Abstract:
Romanic relationships in Lebanon are embedded in patriarchal social structures that
manifest themselves in various relational dimensions (Alami, 2021; Allouche, 2019;
Joseph, 1993; Oghia, 2012; Tlaiss, 2022). The present study explored predictors of
relationship satisfaction in heterosexual couples residing in Lebanon, including gendered
dynamics such as gender role attitude incongruence, division of labor inequality, as well
as relationship problems and communication quality. It was hypothesized that
incongruent gender role attitudes, unequal division of labor, and relationship problems
will negatively predict relationship satisfaction, but that positive communication quality
will turn out to be a positive predictor. In addition, positive communication quality was
expected to buffer the influence of negative predictors on relationship satisfaction. The
sample included 103 couples who have been together for at least six months. Participants
filled out an online survey measuring the variables of interest along with various
sociodemographic characteristics.
Contrary to expectations, attitudinal incongruence towards gender roles and inequality in
the division of labor did not correlate with relationship satisfaction. As a result, a
hierarchical multiple regression was conducted with relationship satisfaction as outcome,
and couples’ average age and education as well as relationship problems and
communication quality as predictors. Furthermore, the mediation effect of
communication quality on the negative association between relationship problems and
relationship satisfaction was examined. Relationship problems were found to be a
negative predictor of relationship satisfaction, while positive communication quality
emerged as a positive predictor. Additionally, positive communication partially mediated
the relationship between problems and satisfaction, buffering against the negative impact
of relationship problems on relationship satisfaction. Accordingly, implications of these
findings, considerations for the limitations, and suggestions for future research, are
discussed.
