Intimacy, passion, commitment, physical affection and relationship stage as related to romantic relationship satisfaction

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Quantitative Analysis utilizing Pearson correlation coefficients, Factor Analysis, MANOVA, and linear regression.

Findings and Conclusions:

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physical affection, intimacy, passion, commitment, romantic relationship stage (casual dating, serious dating, committed) and gender on romantic relationship satisfaction. Participants included 370 (122 men, 248 women) university students. By creating the Physical Affection Behavior-Rating Scale, participants were able to report frequency and initiation patterns for 25 physical affection types. An exploratory factor analysis indicated the presence of three physical affection factors: Hot, Warm, and Demonstrative.

A linear regression confirmed that the three physical affection factors accounted for a significant portion of variance in relationship satisfaction. The combination of the physical affection factors and love factors (Intimacy, Passion, Commitment) explained an even greater portion of variance in romantic relationship satisfaction. A MANOVA found the presence of an interaction between gender and relationship stage for Hot physical affection. Conclusions and implications were discussed.