Love exchange and relationship satisfaction among same-sex couples: an actor-partner interdependence model

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the assumptions of Interdependence Theory and the Theory of Social Exchange on the role of love exchange in relationship satisfaction in same-sex couples. We used an actor-partner interdependence model to examine four different effects on relationship satisfaction: (1.) Personal expression of love – actor effect; (2.) Personal expression of love – partner effect; (3.) Partner’s expression of love – actor effect; and (4.) Partner’s expression of love – partner effect. The sample included a total of 50 gay and 50 lesbian couples from Serbia (Mage = 26.65, SD = 7.66). The results yielded that significant predictors of relationship satisfaction are how a person expresses love, how he/she perceived partner’s expression of love, and how their partner perceived how he/she expresses love. We also found that the partner’s personal expression of love was not a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction. The same predictors are significant for both gay and lesbian couples. This study indicates that a complex dyadic approach is needed when examining the role of the love expression in relationship satisfaction among same-sex couples.