The longitudinal association of relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships.

Abstract

Several prominent models of relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction imply directional relationships between these constructs (e.g., attachment theory, social exchange models of relationship satisfaction, the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction). Previous research has demonstrated that sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction are distinct but correlated constructs, but relatively few studies have examined how they are related over time. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine this association. A sample of heterosexual couples (N = 113) completed a longitudinal study spanning 2 years. At Times 1 and 2 they completed measures of relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed according to the principles of the actor-partner interdependence model using structural equation modeling. Significant actor effects were detected such that, for both men and women, one's own earlier sexual satisfaction predicted one's later relationship satisfaction. In contrast, one's own earlier relationship satisfaction did not significantly predict one's subsequent sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction was a stronger predictor of subsequent relationship satisfaction for men than women. There were no significant partner effects. These results contribute to our theoretical understanding of sexuality and sexual satisfaction in the context of long-term relationships by providing support for theories that conceptualize sexual satisfaction as one factor that contributes to relationship satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record

The State of Sex Research in MFT and Family Studies Literature: A Seventeen‐Year Content Analysis

“…Maintenance/Housework/Relationships ‐ Clinicians need to consider a variety of behaviors that can increase/maintain excitement in intimate relationships (Malouff, Mundy, Galea, & Bothma, ). ‐ Therapists can help couples increase intimacy by spending more time together and negotiating changing gender expectations (Reynolds & Knudson‐Martin, ). ‐ Therapists need to consider couple strategies for increased sexual desire in intimate relationships (Ferreira, Fraenkel, Narciso, & Novo, ). ‐ Consider sexual restraint as a factor for increased relationship outcomes (Busby, Carroll, & Willoughby, ). ‐ Clinicians should consider perceptions of sexuality as a factor contributing to overall relationship satisfaction (Hernandez, Mahoney, & Pargament, ). ‐ Contribution of housework by male partners can increase sexual frequency and satisfaction in heterosexual relationships (Johnson, Galambos, & Anderson, ). ‐ External stressors and lack of dyadic coping are associated with lower sexual activity and satisfaction (Bodenmann, Atkins, Schär, & Poffet, ). ‐ Clinicians should consider how sexual satisfaction can contribute to long‐term relationship satisfaction (Fallis, Rehman, Woody, & Purdon, ). ‐ Therapists need to give attention to caring and loving behaviors in relationships as predictors to increased positive sexuality (Charny & Asineli‐Tal, ). ‐ Clinicians should consider the relationship between marital duration and extramarital sex as contributors to relationship satisfaction (Liu, ). ‐ Lower sexual frequency is associated with lower relationship outcomes in cohabiting couples than married couples (Yabiku & Gager, ). ‐ Clinicians should consider cohabitation as a predictor of poorer relationship quality (Sassler, Addo, & Lichter, ). ‐ Clinicians should consider contextual factors and attitudes regarding gender and sexual permissiveness (Kraaykamp, ). ‐ Therapists should consider depression as a predictor of relationship satisfaction among older couples (Scott, Sandberg, Harper, & Miller, ). ‐ Clinicians should consider the role of the sexual relationship in romantic relationships and how neuroticism can impact the marriage (Daspe, Sabourin, Lussier, Péloquin, & Wright, ). ‐ Risky sexual behaviors from husbands increases the risk of wives being exposed to STIs (Hall, Fals‐Stewart, & Fincham, ). ‐ Clinicians should consider the negative impact child sexual abuse may have on sexual satisfaction in relationships (Vaillancourt‐Morel et al., ). ‐ Extreme levels, both high and low, of neuroticism predicted poorer sexual satisfaction, but low‐to‐moderate levels predicted higher sexual satisfaction (Daspe et al., ). ‐ Gay couples who parent children report higher levels of commitment to their partners, while simultaneously reporting lower sexual satis...…”

“…-Clinicians should consider how sexual satisfaction can contribute to long-term relationship satisfaction (Fallis, Rehman, Woody, & Purdon, 2016).…”

Recalling Experiences: Looking at Momentary, Retrospective and Global Assessments of Relationship Satisfaction

“…On the other hand, the construct has traitlike features: It reflects an inter-individual difference, is mainly assessed by asking individuals to globally evaluate their feelings, behavior and experiences (with regard to their relationships; Fincham & Rogge, 2010) and is related to the average of correspondent everyday states (e.g., Hofmann, Finkel, & Fitzsimons, 2015;Zygar et al, 2018a). Furthermore, global relationship satisfaction typically shows medium to strong stability in couples that do not break up (e.g., r = .61-.69 over two years, which is close to typical personality trait stabilities across the same period of time, Fallis, Rehman, Woody, & Purdon, 2016;McCrae, Bond, Yik, Trapnell, & Paulhus, 1998). Studying the assessment of relationship satisfaction can therefore not only contribute to the understanding of this specific construct, it can also provide insights that might be relevant for the related literature on biases occurring during the assessment of affective experiences and traits more generally.…”

Placing the Social Exchange Framework in an Ecological Context

“…Within these lines of inquiry, the associations among variables like relationship rewards, costs, relationship satisfaction, commitment, and equity are examined (Akazawa, 2005;Sprecher, 2001). Studies conducted by Fallis, Rehman, Woody, and Purdon (2016), Donnelly and Burgess (2008), Yabiku and Gager (2009), and Kisler and Christopher (2008) examined the associations between relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships. The presumption embedded in these studies is that the rewards and costs associated with the sexual aspects of a relationship contribute over time to how relationships are structured and experienced.…”