among the most popular constructs in family science. As the study of families and romantic couples continues to include more diverse samples, it is imperative to ensure the measures scholars use do not significantly vary in psychometric quality across groups. The goal of this study was to examine the psychometric utility of the four-item Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4; Funk & Rogge, 2007) for individuals across the income spectrum. This study uses data from the National Couples' Health and Time Study, which sampled married and cohabiting adults in the United States from late 2020 to early 2021. Differential item functioning in the CSI-4 was assessed based on income (N = 3,497) using item response theory. For individuals experiencing lower incomes, the CSI-4 demonstrated differential functioning compared to their more affluent peers, with a bias against individuals experiencing lower incomes equating to average scores 1.38 units lower than higher income participants on the CSI-4 despite having the same true levels of relationship satisfaction. Differential item functioning was less pronounced when comparing item performance of lower- and middle-income participants, equating to lower income participants scoring .21 units lower than middle-income individuals despite having the same true levels of relationship satisfaction. While advancing diversity in family science, researchers should employ psychometric methods to understand how measures perform across groups, which will help prevent the misinterpretation of statistical bias as real group differences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Self compassion and Relationship satisfaction among Romantic couples

The research paper aims to study self-compassion and relationship satisfaction among romantic couples. The findings revealed that Relationship satisfaction and self-compassion have a significant inverse correlation, indicating that a higher level of self-compassion may be linked to a lower level of relationship satisfaction. In this sample, self-compassion and relationship satisfaction are not significantly influenced by gender, suggesting that men and women have equivalent amounts of these categories. Also, self-compassion and relationship satisfaction are significantly influenced by relationship status. Relationship satisfaction differs greatly depending on the nature of connection; love marriages are more satisfied than arranged marriages and in-love partnerships.

The role of mutually responsive orientation in promoting relationship satisfaction for first-time and experienced parents: An investigation from pregnancy to toddlerhood

The transition to parenthood creates a context for family reorganization that can place couples at risk for declining relationship satisfaction; however, few studies have examined the experiences of parents navigating this transition while parenting other children in the home. Further, there is a critical need to identify factors explaining unique trajectories of relationship satisfaction and determine whether these factors serve similar functions for first-time versus experienced parents. The goal of the present study was to examine relationship satisfaction across the pregnancy-postpartum transition for not only first-time, but also experienced parents, and identify prenatal couple dynamics and contextual factors that explain individual differences in these trajectories across parenting groups. We pursued these aims in a sample of 152 mixed-sex couples, across five waves of data spanning pregnancy to 2 years postpartum. First-time and experienced parents demonstrated unique trajectories of relationship satisfaction across the transition to parenthood. Greater mutually responsive orientation (i.e., MRO; an established system of attunement, reciprocity, cooperation, and warmth) between partners during pregnancy was associated with higher overall levels of relationship satisfaction spanning pregnancy to 2 years postpartum for first-time mothers and low-income experienced mothers and less relationship satisfaction decline over time for low-income experienced fathers. The present study replicates past work suggesting that experienced parents are also at risk for relationship discord across the pregnancy-postpartum transition and identifies prenatal MRO as a dyadic relationship quality that maintains and promotes satisfaction across this transition, warranting closer attention in future research and interventions.

Sexual Sanctification and Relationship Satisfaction in Black Heterosexual Couples

This study examines dyadic data from 299 married and 242 cohabiting Black heterosexual couples in the United States (an understudied cross-section of the population) and assesses individual (actor) effects as well as couple (partner) effects of sexual sanctification and relationship satisfaction. Higher levels of sexual sanctification were associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction for women and men in the actor effects, but no significant associations were found in the partner effects for couples. Additionally, initial findings suggest that sexual sanctification may act as a relational protective factor for Black married and cohabiting couples. Implications for further research as well as practical applications for clergy, therapists, and practitioners working with Black heterosexual couples in sexual relationships are also discussed.

Correlations of Personality Traits and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction

This study investigates how personality traits correlate with satisfaction levels in romantic relationships among Psychology majors enrolled at the University of Cebu Main Campus during the Academic Year 2022-2023. Employing a quantitative research approach, a descriptive correlational design was utilized to establish connections between personality traits and levels of relationship satisfaction, enabling prediction and explanation of variable relationships. The research addresses conflicting findings on the influence of personality traits on successful romantic relationships, particularly emphasizing trait similarity versus the "Opposites Attract" notion, alongside considerations of emotionality, maladaptive tendencies, self-esteem, and partner perspectives. Methodological variations in self-report assessments versus multiple-source and observation-based approaches have contributed to inconsistent results in previous investigations.

Same-Day and Next-Day Associations Between Relational Factors and Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adult Couples.

The prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is high, with young adults at increased risk. IPV is largely understood as a dyadic process, as it involves both partners and is inherently influenced by the behaviors of both partners. The objective of this study was to examine the proximal influence of relationship satisfaction and conflict on same-day and nextday IPV perpetration among young adult couples. This study used data from young adult couples (N = 172) who completed a 60-day daily-diary design. The Actor Partner Interdependence Model was used to examine whether within- and between-person levels of relationship satisfaction and conflict were associated with same-day and next-day IPV perpetration. Results suggest that high levels of one's own and one's partner's relationship satisfaction was associated with low levels of same-day and next-day psychological IPV. For women, but not men, high levels in their own and their partner's relationship satisfaction were associated with low levels in same-day physical IPV perpetration. Conversely, high levels in one's own and their partner's conflict was associated with high levels of same-day psychological IPV perpetration. For women, but not men, high levels in their partner's conflict were associated with high levels of same-day physical IPV perpetration. Results suggest that relationship dissatisfaction and conflict may be proximal risk factors for IPV perpetration, particularly psychological IPV perpetration, implying these factors may be effective targets for prevention and intervention.

Recognizing and Appreciating the Partner's Support Protects Relationship Satisfaction during Cardiac Illness.

This study aimed to examine whether dyadic coping (DC) is associated with relationship satisfaction (RS) among couples facing cardiac diseases. Furthermore, the moderating role of both partners' anxiety and depression was tested. One hundred cardiac patients (81.5% men) and their partners (81.5% women) completed a self-report questionnaire during hospitalization. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) and moderation analyses were used to assess the above associations. Results showed that positive DC was significantly related to higher levels of RS, and negative DC was related to lower levels of RS. Furthermore, patient and partner psychological distress significantly moderated the link between DC and RS: patient-perceived positive DC was associated with higher partner RS when partner depression was high; partner-perceived positive DC was associated with higher patient RS when patient anxiety was low; patient-perceived negative DC has associated with lower patient RS when patient anxiety and depression were high. This study showed that positive DC is associated with a more satisfying relationship and identified under what conditions of cardiac-related distress this can happen. Furthermore, this study underlined the importance of examining DC in addition to the individual coping skills as a process pertaining to personal well-being and couple's outcomes.

“We need a little strength as well”: Examining the social context of informal caregivers for Black women with breast cancer

BackgroundInformal caregivers (e.g., partners, other family members, friends) often provide social support to Black women with breast cancer, and caregivers find both benefits and challenges in their caregiving role. MethodsIn this qualitative study, twenty-four caregivers for Black women with breast cancer participated in focus groups and interviews. Participants responded to a brief close-ended questionnaire as well as semi-structured questions about their experiences as cancer caregivers. Demographic information was collected, and relationship satisfaction was measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale-General scale (RAS-G). Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two independent coders. Using an iterative, discussion-based process, the study team developed and refined themes. ResultsAll caregivers described themselves as Black/African American, and the majority identified as female (79%). The mean RAS-G score was 4.5 (SD = 0.5), indicating high levels of relationship satisfaction. Qualitative themes included using a range of strategies to provide emotional support; shifting between roles; needing time and space; and trying to stay strong. Several female caregivers described how the cumulative experiences of providing care for multiple family members and friends could be draining, as could their own experiences in the patient role. ConclusionsThese findings show a complex, multilayered social context that affects both the patient-caregiver relationship and the health and wellbeing of caregivers. Clinicians providing treatment and support for Black women with breast cancer should be mindful of how the health context of the family may affect patient and caregiver outcomes.

Relationship Satisfaction Agreement and Depressive Symptom Similarities in Clinical Couples: An Intensive Longitudinal Analysis across Treatment

Despite being in the same relationship, partners may differ in their level of relationship satisfaction and may experience different levels of depressive symptoms. However, there has been limited research about the implications of the degree of relationship satisfaction agreement and similarities in depressive symptoms among partners in couple therapy. From a spousal discrepancy framework, we aimed to first examine the level of similarity between partners on relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Second, we will examine partners’ previous week’s depressive symptom similarities predicting relationship satisfaction the following week, and partners’ previous week’s relationship satisfaction agreement predicting depressive symptoms the following week. We used data from partners receiving 15 wk of couple therapy for depression (n = 24 couples). Results revealed low to moderate levels of relationship satisfaction agreement and depressive symptom similarities between partners across treatment. Repeated measures multilevel analyses revealed that previous week’s relationship satisfaction agreement and depressive symptom similarities were not notable predictors of relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms the following week. This suggests that each partner’s own reports of relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms may be more important than the degree of similarity in relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms between partners.

Clustering Analysis of Time Series of Affect in Dyadic Interactions

An important goal when analyzing multivariate time series is the identification of heterogeneity, both within and across individuals over time. This heterogeneity can represent different ways in which psychological processes manifest, either between people or within a person across time. In many instances, those differences can have systematic patterns that can be related to future outcomes. In close relationships, for example, the daily exchange of affect between two individuals in a couple can contain a particular structure that is different across people and can result in varying levels of relationship satisfaction. In this paper we use Louvain, a clustering method, as a tool to characterize heterogeneity in multivariate time series data. Using affect measures from dyadic interactions, we first determine that Louvain is adept at detecting homogeneous patterns that are distinct from one another. Additionally, these homogeneous points are linked, at some level, by time. Thus, we find that clustering via Louvain is useful to find time periods of stable, reoccurring patterns. However, using measures founded on information theory reveals that there is some level of information loss that is inevitable when clustering on levels of variable expression. Finally, we evaluate the predictive validity of the clustering method by examining the relation between the identified clusters of affect and measures outside the time series (i.e., relationship satisfaction and breakup taken one and two years later).

Relationship satisfaction, feelings of closeness and annoyance, and linkage in electrodermal activity.

Physiological linkage refers to moment-to-moment, time-linked coordination in physiological responses among people in close relationships. Although people in romantic relationships have been shown to evidence linkage in their physiological responses over time, it is still unclear how patterns of covariation relate to in-the-moment, as well as general levels of, relationship functioning. In the present study with data collected between 2014 and 2017, we capture linkage in electrodermal activity (EDA) in a diverse sample of young-adult couples, generally representative and generalizable to the Los Angeles community from which we sampled. We test how naturally occurring, shifting feelings of closeness with and annoyance toward one's partner relate to concurrent changes in levels of physiological linkage over the course of 1 day. Additionally, we examine how linkage relates to overall relationship satisfaction. Results showed that couples evidenced significant covariation in their levels of physiological arousal in daily life. Further, physiological linkage increased during hours that participants felt close to their romantic partners but not during hours that participants felt annoyed with their partners. Finally, those participants with overall higher levels of relationship satisfaction showed lower levels of linkage over the day of data collection. These findings highlight how individuals respond in sync with their romantic partners and how this process ebbs and flows in conjunction with the shifting emotional tone of their relationships. The discussion focuses on how linkage might enhance closeness or, alternatively, contribute to conflict escalation and the potential of linkage processes to promote positive interpersonal relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Evaluation of Life Satisfaction Levels of Elderly Immigrants Who Migrated From Afghanistan, Syria, And Iraq to Sivas (Türkiye)

Little is known about the elderly who are subject to forced migration, and studies on older migrants are very limited. The aim of this study was to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and evaluation of life satisfaction levels of elderly immigrants who migrated from Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq to Türkiye. A cross-sectional research design was carried out by collecting data from 87 elderly immigrants in Sivas between 01.12.2021 and 28.02.2022 2021. In the study, descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and ANOVA test were used to evaluate the data. A significant difference was found in the level of life satisfaction according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants according to the country they migrated to. It was determined that the participants' self, social satisfaction and general satisfaction levels were higher, and their relationship satisfaction levels were relatively low, respectively. Local and international efforts should be increased to improve the adaptation of the elderly immigrants to the cultural differences of the country they migrated to, and to improve their life and relationship satisfaction.

Greater mindfulness does not influence sexual satisfaction but is independently associated with lower relationship satisfaction

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to elucidate whether mindfulness was associated with relationship and/or sexual satisfaction among individuals in a regular relationship and to assess potential links with other factors. The research group consisted of 276 adults who were in a relationship regardless of marriage. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS) were applied to all individuals. In the study group, 160 (58%) of the individuals were female, 116 (42%) were male, 62.3% were married, 59.8% were self-acquainted with their partner and 67.4% lived together with their partner or with their partner and children. Factors contributing to greater sexual satisfaction were shorter relationship duration and being a male, while those with an arranged marriage and those cohabiting with their partner had lower sexual satisfaction. Older age and, very interestingly, higher levels of mindfulness were associated with lower levels of relationship satisfaction. Finally, sexual and relationship satisfaction were closely associated and were respectively identified as independent factors for CSI and NSSS scores. There is a need for more comprehensive longitudinal studies evaluating relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction to assess causal relationships and to identify interventions that could benefit relationships.

Romantic Attachment, Relationship Satisfaction, Internalized Sexual Stigma, and Motives for Parenthood in Italian Lesbian Women and Gay Men.

This study examines romantic attachment, internalized sexual stigma, relationship satisfaction, and motives for parenthood in a sample of 313 Italian lesbian women (47.9%) and gay men (52.1%) aged 18-71 years (M = 36.2; SD = 11.9) and in same-sex relationships. The following hypotheses were tested: that romantic attachment is positively correlated with internalized stigma and motives to not have children, while it is negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction; that relationship satisfaction is negatively correlated with internalized stigma and motives for parenthood; that internalized stigma is negatively correlated with motives for parenthood; and that relationship satisfaction mediates the relationships between romantic attachment and motives for parenthood and between internalized stigma and motives for parenthood. The results strongly support the hypotheses. Furthermore, the results indicate that the lesbian participants reported lower levels of avoidance and internalized stigma and higher levels of relationship satisfaction and motives to not have children, and the participants in civil unions reported lower levels of anxiety and internalized stigma and higher levels of relationship satisfaction and motives to not have children. Taken together, our findings contribute to the growing body of research on LG parenthood and may inform social policy and psychological support for LG individuals pursuing parenthood.

Relationship satisfaction and money pooling among older working and retired couples in Sweden

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores whether relationship satisfaction among older individuals living with a partner is influenced by partners' status of working or being retired, and whether the degree of pooling money affects the association.BackgroundCouple's spending decisions are likely influenced by the partner with the greatest bargaining power, which may lead to different levels of relationship satisfaction. However, any role of partners' statuses on relationship satisfaction may change when adjusting for how partners organize resources.MethodThe subsample consists of older respondents in the Swedish Gender and Generations Survey 2012–2013 (n = 1,737). The analytical approach is logistic regression where the outcome is whether the respondents are completely or not completely satisfied with their relationship.ResultsWorking respondents with a working partner were less satisfied with their relationship compared to retired respondents with a retired partner. In models considering the gender of whom is retired or working, respondents in couples with a working woman and a retired man were also less satisfied than retired respondents with a retired partner. However, this association disappears when adjusting for degree of pooling.ConclusionIn couples where the woman retires earlier than the man, it can have a negative impact on relationship satisfaction when the partners do not pool money. For couples with the same status, pooling seems to matter less.ImplicationsFinancial educators, practitioners, and policymakers may acknowledge that retirement and working status of older partners play a role for relationship satisfaction, and how partners organize resources may be one area that provides a potential explanation for such problems.

P-578 Interactive Effects of Relationship Satisfaction and Social Support on stress: a dyadic study

Abstract Study question Does relationship satisfaction and social support demonstrate actor and partner effects on perceived stress, and is this relationship moderated by reproductive status? Summary answer No significant partner effects were found. Relationship satisfaction is related to one’s stress. Reproductive status moderates the relationship between one’s relationship satisfaction and one’s stress. What is known already Infertility affects around 15% couples and there seems to be a growing number of couples experiencing infertility. The inability to conceive is experienced by the couple as a stressful situation and should be addressed as a shared problem. Social support seems to be a protective factor for infertility-related stress and correlates directly with individual stress and partner stress among infertile couples. Also, relationship satisfaction has a significant impact on stress and adjustment to infertility, suggesting that low levels of relationship satisfaction predict significant stress levels in infertile women. Study design, size, duration This study included 213 heterosexual couples. The participants answered a questionnaire that included self-reported measures for perceived stress, relationship stress and received social support. Data collection was conducted online between October 2016 and October 2018 (detailed information [removed for blind review]). Participants/materials, setting, methods This study included 213 heterosexual couples in a relationship, with no children in the current relationship and the women’s age was between 20 and 42 years old. Both partners completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) and the 2-way Social Support Scale (2-way SSS). Statistical analyses were conducted, and the dyadic analyses were conducted using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) and the Actor-Partner Interdependence Moderation Model (APIMoM). Main results and the role of chance A total of 213 couples completed the questionnaire and 45.9% wanted to have children in the future, 8.7% are trying to conceive without an infertility diagnosis and 45.5% received an infertility diagnosis. None of the partner effects were significant, (p >.05), indicating the absence of a significant association between relationship satisfaction and social support from one member and their partner’s stress. No significant actor effects were found for neither sex (p >.05), regarding social support. There were significant actor effects for both partners regarding relationship satisfaction, indicating that female and male relationship satisfaction is negatively associated with the stress perceived by one’s member (women: b = - .51, SE = .12, Z = -4.23, p <.001; men: b = .45, SE = .13, Z = -3.60, p <.001). The reproductive status moderates the relationship between female relationship and female stress (b = -.31, SE = .06, Z = -5.41, p <.001, β = -.16) and also between male relationship satisfaction and male perceived stress (b = -.26, SE = .06, Z = 4.30, p <.001, β = -.27). Limitations, reasons for caution The methodological design does not allow inferential causes. The sample may not be representative of the national population, restricting generalizations. Other variables that may have a role in influencing the ones considered, were not included. Only heterosexual couples were considered, which represents a limitation in distinct dynamics. Wider implications of the findings Since the romantic relationship can be protective of stress, it becomes relevant that psychological counselling focuses on the quality of marital relationships. It would be ideal for the family planning consultation to inform the importance of both couple members’ involvement to screen couples in need of psychological support. Trial registration number n.a.

Associations of Lesbian and Gay Identity with Relationship Status and Satisfaction

ABSTRACT Based on a multifactorial sexual orientation identity model, this study examined how lesbian and gay (LG) identity formation is associated with relationship status and relationship satisfaction. Data stem from a sample of 1,190 LG individuals (18–40 years; 47% female). Using a variable-centered approach, LG identity formation, as indicated by eight factors, was unrelated to relationship status (60% were in a relationship) but substantially related to relationship satisfaction. The correlation pattern, however, was complex. The picture was clearer when using a person-centered approach. Two profiles were identified, indicating affirmed versus struggling LG identities. Participants classified as affirmed identities were more than twice as likely to be in a relationship, and those in a relationship reported substantially higher levels of relationship satisfaction.

Partner Knowledge of Solitary Pornography Use: Daily and Longitudinal Associations with Relationship Quality

ABSTRACT Pornography use is a common sexual activity engaged in mostly alone, including for partnered individuals. Evidence concerning the benefits and costs of solitary pornography use for romantic relationship quality is mixed and may vary depending on the circumstances of pornography use, including partner knowledge of one’s solitary use. Adopting a dyadic daily diary and longitudinal design, we examined the associations between knowledge of a partner’s solitary pornography use and one’s own and the partner’s relationship satisfaction and intimacy on the same day, and trajectories over one year. A convenience sample of 217 couples completed daily surveys over 35 days and self-reported measures three times over one year. Each participant reported if they used pornography today and whether their use was known by their partner. Findings showed that when an individual’s solitary pornography use was unknown by their partner, they reported lower same-day relationship satisfaction and intimacy as well as a lower initial level of relationship satisfaction. When an individual’s solitary pornography use was known, they reported higher intimacy over one year and their partner reported lower intimacy over one year. Findings underscore the complexity of the relational context surrounding solitary pornography use in couples, in particular the partner’s knowledge of pornography use.

Interparental Relationship Satisfaction from Nine Months to Nine Years and Children’s Socioemotional Competencies at Nine Years

The quality of the interparental relationship bears important implications for children’s socioemotional development. Given evidence that relationship satisfaction among parents tends to decline over time this study examined how change in parents’ relationship satisfaction from nine-months-old until nine-years-old related to children’s socioemotional difficulties at nine-years-old. Participants were 2074 mothers, fathers, and their child (55.1% male) recruited through random sampling of the Child Benefit Registrar by Growing Up in Ireland cohort study. Mothers ranged in age from 18 to 40 years (M = 31.06, SD = 4.70) and fathers ranged in age from 18 to 60 years (M = 33.50, SD = 5.54). Mothers and fathers completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale at nine-months-old and at nine-years-old whereas child socioemotional development was assessed via teacher report on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at nine-years-old. Residualised change analysis indicated that both parents experienced declines in relationship satisfaction from nine-months-old until nine- years-old. However, in families where initial levels of relationship satisfaction were high, there was no significant association between decline in satisfaction and child socioemotional difficulties. Conversely, in couples where initial levels of satisfaction were low, mothers, but not fathers, who experienced further declines had female, but not male, children with more socioemotional difficulties at nine years (β = −0.22, p = 0.01; R2 = 0.15, F = 2.31, p = 0.02). These findings highlight the need for carefully tailored interventions aimed at promoting couple relationship satisfaction during transition to parenthood such that the negative impact on children of any decline experienced over time can be mitigated.