Zadowolenie ze związku intymnego oraz psychologiczne zyski i koszty związane z pozostawaniem w relacji – analiza porównawcza bezdzietnych związków małżeńskich i niemałżeńskich o podobnym stażu

Satisfaction in intimate relation and both gains and costs related to maintaining the relationship – comparative analysis of marital and nonmarital relations of similar durationThe aim of this study is to determine the influence of gains and costs related to maintaining the relationship on relational satisfaction in marital and nonmarital relations. 58 people engaged in heterosexual relations participated in the research: 27 persons were married and 31 persons stayed in relations but were not married. Participants were selected in such a way so that they did not differ in terms of two variables influencing relational satisfaction: the level of endorsement of stereotypical role of man in a close relationship and family values. It was also made sure that married and unmarried samples did not differ in terms of demographic variables. Participants answered questions about their experiences in a romantic relationship and completed questionnaire measuring their gains/costs related to maintaining the relationship and the level of satisfaction in relationship. The results show higher relational satisfaction in married participants. The gains related to relationship were also higher for married sample. The costs related to maintaining the relation were found similar in married and unmarried participants. Relational satisfaction depends both on gains and costs related to the relation, but the correlation is stronger in case of gains.