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Development of self-esteem and relationship satisfaction in couples: Two longitudinal studies
Ruth Yasemin Erol1, Ulrich Orth2
1Department of Psychology, University of Basel.
Developmental Psychology
|July 8, 2014
Summary
Growing self-esteem in both partners significantly boosts relationship satisfaction over time. This connection holds true regardless of gender, age, or relationship length, highlighting self-esteem as a key factor in marital happiness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Relationship satisfaction is a critical component of marital well-being.
- The role of individual psychological factors, such as self-esteem, in relationship development requires further investigation.
- Longitudinal studies are essential for understanding the dynamic interplay between individual traits and relationship outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal effects of self-esteem development on relationship satisfaction in couples.
- To determine if self-esteem influences relationship satisfaction at both initial and changing levels.
- To examine potential moderating factors such as gender, age, and relationship duration.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of two large couple datasets (N=885 and N=6,116).
- Data collected across multiple time points over 12 and 15 years, respectively.
- Statistical modeling to assess the predictive relationship between self-esteem and relationship satisfaction, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- Relationship satisfaction develops as a couple-level process.
- Higher initial self-esteem in partners predicted greater initial relationship satisfaction.
- Increases in self-esteem over time predicted increases in relationship satisfaction for both partners.
- These effects were consistent across genders and robust to controls for age, relationship length, health, and employment.
Conclusions:
- Self-esteem development in both partners is a significant contributor to the evolution of relationship satisfaction.
- Individual self-esteem is a crucial factor in the long-term success and satisfaction of romantic relationships.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem may positively impact couple relationship satisfaction.
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