Relationship Satisfaction and Shared Physical Activity

The researcher investigated how sharing activity of a physical nature is associated with relationship satisfaction. The association between sharing physical activity with one‟s partner and relationship satisfaction was compared to the relationship satisfaction of individuals who share only non-physical leisure activity with their partners. Differences in the intensity of shared physical activity (low, moderate, vigorous) and relationship to relationship satisfaction were also examined. Using survey research, the study revealed that sharing physical activity was more closely related to higher relationship satisfaction than did sharing leisure activity of a non-physical nature. Intensity level of the shared physical activity was not found to be a predictor of relationship satisfaction, but amount of time spent in shared physical activity was. Women and men who share physical activity with their partners both endorsed significantly higher relationship satisfaction than those who do not share any physical activity. Women‟s overall satisfaction levels were higher than men‟s, including at the highest intensity level of shared physical activity. Discussion highlights suggestions for future research and practice directions for this new aspect of couples interaction