The Association Between Relationship Orientation, Relationship Quality and Sexual Satisfaction

Abstract

Although, uncommitted dating via online apps is widespread, most people find value in long-term, trusting relationships. From a social and evolutionary point of view, it has been theorized that mating strategies, and, in particular, short-term strategies make some relationships more vulnerable than others. In our study, we examined short- and long-term relationship orientation and their association with relationship quality. We analysed data from 395 heterosexual couples using the actor-partner-interdependence model in order to explore effects on individuals and couples. Results demonstrated that short-term orientation was associated with lower levels of relationship quality and an increased likelihood of complaints about the partner and the relationship. Long-term relationship orientation, on the other hand, was associated with higher levels of relationship quality. In addition, higher levels of sexual satisfaction mediate the association between short-term orientation and relationship quality. In-depth analyses revealed gender- and couple effects.

Intersexual and Intrasexual Differences in Mate Selection Preferences Among Lesbian Women, Gay Men, and Bisexual Women and Men

“…Research indicates interindividual differences in the tendency to pursue short-term or long-term mating strategies. The (one-dimensional) sociosexual orientation , as the willingness to engage in uncommitted sexual encounters (Penke & Asendorpf, 2008 ; Simpson & Gangestad, 1991 ) and relationship orientation, as the preference for either a short-term or long-term relationship, describe these tendencies and acknowledge that an individual can show preferences for both short-term and long-term relationships, suggesting a two-dimensional model of mating strategies (Herzberg et al, 2022 ; Schwarz et al, 2008 ).…”