Relationship Satisfaction in Long Distance Relationships
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Psychological Science, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Abigail Heller
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
Approximately 25-50% of college students are in a long-distance relationship at any given time and up to 75% report having experienced one (Knox et al., 2002). The prevalence of geographically distanced relationships in emerging adulthood is increasing, potentially placing additional strain on relationship satisfaction and communication. Self-esteem, defined as an individual’s overall evaluation of their own qualities and characteristics (APA Dictionary of Psychology, n.d.), may play an important role in this context. Although research examining the relationship between self-esteem and satisfaction in long-distance relationships is limited, existing research suggests distanced relationships affect psychological well-being. The present study investigates relationship satisfaction among individuals in long-distance relationships, with self-esteem examined as a possible control variable. Emerging adults (N = 41, Mage = 20.47) completed a survey on Qualtrics that measured demographics, relationship distance, relationship satisfaction, and self-esteem. Data collection is ongoing, and results will be presented at the symposium.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Sara; Pattillo, Christine; Kim, Niang; and Pokrifcsak, Liv, "Relationship Satisfaction in Long Distance Relationships" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1135.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1135
