Gestalt Contact Disturbances and Invalidating Childhood Environments in Predicting Romantic Relationship Satisfaction

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine whether Gestalt contact disturbances and childhood invalidating environments predict romantic relationship satisfaction. A total of 478 individuals, 333 females and 145 males, between the ages of 18 and 72 years (average age around 32), participated in the study. Data were collected using the Relationship Satisfaction Scale, the Gestalt Contact Disturbances Scale, and the Childhood Invalidating Environments Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used in the analysis of the data. The research results reveal significant relationships between the sub-dimensions of Gestalt contact disturbances and romantic relationship satisfaction. A moderately significant negative relationship was found between the childhood invalidating environments (mother and father) and romantic relationship satisfaction. As a result of the regression analysis, it was concluded that the sub-dimension of Gestalt contact disturbances (namely full contact) and the childhood invalidating environments (mother and father), predicted romantic relationship satisfaction.

Keywords

• Romantic relationship satisfaction
• Gestalt contact disturbances
• invalidating childhood environment
• childhood experiences
• Gestalt.

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