A Comparative Study: The Association of Individual Relationship, Perceived Emotional Intimacy and Relationship Satisfaction

In India, transitioning to adulthood often involves forming long-term romantic relationships, a processcomplicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has disrupted traditional dynamics, leading toincreased stress and emotional distance, which has contributed to rising divorce rates both in India andworldwide. This study explores the relationship between perceived emotional intimacy, individualrelationships, and relationship satisfaction among adults in romantic partnerships while also examininggender differences in these experiences. Utilizing a correlational design, the study involved 60 marriedand unmarried participants aged 21 to 60 from Pune, Maharashtra, India, all in committed relationshipsfor over a year. Standardized questionnaires measured the variables, and simple correlation was usedfor analysis. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between Care (reflecting joyous emotionalintimacy) and Relationship Satisfaction. Conversely, Control (indicating negative aspects of intimacy)showed a negative correlation with Relationship Satisfaction. Additionally, Anxious and Avoidantattachment styles were not found to be primary determinants of satisfaction. Notably, there were nosignificant gender differences in the variables studied, except in perceptions of Control, where distinctdifferences emerged between genders.