Regretful liaisons: exploring the role of partner regret in the association between sexual and relationship satisfaction.
Regrets over partner selection can negatively influence romantic relationship functioning. It may even undermine stability in otherwise satisfied unions. The present study extends research on partner regret by exploring its several possible links with sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with the relationship as a whole. The authors analyzed data provided by 351 individuals using path analysis. Primary findings indicate that partner regret reduces sexual satisfaction by first depreciating satisfaction with the relationship as a whole. This effect was especially pronounced for parents and women. Implications for assessment and targeted interventions for partner regret are discussed.
a Department of Psychology, Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA , and Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University , Providence , Rhode Island , USA.
Karlene
K
Cunningham
Nicole M
NM
German
Richard E
RE
Mattson
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003075:Coitus / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult