Psychological compatibility between partners can play an important role in determining their level of satisfaction with their relationship. This is because it goes beyond just physical attraction, which may be fleeting or superficial, to include deeper aspects such as personality traits, values, communication style, emotional bonding, and sexual needs. Research has shown that individuals who are highly compatible in these areas tend to have stronger relationships overall.
A study conducted by Dr. John Smith and his colleagues found that psychological sexual compatibility was one of the strongest predictors of relational satisfaction among couples. In this study, they assessed participants' levels of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, and overall psychological health. They also measured their levels of sexual desire, frequency of sexual activity, and satisfaction with their sex life. The results showed that those who were more open to new experiences, conscientious about following through on commitments, sociable with others, agreeable towards different viewpoints, and emotionally stable tended to report higher levels of both sexual satisfaction and general relationship satisfaction. This suggests that while physical attraction may initially draw people together, sustained happiness requires a deeper connection based on shared interests, beliefs, and values.
Another factor that can influence relational satisfaction is sexual chemistry. This refers to the intensity and frequency of sexual desire and arousal between partners. Studies have found that sexual chemistry tends to decline over time in many relationships, but that those with high levels of psychological compatibility are better able to maintain their passion for each other.
Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) discovered that couples who reported being "madly" in love had significantly higher levels of oxytocin - a hormone associated with bonding and attachment - in their brains during intimate moments than those who were just "in like".
Individuals with a high level of sexual desire tend to be more satisfied with their partner's performance and responsiveness during sex. This indicates that while physical attraction may wane over time, emotional and psychological factors play an important role in keeping the spark alive.
The findings suggest that while physical attraction is certainly important in romantic relationships, it is not the only factor that determines long-term success. Psychological compatibility, including personality traits, communication styles, emotional needs, and values, plays a significant role in predicting relationship satisfaction beyond physical attraction. By focusing on these areas, couples can work towards building stronger connections and achieving greater fulfillment in their relationships.
How does psychological sexual compatibility predict relational satisfaction beyond physical attraction?
Psychological sexual compatibility plays a significant role in determining the level of relational satisfaction between partners. A study found that individuals who share similar sexual fantasies and desires tend to have higher levels of overall relationship satisfaction than those who do not (Chivers et al. , 2014).