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Relationship Satisfaction: Impact and Consequences for Women's Emotional Health and Treatment

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Abstract

This study uses feminist theory to examine the variables of relationship length and relationship satisfaction as predicators of both self-esteem and emotional functioning for women. Using a national sample of data gathered from 1,257 female survey respondents this study found significant relationships between emotional functioning, self-esteem, and self-reported relationship satisfaction which was supported by regression testing and path analysis. In addition, a significant negative relationship was noted between a woman's self-esteem and her with-holding of verbalized displeasure or disagreement with her partner. Implications for women in therapy were discussed.

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Wright, C.I., Busby, D.M. Relationship Satisfaction: Impact and Consequences for Women's Emotional Health and Treatment. Contemporary Family Therapy 19, 443–460 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026176412844

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