The Role of Parental Acceptance, Self-Differentiation and Couple Caregiving in Relationship Satisfaction

Recent studies have shown that sexual satisfaction tends to affect intimate relationship's happiness and durability, hence focusing on sexual dissatisfaction in couple therapy has had an important part in stabilizing relationships at risk (Fife, Stewart, & Hawkins, 2020). Furthermore, dealing with a different perception of infidelity between couples in committed relationships was found to be a major factor in leading many married couples to divorce (Atkins, Marín, Lo, Klann, & Hahlweg, 2010). Previous studies suggested that personality characteristics like narcissistic traits affect both sexual satisfaction and perception of infidelity (Clayton, 2014; Kurpisz et al., 2016). Along with the association with personality traits, studies found both sexual satisfaction and perception of infidelity associated with couple characteristics such as intimacy and couple caregiving (Feeney & Collins, 2003). The current study is aimed at examining the contribution of narcissistic personality traits, couple caregiving, and intimacy to sexual satisfaction and perception of infidelity. 

Method

Participants: 121 heterosexual couples in the age range of 23-42, married or cohabitated at least for 3 years. The participants answered online 6 questionnaires via Qualtrics program: Brief – PNI (Schoenleber et al., 2015) assessing narcissistic personality traits; GMSEX (Lawrance & Byers, 1995) assessing sexual satisfaction; ATI assessing perception of infidelity (Whatley, 2008); PAIR (Schaefer & Olson, 1981) assessing levels of intimacy; CQ (Kunce & Shaver, 1994) assessing Couple Caregiving; CTQ (Bernstein et al., 1997) assessing adults' reflection of childhood experiences of abuse.

Results

The first hypothesis, which postulated a positive association between narcissistic personality traits and sexual satisfaction, was not confirmed. Although, the regression equation indicated an association between vulnerable narcissism and sexual satisfaction. The second hypothesis that postulated a negative correlation between narcissistic personality traits and intimacy was fully confirmed. The third hypothesis, which posited a positive correlation between intimacy and responsive caregiving and sexual satisfaction, was fully confirmed. The fourth hypothesis, which postulated a positive correlation between narcissistic personality traits and perception of infidelity was partially confirmed, hence the regression equation indicated that vulnerable narcissistic traits contribute to perceptions of infidelity. The fifth hypothesis which assumed that intimacy and couple caregiving mediates the negative correlation between narcissistic personality traits and perception of infidelity was partially confirmed. Couple caregiving mediated between narcissistic personality traits and perception of infidelity, although intimacy did not mediate this association. The Sixth hypothesis which assumed that intimacy and couple caregiving mediates the negative correlation between narcissistic personality traits and sexual satisfaction was confirmed. The Seventh hypothesis that postulated a difference between genders regarding the associations between intimacy, couple caregiving, sexual satisfaction, and perceptions of infidelity was partially confirmed. A difference between men and women was found regarding the relationship of intimacy and sexual satisfaction, although no difference was found in the associations between couple caregiving, intimacy, and perception of infidelity.  

Conclusion

The examination of the research model indicated that the contribution of vulnerable narcissism to sexual satisfaction and perceptions of infidelity was mediated by intimacy and couple caregiving. The contribution of vulnerable narcissism contradicted previous studies that focused on the contribution of grandiose characteristics. We assumed that the contribution made by the vulnerable narcissism to perceptions of infidelity is related to their tendency for revenge when they suffer hurtful experiences. The Findings showing that this association was mediated by intimacy and couple caregiving, support our argument that narcissistic personality traits may have implications on significant aspects in an intimate relationship. Finally, the difference found between couples regarding the association of intimacy, couple caregiving, and sexual satisfaction can indicate that contrary to the common opinion, men do ascribe importance to these matters in assessing their sexual satisfaction.

Contribution

The findings in this study constitute a significant contribution on both the theoretical and clinical aspects. Theoretically, they provide important information regarding the contribution of vulnerable narcissistic characteristics to sexual satisfaction and perceptions of infidelity, and by indicating that the associations of intimacy, couple caregiving, and sexual satisfaction differ between men and women. On the clinical level, the study findings may help develop therapeutic interventions for couples experiencing difficulties due to infidelity or sexual dissatisfaction by focusing on dynamics in their relationship, such as levels of intimacy and couple caregiving.