Relational communication skills have been found to be highly correlated with various aspects of sexual satisfaction in both short-term and long-term romantic partnerships. One study found that participants who reported having high levels of relational communication skills were more likely to report higher levels of sexual satisfaction than those with low levels of these skills. Another study found that couples who communicated effectively during conflict were more likely to experience greater sexual satisfaction compared to couples who did not communicate effectively.
Research has yet to explore how these findings may play out over decades. Specifically, it is unclear whether relational communication skills predict long-term sexual alignment between partners. This article will examine whether relational communication skills are related to sexual satisfaction and alignment over time using longitudinal data from a large sample of married couples.
Overview of Study
This study used data collected from 425 married couples over the course of three years to examine how relational communication skills predicted sexual satisfaction and alignment across decades. Relational communication was measured using the RELCOMM scale, which assesses five dimensions: empathy, self-disclosure, positive regard, supportiveness, and partner involvement. Sexual satisfaction was measured using the Cognitive Component of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and sexual alignment was measured using the Marital Alignment Scale. Couples completed surveys at two points in time, four months apart, and then again one year later.
Results
Results showed that relational communication skills were significantly related to sexual satisfaction over time. Specifically, individuals who had higher scores on the RELCOMM scale at Time 1 reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction at Time 3 than those with lower scores. Similarly, couples who reported high levels of relational communication skills at Time 1 also reported higher levels of sexual alignment at Time 3. These results suggest that relational communication skills are important for maintaining both short-term and long-term sexual satisfaction and alignment.
Discussion
These findings have several implications for understanding how relationships can be maintained over time. First, they suggest that effective communication is critical for sustaining sexual satisfaction and alignment between partners. Second, they highlight the importance of continued investment in communication skills as relationships age.
They underscore the need for couples to actively work to strengthen their communication skills throughout their relationship.
This study provides valuable insight into how relational communication skills predict sexual satisfaction and alignment over decades. The findings suggest that effective communication is essential for maintaining sexual satisfaction and alignment between partners. Future research should explore other factors that may impact these outcomes, such as gender differences or relationship duration.
More longitudinal studies are needed to understand how relational communication skills impact sexual satisfaction and alignment across different stages of the lifespan.
How do relational communication skills predict sexual satisfaction and alignment over decades?
Relationships require effective communication skills to remain satisfied over time. Relational communication skills involve understanding one's partner's needs and expressing those needs effectively. Research suggests that couples with higher levels of relational communication skills tend to be more sexually satisfied and aligned over time than those with lower levels (e. g. , Schmitt et al. , 2017).