DYADIC ADJUSTMENT AND SENSATION SEEKING COMPATIBILITY

The purpose of the present study was to investigate individual differences in sensation seeking and dyadic adjustment. One hundred and two married and unmarried couples, of different ages, served as subjects. They were administered the Sensation Seeking Scale V and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, which is designed to measure the quality of relationships. The data reveal that a disparity in sensation seeking needs among couples correlates negatively with relationship satisfaction regardless of the specific nature of their relationship (married, cohabiting or dating) and number of years they have been together. It is proposed that a match in optimal arousal motivation is an important variable that attracts partners to each other and also a major determinant of long term relationship satisfaction. © 1991.