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Relationship Risks in Context: A Cumulative Risk Approach to Understanding Relationship Satisfaction
Amy J Rauer1, Benjamin R Karney, Cynthia W Garvan
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5604 ( arauer@rand.org ).
Journal of Marriage and the Family
|July 10, 2009
Summary
Relationship satisfaction declines with more risks, and multiple risks worsen individual risk impacts. This cumulative risk model highlights how combined relationship challenges affect satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Relationship satisfaction is crucial for well-being.
- Individual risk factors for relationship dissatisfaction are well-documented.
- The combined impact of multiple risks is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cumulative effect of risk factors on intimate relationship satisfaction.
- To test the cumulative risk model in the context of relationship quality.
- To investigate potential moderation effects of multiple risks on individual risk impacts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the cumulative risk model.
- Analyzed data from the Florida Family Formation Survey (n=2,876).
- Replicated findings with a separate sample (n=1,048).
Main Results:
- Higher cumulative risk scores were associated with lower relationship satisfaction.
- The cumulative risk score predicted satisfaction independently of individual factors.
- Multiple risks amplified the negative effects of individual risk factors on satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- The cumulative impact of relationship risks is significant and goes beyond individual factors.
- Relationship challenges often co-occur and interact, influencing overall satisfaction.
- Interventions should consider the combined burden of multiple risk factors for greater efficacy.
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