Testing Trust as a Moderator of the Romantic Relationship Stress-Relationship Satisfaction Association in Long-Distance Relationships

Abstract

While being in a romantic relationship can relate to health and relationship benefits, individuals in romantic relationships can experience high rates of romantic relationship stress. The literature has highlighted trust influencing stress and satisfaction within romantic relationships. Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are increasing in prevalence and cultural significance, and trust may be vital in LDR. The current study examined trust as a moderator of the romantic relationship stress-relationship satisfaction association, within a sample of individuals in LDR, using the stress-buffering hypothesis as a theoretical framework. The PROCESS macro in SPSS tested the proposed moderation, and sample demographics and associations between key study variables were reported. The current sample was composed of 231 individuals. These individuals were predominantly female, white, and college-aged (M = 22.32 years old). High levels of romantic relationship stress were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Trust was supported as a moderator, but in an unexpected direction: As trust increased, the negative association between romantic relationship stress and relationship satisfaction strengthened. Future research would benefit from examining causal factors and additional potential moderating variables in related models within diverse samples of individuals in LDR. Clinicians working with clients in LDR may aid their treatment planning through tailored stress-management skills and building trust through evidence-based interventions.