Close relationships in perspective of self-construal, closeness and relationship satisfaction

Close relationships are an important part of people's lives because, for their nature, humans need to belong. Existing literature has found that satisfactory relationships are related to increased physical and mental health, well-being, and happiness. On the other hand, breakup, divorce, and loss of a loved one are linked to decreased health outcomes and life satisfaction, and increased stress and depressive symptoms. The current study investigated the relationships between self, self-other interaction, and relationship satisfaction in close relationships of various types (family, friends, partners, etc.). Self-other interaction related factors were perceived closeness, including others in the self (IOS) and personality similarity. Self-concept clarity and self-construal (independent, relational-independent, and interdependent) were self-related factors. Two hundred eighteen individuals (78% women) participated in the study. Results showed that self-other interaction related factors were prominent in predicting relationship satisfaction. Additionally, self-related factors were related to relationship satisfaction. In conclusion, close relationships and self are interwoven, and satisfactory relationships are linked to self-variables and self-related variables.