Romantic Relationship Satisfaction Research Articles

The Relationship Between Sex-roles and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction

This research delves into the intricate interplay between gender roles and relationship satisfaction within romantic partnerships, with a nuanced exploration of masculinity, femininity, and androgyny. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of literature, including seminal studies such as those by Spitzberg and Cupach (2019), Bem (1993), Thompson and Pleck (1986), and Bem (1974), the study aims to elucidate the association between traditional gender roles and relationship contentment, while considering the emergence of androgynous traits in contemporary relationships. Synthesizing findings from these seminal works, the research endeavors to highlight how adherence to traditional sex roles, defined by societal expectations of masculinity and femininity, may influence the level of satisfaction experienced within romantic relationships. Spitzberg and Cupach's (2019) study explores the influence of traditional gender roles on relationship satisfaction, suggesting that adherence to stereotypical masculine and feminine roles can contribute to conflict and dissatisfaction within partnerships. Building upon this, Bem (1993) proposes the concept of androgyny as an alternative to traditional gender roles, suggesting that individuals who possess a blend of both masculine and feminine traits may experience greater relationship satisfaction and flexibility. Thompson and Pleck (1986) further examine the concept of androgyny, emphasizing its potential to enhance intimacy and communication within romantic relationships by transcending rigid gender stereotypes. Moreover, Bem (1974) introduced the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), a widely used measure for assessing individuals' gender roles, which has been instrumental in understanding the complexities of gender identity and its impact on relationship dynamics. By integrating insights from these diverse scholarly sources, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how gender roles intersect with relationship satisfaction, offering valuable implications for couples, therapists, and policymakers. Additionally, the study explores the implications of masculinity, femininity, and androgyny on various aspects of relationship satisfaction, including communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution. Through an analysis of empirical research, the study aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which adherence to traditional gender roles or the adoption of androgynous traits may shape relationship dynamics and contentment. Furthermore, the research considers contextual factors such as cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and relationship duration, which may moderate the association between gender roles and relationship satisfaction. Ultimately, this study seeks to shed light on the evolving nature of romantic relationships in contemporary society, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accommodating a spectrum of gender expressions for fostering healthier and more fulfilling partnerships. By acknowledging the complexities of gender identity and its impact on relationship dynamics, the research aims to inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting relationship satisfaction and well-being across diverse populations.

Romantic Relationship Satisfaction, Attachment Style And Love Style Among College Going Students

Romantic Relationship Satisfaction, Attachment Style And Love Style Among College Going Students

Adoptees' basic need satisfaction within romantic relationships: The role of attachment orientations and relational attitudes

Little is known about the challenges adoptees face in their romantic relationships. This study examines the association between adoption and three relational attitudes in romantic relationships: authenticity, pathological concern, and sense of entitlement, with a possible role for attachment style. 268 participants aged 18–60 (18.8% males, 59.3% adopted) completed online questionnaires assessing attachment dimensions and the following variables in the context of romantic relationships: sense of entitlement, pathological concern, authenticity, and basic needs satisfaction. Adoptees reported higher levels of attachment avoidance, relational entitlement, pathological concern and lower authenticity and need satisfaction within the context of their romantic relationships than non-adoptees. The association between adoption status and basic need satisfaction in romantic relationships was partially explained by avoidant attachment, relational entitlement and authenticity in relationships. Findings strengthen the claim that relational challenges associated with being adopted at a young age continue into adulthood. The dissatisfaction that adoptees tend to feel in romantic relationships appears to be driven by avoidant attachment orientation and related problematic relational attitudes (inflated and restricted sense of relational entitlement, lack of relational authenticity), rather than by adoption status per se. Longitudinal designs should be designed to further our understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships between the variables in our study.

How do I love thee? The five love attitudes people hold toward their pets

Abstract Relationship processes in the human-pet relationship parallel those in the human romantic relationship. In this study, we sought to determine whether the six human romantic love styles – Eros (ideal), Storge (friendship), Ludus (game-playing), Pragma (practical), Mania (obsessive, dependent) and Agape (selfless), represented the human-pet relationship. We wrote 44 pet-human love style items, derived from the Love Attitudes Scale (Hendrick and Hendrick, 1986 ). Participants ( N = 254) completed these 44 pet love style items, along with measures of romantic love styles, general pet attitudes, and pet and romantic relationship satisfaction. We reduced the 44 items to the following five factors: Eros/Storge, Ludus, Pragma, Mania, and Agape. The pet love attitudes were modestly correlated with human romantic love attitudes suggesting people endorse different love attitudes in different relationships. Multiple regression results showed that Eros/Storge and Agape were positively correlated with pet relationship satisfaction, while Mania was negatively correlated. Eros/Storge was the strongest predictor of relationship satisfaction ( β = 0.68). This is the first study to show that love attitudes apply to human-pet relationships and that certain love attitudes predict a happy relationship with one’s pet.

The Relationship Between Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction: The Mediating Effect of Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness

The Relationship Between Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction: The Mediating Effect of Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness

The mediating role of social media addiction and phubbing in basic psychological needs in relationships and relationship satisfaction.

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of phubbing and social media addiction in the correlation between satisfaction levels of basic psychological needs in romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction. The participants were 958 students from various universities in Türkiye. The research utilized demographic information form for personal information of the participants, the Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs in Romantic Relationships Scale, the Generic Scale of Phubbing, the Social Media Addiction Scale-Adult Form, and the Relationship Satisfaction Scale. It was concluded in the research that social media addiction and phubbing had a mediating role in the correlation between the needs for love/belonging β = 0.05, power β = 0.03, and freedom β = -0.08 and the relationship satisfaction. The bootstrapping method performed in the study showed that indirect effect of the need for fun on the relationship satisfaction was significant, but in the Sobel test, social media addiction and phubbing was not found to have a mediating role in this correlation (p > 0.05). It was concluded that phubbing had a mediating role for all needs other than the need for fun in the correlation between satisfaction of basic psychological needs in romantic relationships and social media addiction. Finally, social media addiction was found to have a mediating role in the correlation between phubbing and relationship satisfaction. These findings were discussed in line with the literature. As shown by the findings, it was observed that satisfaction of basic psychological needs in romantic relationships affected the relationship satisfaction, and social media addiction and phubbing had a mediating role in that correlation.

Exploring the personality and relationship factors that mediate the connection between differentiation of self and phubbing

One of the family patterns crucial for mental and physical well-being is differentiation of self. In this study, our aim was to investigate its impact on the phenomenon of phubbing—where individuals prioritize smartphones over in-person interactions. The prevalence of phubbing behavior has risen substantially in tandem with the increased adoption of smartphones. The study investigated familial, interpersonal, and personal factors that could potentially contribute to the escalation of phubbing behaviors. It was hypothesized that differentiation of self would be associated with phubbing through the mediation of fear of missing out, romantic relationship satisfaction, and loneliness in intimate relationships. We also expected gender differences in the study variables. A sample of 431 young adults, with an average age of 29 (M = 29.05, SD = 9.14), completed the DSI-R, Phubbing, FoMO, ENRICH, and LIRS questionnaires online. Results indicated that fear of missing out mediated the relationship between three dimensions of differentiation of self—emotional reactivity, emotional cutoff, and fusion with others—and phubbing behavior. However, the expected mediation by romantic relationship satisfaction and loneliness in intimate relationships did not reach significance, although these variables were found to be associated with differentiation of self. Women reported higher levels of phubbing behavior, emotional reactivity, and fusion with others, whereas men reported higher levels of I-position. We conclude that fear of missing out may serve as a catalyst, triggering anxiety in individuals, which in turn drives them to adopt phubbing as a coping mechanism. Moreover, individuals with lower levels of differentiation of self appear to be at increased risk of engaging in phubbing behaviors through the mediation of fear of missing out.

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.

Two babies, two bonds: Frequency and correlates of differential maternal-infant bonding in mothers of twins.

We assessed prevalence and correlates of differential maternal-infant bonding (i.e., experiencing a stronger bond with one baby vs. the other) in mothers of twins, focusing on aspects of maternal mental health, well-being, and pregnancy/birth that have been previously linked with maternal-infant bonding. Participants (N=108 American women, 88.89% White, 82.41% non-Hispanic, aged 18-45, who gave birth to twins in the past 6-24weeks) were recruited from postpartum support websites. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey assessing pregnancy/birth history, symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep, stress, romantic relationship satisfaction, and postpartum bonding. Twenty-six participants (24.07%) reported a bonding discrepancy. These participants endorsed higher symptoms of depression and anxiety, lower relationship satisfaction, lower average postpartum bonding, higher general and parenting stress, and longer pregnancy (all ps>.05). Greater degree of bonding discrepancy correlated with more depression, higher parenting stress, longer pregnancy, and lower relationship satisfaction (all ps>.05). Mothers of twins may benefit from postpartum mental health support, stress management strategies, and interventions to improve bonding. Future work should assess the role of breastfeeding difficulties, delivery method, birth-related trauma, infant regulatory capacity, and temperament. Longitudinal studies will help test cause and effect and potential long-term repercussions of maternal-infant bonding discrepancies.

Adolescents' relationships with parents and romantic partners in eight countries.

Creating romantic relationships characterized by high-quality, satisfaction, few conflicts, and reasoning strategies to handle conflicts is an important developmental task for adolescents connected to the relational models they receive from their parents. This study examines how parent-adolescent conflicts, attachment, positive parenting, and communication are related to adolescents' romantic relationship quality, satisfaction, conflicts, and management. We interviewed 311 adolescents at two time points (females = 52%, ages 15 and 17) in eight countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States). Generalized and linear mixed models were run considering the participants' nesting within countries. Adolescents with negative conflicts with their parents reported low romantic relationship quality and satisfaction and high conflicts with their romantic partners. Adolescents experiencing an anxious attachment to their parents reported low romantic relationship quality, while adolescents with positive parenting showed high romantic relationship satisfaction. However, no association between parent-adolescent relationships and conflict management skills involving reasoning with the partner was found. No associations of parent-adolescent communication with romantic relationship dimensions emerged, nor was there any effect of the country on romantic relationship quality or satisfaction. These results stress the relevance of parent-adolescent conflicts and attachment as factors connected to how adolescents experience romantic relationships.

Dyadic relationship of adult attachment patterns and interpersonal schemas in marital adjustment: Actor–partner effect model

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the associations between romantic attachment and relationship satisfaction as mediated by interp ersonal schemas (friendly × hostile) with Turkish couples.BackgroundPrevious studies showed that adult romantic attachment is strongly associated with couple relationship functioning, and many efforts have been made to identify the mechanisms underlying this link. However, no study has considered interpersonal schemas when investigating the connection between romantic attachment and marital adjustment in couples.MethodIn total, 230 Turkish married couples completed measures of interpersonal schemas, adult attachment, and marital adjustment.ResultsAttachment anxiety is indirectly related to marital adjustment in couples via interpersonal schemas. However, attachment avoidance is both directly and indirectly related to marital adjustment via interpersonal schemas. Whereas friendly schemas are related to attachment anxiety negatively, hostile schemas are related to both attachment anxiety and avoidance positively.ConclusionThe current study extended previous research by providing evidence concerning the influence of each partner's attachment dimension on the interpersonal schemas and marital adjustment of both spouses.ImplicationsIn romantic relationships being aware of the impact of interpersonal cycles on dyadic adjustment in clinical settings can help therapists shape their strategies in therapy sessions.

An examination of jealousy and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships

This study has been conducted to examine the relation between attachment styles, romantic jealousy and relationship satisfaction. Moreover, how these mentioned variables differ in terms of sex and relationship types is also explained. Study group of this study consist of totally 500 participants, 250 males and 250 female participants, who live within İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality district. Personal Information Form, Romantic Jealousy Scale, The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale-II, Relationship Satisfaction Sub-Scale of Relationship Stability Scale have been used as data collection tools in this study.
 Results of analysis show that there is a positive correlation between relationship satisfaction and romantic jealousy. Results show that attachment styles are considerable predictors of romantic jealousy level; that jealousy increases as anxious attachment increases; that jealousy decreases as avoidant attachment increases; and also that there is a weak positive relation between avoidance and anxiety dimensions of attachment. Moreover, there has been a negative relation between avoidant attachment and relationship satisfaction. Findings show that sex and relationship type have significant roles in jealousy, that women are more jealous than men, especially those who are flirting are more jealous than those who are married. It has been seen that relationship type is effective in attachment and those who are flirting are more anxiously attached than those who are married.

“I am gaming, you are gaming” - computer gaming habits and romantic relationship satisfaction

“I am gaming, you are gaming” - computer gaming habits and romantic relationship satisfaction

성인 초기의 내현적 자기애와 이성관계 만족도의 관계에서 감정적 자기노출의 매개효과

Objectives This study aimed to verify the mediating effects of emotional self-disclosure in the process of covert narcissism and romantic relationship satisfaction.
 Methods The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was used to examine these associations in 140 couples cur-rently in a relationship. Since couples are interactive relationships that interact with each other, this study was conducted by Kenny’s Actor-Partner Interdependence Model(APIM).
 Results The results showed that, first, female had a higher level of covert narcissism and emotional self-dis-closure than male, who had greater romantic relationship satisfaction than female. These findings confirm gender differences in the variables. Secondly, covert narcissism had actor effects on romantic relationship satisfaction and self-disclosure of positive emotions both in male and female. Male's covert narcissism and self-disclosure of positive emotions had partner effects on female's romantic relationship satisfaction. Finally, Female's covert narcissism had actor effects on their romantic relationship satisfaction via self-disclosure of negative emotions. Female's covert narcissism also had partner effects on male's romantic relationship satisfaction.
 Conclusions The implications of this study were discussed in connection with the results of previous studies, and implications and suggestions for follow-up research were made to effectively help clients with covert narcissism in the counseling field.

Is caring for oneself relevant to happy relationship functioning? Exploring associations between self‐compassion and romantic relationship satisfaction in actors and partners

AbstractSelf‐compassion means being supportive and kind to oneself when experiencing failure or inadequacies. It is associated with adaptive intrapersonal and relational outcomes for individuals. This evidence was extended by using an Actor‐Partner Interdependence framework. Other‐sex couples (N = 209) completed measures of self‐compassion, relationship‐specific self‐compassion, and relationship satisfaction. Both self‐compassion measures were related to global relationship satisfaction and facets thereof (e.g., sexuality, engagement, trust) for actors. Relationship‐specific self‐compassion was also positively related to the partner's relationship satisfaction (particularly for men). It is suggested that researchers (a) consider the interdependence of the partners when analyzing self‐compassion in relationships and test for partner effects and (b) use fine‐grained and domain‐specific measures to develop a more complete understanding of self‐compassion's associations with criterion variables.

Reliability of Responsibility: A Predictor for Romantic Relationship Satisfaction and Cohesion among Incarcerated Coparents

Reliability of Responsibility: A Predictor for Romantic Relationship Satisfaction and Cohesion among Incarcerated Coparents

Mothers' recollections of parenting by their own mothers and fathers and maternal and infant outcomes

AbstractObjectiveUsing a family network approach, we examined patterns of remembered parental rearing by both parents and associations with maternal and infant outcomes.BackgroundWomen's memories of how they were cared for by their own mothers in childhood are associated with important outcomes in the perinatal period. However, few studies assess women's recollections of caregiving by their fathers, despite fathers' influence on the larger family context and child adjustment.MethodWe combined data from two prospective longitudinal studies of mothers and their infants (N = 468) in the perinatal period to identify profiles of remembered parental rearing by both parents using latent profile analysis and examined how these profiles were associated with maternal depressive symptoms, mothers' perceived romantic relationship satisfaction, parenting, and infant socioemotional problems.ResultsFour distinct profiles of remembered parental rearing emerged: two supportive parents, two unsupportive parents, a supportive mother but unsupportive father, and a supportive father but unsupportive mother. Results document the differential effects of these profiles on parenting and other maternal and infant outcomes.ConclusionRemembering two supportive parents confers the most benefit for mothers and their infants.ImplicationsFor mothers with nonsupportive childhood experiences, processing that legacy within a therapeutic relationship may bolster multiple perinatal domains.

Transgression Severity, Forgiveness, Relationship Satisfaction, and Mental Health in Romantic Relationships

Abstract: Background: Based on interdependence theory, forgiveness could be a strategy for dealing with interpersonal transgressions in a romantic relationship. Objective: The present study examines the effects of transgression severity on relationship satisfaction and mental health along two forgiveness dimensions – resentment-avoidance and benevolence. Method: 351 opposite-gender couples (age M = 48.24 years, SD = 12.88; relationship duration M = 22.71 years, SD = 12.96) rated four self-report measures. We analyzed the cross-sectional data using an Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM). Results: There was a significant indirect effect of transgression severity through resentment-avoidance for the actor’s and the partner’s relationship satisfaction. The link through benevolence was significant only for the partner’s relationship satisfaction. Regarding mental health, the indirect effects of resentment-avoidance and benevolence were significant for the actor and the partner. Conclusions: The findings support the notion that forgiveness impacts both partners’ relational and individual well-being.

An examination of jealousy and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships

This study has been conducted to examine the relation between attachment styles, romantic jealousy and relationship satisfaction. Moreover, how these mentioned variables differ in terms of sex and relationship types is also explained. Study group of this study consist of totally 500 participants, 250 males and 250 female participants, who live within İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality district. Personal Information Form, Romantic Jealousy Scale, The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale-II, Relationship Satisfaction Sub-Scale of Relationship Stability Scale have been used as data collection tools in this study.
 Results of analysis show that there is a positive correlation between relationship satisfaction and romantic jealousy. Results show that attachment styles are considerable predictors of romantic jealousy level; that jealousy increases as anxious attachment increases; that jealousy decreases as avoidant attachment increases; and also that there is a weak positive relation between avoidance and anxiety dimensions of attachment. Moreover, there has been a negative relation between avoidant attachment and relationship satisfaction. Findings show that sex and relationship type have significant roles in jealousy, that women are more jealous than men, especially those who are flirting are more jealous than those who are married. It has been seen that relationship type is effective in attachment and those who are flirting are more anxiously attached than those who are married.

Dimensions of personality organisation, mentalisation and evaluation of life and romantic relationship satisfaction

Introduction and objective: The Kernberg’s concept on the levels of personality organisation enables us to understand, on the one hand, the pathomechanism of personality disorders necessary for case conceptualisation in psychotherapy and, on the other hand, to predict individuals’ everyday functioning in interpersonal relationships and the experienced life satisfaction. In this study, we inquire whether dimensions of pathological personality structure are associated with negative evaluations of life satisfaction and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, we explored whether these relationships are modified by impaired mentalisation (as a mediator) and clinical group membership (as a moderator). Materials and methods: The study involved 88 participants (71 women) from both clinical (n = 45) and non-clinical groups, aged between 20 to 69 years (mean, M = 31.39; standard deviation, SD = 11.38). The participants completed the Kernberg’s Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO), the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ). Results: The results indicate that higher intensity of all dimensions of personality pathology (identity, defence mechanisms, aggression, reality testing, and moral functioning) is significantly associated with lower life satisfaction (rho = from −0.49 to −0.32) and greater difficulties in mentalisation (rho = 0.72 to 0.56). Increased intensity of defence mechanisms is also related to lower romantic relationship satisfaction (rho = −0.23). Moderated mediation analyses with 5000 bootstrap samples (where life satisfaction is an dependent variable, dimensions of personality organisation are independent variables, mentalisation disturbance is a mediator, and clinical group membership moderates all relationships) showed that disrupted mentalisation plays a mediating role in explaining life satisfaction and that clinical vs. non-clinical group membership may not moderate these relationships. Conclusion: The results help specify the relationships between the characteristics of Kernberg’s personality structure dimensions and the evaluation of everyday life satisfaction, suggesting an important role of mentalisation processes as transdiagnostic factors worth addressing in life satisfaction appraisal.