Long Distance versus Geographically Close Romantic Relationships: Comparing Satisfaction, Costs, and Benefits

Principal Author
Alyssa P. Kopecki
Graduate Student

Co-Author(s)
John M. Davis, Azucena Mayberry, Randall E. Osborne

Abstract

Long-distance romantic relationships can be stressful, sometimes with little chance for physical contact. This study explores the differences in the way people view costs and benefits of their relationship, as well as the difference in relationship satisfaction between long distance and geographically close romantic relationships. Social exchange theory states that people gain both costs and benefits from their relationships, and this helps them decide which relationships to keep (Collett, 2010). Research on long distance compared to close relationships in this context has been lacking. In addition, there are conflicting reports on whether both relationship types have similar levels of satisfaction (Roberts & Pistole, 2009), or if long-distance relationships produce lower satisfaction (Van Horn et al., 1997). Participants (N = 366) were undergraduate students in romantic relationships. The independent variables were sex of participant and type of relationship. The dependent variables were relationship satisfaction and importance of costs and benefits in the relationship. We used a 2×2 MANOVA to test the difference in relationship type and gender on terms of relationship satisfaction, and perceived costs and benefits importance. There was no observed main effect of relationship type or interaction. There was a significant main effect of gender, and the follow-up ANOVA indicated a significant difference in gender for perceived benefits importance, F(1, 334)= 12.62, p < .001, η2 = .036. Results indicated similar relationship satisfaction between relationship types, as has been found in more current research (Lee & Pistole, 2012) and in contrast to older studies (Van Horn et al., 1997).