Factors associated with sexual satisfaction in mixed-sex long-distance and geographically close relationships

Previous research indicates that relationship maintenance behaviours are linked to relationship satisfaction. This study investigated the extent to which six relationship maintenance behaviours and nine sexual maintenance behaviours contribute to relationship and sexual satisfaction in long-distance relationships (LDRs) and geographically close relationships (GCRs). Based on online survey data, all of the relationship maintenance behaviours and sexual maintenance behaviours were positively correlated with satisfaction. Four of the relationship maintenance behaviours were uniquely associated with relationship satisfaction. Two of the sexual maintenance behaviours were uniquely associated with satisfaction outcomes. Neither gender nor relationship type moderated any associations. These results suggest the relationship maintenance framework should be expanded to include sexual behaviours and that relationship maintenance behaviours can also be considered as sexual maintenance behaviours.