Relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms in emerging adults: Cross-sectional associations and moderating effects of relationship characteristics.

Abstract

Extending research that was based on married adults, we explored associations between romantic relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms in a sample of 484 emerging adults (ages 18-25) in nonmarital dating relationships. In addition, we investigated whether the relationship characteristics of relationship length, interdependence (i.e., investment size and quality of alternatives) and commitment moderated these associations. Overall, there was a negative association between relationship quality and depressive symptoms that was stronger for emerging adult women than men, echoing findings from married adults. The extent to which relationship characteristics moderated this association generally differed by gender. For men, the negative association between satisfaction and depressive symptoms was moderate to strong in relationships of above-average interdependence, commitment, and length, but it was weak in shorter and less interdependent relationships and nonexistent in relatively uncommitted relationships. In contrast, for women, the association between relationship satisfaction and symptoms was moderate to strong at all levels of interdependence and commitment, although amplified at higher commitment levels. Interestingly, shorter relationship length was associated with a stronger association between satisfaction and depressive symptoms for women. In general, findings suggest the importance of romantic relationship quality to the emotional well being of emerging adults, particularly young women, and highlight gender differences in relationship processes during this life period.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Levels and Romantic Relationship Quality in College Students

“…Because interpersonal relations are, 5 on average, more central to women's than men's identities and self-concepts, 11 romantic relationships are theorized to be more strongly associated with women's than men's mental health. Both depressive symptoms and general psychological distress are more strongly associated with marital satisfaction 12,13 and college dating relationship satisfaction 14 for women than for men. Most previous studies of ADHD and relationship functioning have either examined samples of one gender 6,9 or have not examined gender differences.…”

Abilities in Romantic Relationships and Well-Being Among Emerging Adults

“…For this study, we used attachment theory to understand the influence of past relationships, self-efficacy to understand individual cognition about romantic relationships, and relational anxiety to understand about individual emotional responsivity and, consequently, how these relational antecedents associate with well-being. Although romantic relationships in college may be transient, data find that successful relationships can support overall well-being and happiness (Braithwaite, Delevi, & Fincham, 2010;Ratelle, Simard, & Guay, 2013;Whitton & Kuryluk, 2012).…”

Development and Validation of a Polish-Language Version of the Satisfaction with Relationship Status Scale (ReSta)

“…For example, Mellor et al (2008) found that satisfaction with personal relationships was moderately and negatively correlated with loneliness. In turn, Whitton and Kuryluk (2012) found a negative correlation between satisfaction in dating relationships and depressive symptoms, and Levis et al (2015) found in their study that women in poorquality marriages reported worse mental health compared to unmarried women. As a result, increased status satisfaction would be expected to be associated with decreased romantic loneliness.…”