Weaving Bonds: Constructing a Model to Unveil the Role of Relationship Memories in Satisfaction

Abstract

Relationship satisfaction is closely tied to various characteristics of recollected past events within romantic relationships. However, our understanding of how distinct characteristics of these memories, individually and collectively are related to satisfaction remains limited. This study aimed to explore the associations between these characteristics and examine their role in relationship satisfaction. Participants recalled two memories from their relationships and rated the memory characteristics. The results revealed relationships between event characteristics and both rehearsal and recollection. Yet, rehearsal did not mediate the relationship between event characteristics and recollection. When relationship satisfaction was incorporated into the model, negative events marked by high emotion and personal significance, were related to increased rehearsal frequency, which in turn was associated with lower relationship satisfaction. However, personally significant negative events also enhanced recollective features, which heightened relationship satisfaction. These findings highlight the crucial role of relationship memories in relationship satisfaction, especially for the negative events.