Correlates of disappointment in a relationship of generations X, Y, Z: behavioural inhibition/activation system and sense of coherence

Objectives The issue of mutual references, relationships and their quality is the centre of studies dealing with marriage and family. Fertility decline, increased number of divorces, increased expectations related to interpersonal relationships and at the same time a decline in the ability to establish and maintain such have been observed over the years by experts in various disciplines. Numerous attempts are made to define aspects of a successful relationship as one of the criteria for a fulfilling life. This study aims to explore the correlates of disappointment in a relationship among people from different generations (X, Y and Z). Material and methods 595 people participated in the research, including 102 born between 1960 and 1975; 273 born between 1976 and 1996, and 220 born between 1997 and 2012. The correlates of relationship disappointment included temperamental ones, measured by the IPIP BIS/BAS questionnaire, and those related to life orientation, measured with the SOC-29 scale. The Good Marriage Questionnaire (KDM-2) was used to measure the quality of the relationship and assess the variable analysed. Results In terms of the analysed variables, people from generations X Y and Z differ. Generation Z has the lowest tendency to work on and care for the relationship, the least close bond between partners and the lowest belief in mutual love, as well as the highest anxiety and the lowest sense of coherence. Conclusions Disappointment with the relationship of members of the youngest generation is not related to their temperamental traits. The sense of coherence acts as a factor that protects relationships in each generation.