Tactics of investment in couple relationship and their impact on relationship satisfaction

Abstract This is a comprehensive study that aimed at identifying the effective tactics for investment in couple relationships and included the following three phases. (a) A preliminary qualitative project that collected potential ways to invest in couple relationships. (b) We identified 46 ways to invest in relationships and grouped them into six tactics using EFA, and then we validated a relational investment tactics scale. The six tactics are (1) emotional gestures, (2) material gestures, (3) personal space, (4) physical attractiveness and sex, (5) shared activities, and (6) help the partner's family and friends. (c) Finally, we evaluated the frequency of use of each of the 46 ways of relational investment among 483 respondents. Findings show that respondents who provide emotional and material gestures are involved in shared activities with their partner and help their partner's family and friends report higher marital satisfaction. We propose several practical implications based on these results.