The Impact of Physical Health, Race, and Financial Status on Relational Satisfaction

Abstract

Relationship satisfaction is a subjective and global evaluation of a romantic relationship based on a sense of happiness, contentment, and fulfillment felt by a partner. Prior research demonstrates that relationship satisfaction can help mediate difficult life situations and stress and may contribute to a partner’s well-being and health. However, the literature examining partner-specific sources of relational satisfaction are lacking. Through a medical family therapy lens, this study examined women’s reported physical health’s impact on relational satisfaction. A total of 555 women in romantic relationships completed a survey with questions from the Medical Outcomes Study 20-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Relationship Assessment Scale. A hierarchical linear regression indicated that physical health, race, and financial status were significant predictors of relational satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of physical health’s impacts on relational satisfaction and provide clinical implications and future directions on strengthening couples’ relational satisfaction.

Exploring the effects of a materialistic lifestyle on mental health

“…There is evidence of the link between physical heath and relational satisfaction (Tadros et al, 2023). Further, materialism has been shown to negatively impact both physical health and relational satisfaction (Cappetto & Tadros, 2021, 2022.…”

LGBTQ+ College Students’ Relationship Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Based on social exchange theory (Kelley & Thibaut, 1978), we posit that among LGBTQ+ students, (H1) living with a romantic partner, (H2) perceiving more partner support, (H3) maintaining or increasing sexual behavior frequency during the pandemic, and (H4) engaging in sexting more often will be associated with better relationship satisfaction. Because gender identity, race, age, and depressive symptoms are known correlates of relationship satisfaction, we included each of these variables as covariates in the analysis (Gilmour et al, 2022; Tadros et al, 2021; Tai et al, 2014; Zimmer-Gembeck & Petherick, 2006).…”