Gender Differences in Romantic Relationship Satisfaction: A Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract

The literature on male–female differences in relationship satisfaction has produced inconsistent results regarding the strength and direction of this relationship. To address this issue, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine the direction and magnitude of gender differences in romantic relationship satisfaction. Systematic review and meta-analysis was reached 548 studies by literature search. Then, the inclusion criteria were considered and meta-analysis was performed with 95 effect sizes for 67 independent studies that met the criteria. These studies included a total of 289.708 participants (163.058 female and 126.650 male). Meta-analysis indicated that romantic relationship satisfaction did not differ significantly according to gender [k = 95, d = -.007, %95GA (-.03, .02), p > .05]. The culture was found to have no moderator effect between sex and relationship satisfaction [Qb(1) = .003, p > .05]. In the light of all these findings; it can be said that the romantic relationship satisfaction levels of women and men are similar to each other. The findings of the study were discussed with the related literature and the limitations and suggestions were presented.