The link between mate value discrepancy and relationship satisfaction - An empirical examination using response surface analysis

Existing studies on mate value discrepancy and relationship satisfaction often sufferfrom two key limitations: they conceptualize mate value as a single, undifferentiated construct andrely on simple difference scores to model discrepancy effects. The present study addresses theseissues by examining the relationship between mate value discrepancy and relationship satisfactionusing a multidimensional operationalization of mate value and applying response surface analysis.Data were collected in 2016 in Norway via a web-based survey administered by a market researchcompany, with a sample stratified across the country’s 19 counties. The final estimation sample in-cluded 904 individuals currently in romantic relationships. The analysis involved a combination ofconfirmatory factor analysis and response surface analysis. The findings indicate that relationshipsatisfaction is highest when both partners exhibit high levels of family orientation, resourceful-ness, appearance, sociability, and physical condition. Among these, family orientation emergedas the most important dimension. Notably, relationship satisfaction declined when both partnersscored equally low on these traits. Implications for future research and theoretical implications arediscussed.