Sources of Satisfaction and Conflict in Long-Term Relationships

In regard to nine relationships of 52 subjects, 15 sources of satisfaction and 15 sources of conflict were rated. Three clear satisfaction factors emerged, and there were two conflict factors. There was some evidence for universal sources ofsatisfaction-the shared-interests factor, although this was low for neighbors. Spouse was in a class by itself, with the highest scores on all three satisfaction and both conflict factors. The ratio of conflict to satisfaction was greater for all the less voluntary relationships and for the lower status relationship. A number of age and sex differences appeared. The implications for exchange theory are discussed.