Predicting couple satisfaction: the role of differentiation of self, sexual desire and intimacy in heterosexual individuals

Abstract

Differentiation of self – the ability to emotionally self-regulate and to maintain a sense of autonomy within a deep intimate relationship – has been proposed as a relevant factor in couple satisfaction, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Sexual desire and intimacy have recently drawn increased attention due to the proposal that some of the relational benefits of long-term intimacy (e.g., predictability) might be detrimental to desire and satisfaction. This study aimed to test a model illustrating the role played by differentiation of self in couple satisfaction through the underlying mechanisms of sexual desire and intimacy, in a survey of 428 heterosexual individuals. The findings supported the proposed model, suggesting that differentiation of self is a predictor of desire, intimacy and couple satisfaction. Desire mediated the association between differentiation and couple satisfaction, and also the association between differentiation and intimacy. Intimacy mediated the association between desire and satisfaction. The model was sustained for women, but a different mechanism was found for men. The results provide support for the close association between intimacy, sexual desire and satisfaction, while suggesting that differentiation of self has a fundamental role in sexual desire, intimacy and couple satisfaction.

Keywords:

• differentiation of self
• intimacy
• sexual desire
• couple satisfaction

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology [grant number SFRH/BD/61853/2009].

Notes on contributors

Luana Cunha Ferreira

Luana Cunha Ferreira (PhD) is a clinical psychologist and received her doctorate from University of Lisbon and University of Coimbra (Portugal) with a mixed method investigation of intimacy, sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples. She is currently researching couple processes at the Faculty of Psychology of University of Lisbon, and providing family and couple therapy in private and third-sector practice. She is a member of the International Academy of Sex Research.

Isabel Narciso

Isabel Narciso (PhD) is an associate professor in clinical systemic psychology at Faculty of Psychology (University of Lisbon), currently researching couple processes with a focus on intimacy and couple identity.

Rosa Ferreira Novo

Rosa Ferreira Novo (PhD) is an associate professor in psychological evaluation at Faculty of Psychology (University of Lisbon).

Cícero Roberto Pereira

Cicero Roberto Pereira (PhD) is a social psychologist and researcher at Institute of Social Sciences (University of Lisbon). He researches prejudice processes and the application of statistical models to measurement theory and the test of theoretical models.