Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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 young adults who were currently in a relationship.
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. The subject of close interpersonal relationships is widely discussed in the literature. The interest of researchers in this topic is not surprising, as high relationship quality is essential for the well-being of partners [ 1 ] and is also a determinant of happiness [ 2 ].
Healthy romantic relationships are important for functioning in everyday life [ 4 ]. Partners in unsatisfying relationships tend to express emotions such as anger, criticism, and disgust more than satisfied couples [ 5 ], which negatively affects the well-being of both partners [ 6 ]. According to the theory, love consists of three elements: intimacy, commitment, and passion. Understood as a feeling of closeness and connection with the partner, intimacy gives a romantic relationship an experience of warmth [ 8 ].
