RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION - IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCES FOR WOMENS EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND TREATMENT

This study uses feminist theory to examine the variables of relationsh ip length and relationship satisfaction as predicators of both self-es teem and emotional functioning for women. Using a national sample of d ata gathered from 1,257 female survey respondents this study found sig nificant relationships between emotional functioning, self-esteem, and self-reported relationship satisfaction which was supported by regres sion testing and path analysis. In addition, a significant negative re lationship was noted between a woman's self-esteem and her with-holdin g of verbalized displeasure or disagreement with her partner. Implicat ions for women in therapy were discussed.