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

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.