What Matters in a Relationship—Age, Sexual Satisfaction, Relationship Length, and Interpersonal Closeness as Predictors of Relationship Satisfaction in Young Adults

Natalia Maja Józefacka, Elżbieta Szpakiewicz (), Dominik Lech, Konrad Guzowski and Gabriela Kania
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Natalia Maja Józefacka: Institute of Psychology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland
Elżbieta Szpakiewicz: Institute of Psychology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland
Dominik Lech: Students Scientific Club ControlUP, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland
Konrad Guzowski: Students Scientific Club ControlUP, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland
Gabriela Kania: Students Scientific Club ControlUP, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Relationship satisfaction is one of the key elements affecting overall life satisfaction. This study aimed to identify significant predictors of relationship satisfaction in young adults in a romantic relationship. The study was questionnaire-based, involving 237 young adults who were currently in a relationship. Three self-rating scales were used: CSI-32 Relationship Satisfaction Scale, Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale. Sexual satisfaction proved to be a main predictor of relationship satisfaction in both sexes. For women, interpersonal closeness was additionally important, with a sense of closeness found to be even more important than sexual satisfaction for women cohabiting with their partners. Cohabiting people are generally more satisfied with their relationship, and a higher level of closeness and applied caresses can additionally be observed in them. In contrast, the relationship length appeared to matter only for men living with their partner: they were more satisfied with the relationship at the beginning of the relationship, and then their level of satisfaction declined. Relationship satisfaction in young adults appears to be determined by other factors depending on gender and cohabitation status. Nevertheless, at this age, sexual satisfaction proves to be one of the most critical factors for a sense of relationship satisfaction.

Keywords: relationship satisfaction; sexual satisfaction; interpersonal closeness; young adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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