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Romantic Love Communication: Examination of Equity and Effects on Relational, Sexual, and Communication Satisfaction

Williams, Michele L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1332191567

Abstract Details

2012, PHD, Kent State University, College of Communication and Information / School of Communication Studies.
Many couples are not satisfied in their relationships and are looking for ways to communicate better in order to avoid the devastating effects of divorce. One way for couples to improve their satisfaction is to learn how to communicate their love for one another effectively and equitably. This study identifies the means by which individuals communicate romantic love and explores the effect these behaviors have on relational, sexual, and communication satisfaction using equity theory as the framework. Through an extensive study of relevant literature, a clear conceptualization and preliminary measurement of romantic love was created. Five hundred heterosexual married individuals were surveyed through an online questionnaire. Survey instruments measured both the individual’s use of romantic love communication behaviors (RLCB) as well as his/her perception of their partner’s use. In addition, measures of relational equity, romantic love communication behavior equity, marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and communication satisfaction were included. The results provided support that Relational Equitability predicts RLCB use; RLCB use predicts Relational, Sexual, and Communication Satisfaction; and RLCB Equitability predicts Relational, Sexual, and Communication Satisfaction for underbenefited individuals, but only Communication Satisfaction for overbenefited individuals. The dissertation offers a valuable contribution to the literature on romantic love by providing a typology of romantic love communication behaviors rooted in theory. In addition it provides a clearer understanding of the relationships between romantic love communication behaviors, equity theory, and relational outcomes (relational, sexual, and communication satisfaction). This study has shown the positive effect that romantic love communication behaviors have on Relational, Sexual, and Communication Satisfaction as well as the importance of an equitable exchange of such behaviors. Because results support the idea that romantic love communication behaviors have the potential to increase relational, sexual, and communication satisfaction, the findings have potential to improve the quality of marriages. As research continues to grow in this area, scholars, counselors, and couples alike will have a greater understanding of the complex nature of love, how it is communicated, and how to apply this knowledge to one’s own relationships to assist in sustaining a longer and more fulfilling relationship.
Nichole Egbert, PhD (Committee Chair)
Mei-Chen Lin, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
Kristen Mickelson, PhD (Committee Member)
Jeff Child, PhD (Committee Member)
208 p.
Communication
Romantic Love Communication; Relational Satisfaction; Sexual Satisfaction; Communication Satisfaction; Equity Theory

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Williams, M. L. (2012). Romantic Love Communication: Examination of Equity and Effects on Relational, Sexual, and Communication Satisfaction [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1332191567

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Williams, Michele. Romantic Love Communication: Examination of Equity and Effects on Relational, Sexual, and Communication Satisfaction. 2012. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1332191567.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Williams, Michele. "Romantic Love Communication: Examination of Equity and Effects on Relational, Sexual, and Communication Satisfaction." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1332191567

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1332191567
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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.