Dyadic associations and prediction of maternal and paternal sexual satisfaction in couples–Findings from an 18-year longitudinal study

Background

: Sexual satisfaction is one of many crucial factors for the long-term success of romantic relationships. Longitudinal studies examining the dyadic associations between maternal and paternal factors in middle adulthood for predicting sexual satisfaction in later adulthood are scarce.

Method

The German longitudinal intervention study "Future Family” followed families with at least one child over 18-years (Pre: N = 477, mothers: M = 35.2 years, fathers: M = 38.8 years, children: M = 4.1 years). At the time of the 18-year follow-up, N = 150 mothers (M = 54.1 years) were still living together with the biological fathers (M = 56.1 years; mean relationship duration: 32 years). Dyadic associations between individual and dyadic factors at Pre were analyzed with Actor-Partner Interdependence models to predict sexual satisfaction 18 years later.

Results

Higher relationship quality was significantly associated with higher levels of one's own sexual satisfaction 18 years later. Higher levels of maternal and paternal mental health problems were linked to lower levels of sexual satisfaction in both the individual themselves and their partner. General life satisfaction of mothers and fathers only predicted their own sexual satisfaction. The model for dysfunctional parenting yielded no significant effects.

Conclusions

The results indicate that relationship quality, mental health problems, and general life satisfaction of both parents could be starting points for preventive and therapeutic interventions to achieve long-term effects in sexual satisfaction in married couples.