The effects of feelings of intimacy, perceived partner responsiveness, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder symptoms on relationship satisfaction

The quality of romantic relationships is known to be affecting many areas in people's lives. Research on relationships reveal that especially satisfaction, intimacy, and perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) are critical in these terms. Also, the symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are thought to be another factor that influence the relationships. However, in Turkey studies on ADHD characteristics and its effect on intimate relationships, are quite shallow. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between feelings of intimacy, satisfaction, PPR and ADHD characteristics, based on Turkish couples, and to search the predictive effect of these variables on relationship satisfaction. Data was collected from 205 couples aged between 18-65 years, using the Relationship Satisfaction Scale, the Sternberg Love Triangle Scale, the Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale, and the Self-Reported Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale. Findings show that there is a positive relationship between PPR and satisfaction, PPR and intimacy, intimacy and satisfaction. Partner's ADHD characteristics are negatively related to PPR and satisfaction; yet no relationship was found with intimacy. Finally, even after controlling demographic variables, intimacy and PPR; ADHD characteristics is shown to have predictive effect on relationship satisfaction. Results have been discussed in light of the literature. Keywords: Intimacy, Relationship Satisfaction, Perceived Partner Responsiveness. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder