Predictors of relationship quality and maintenance among Australian couples: a cross-sectional study

There is a dearth of Australian literature regarding relationship quality and maintenance. Understanding both of these, and the factors likely to influence them, is important for practitioners seeking to best meet the needs of Australian couples. This paper reports a cross-sectional study examining relationship quality and maintenance. Analyzing survey data on long-term Australian couple relationships (n = 412), we found that relationship quality was strongly associated with the duration of the relationship and whether children lived in the home. Relationship maintenance, consisting of practices conducive to relationship happiness, was associated more strongly with those in relationships of 1–5 years than with longer-term dyads. The findings provide insights into practices that are connected to relationship satisfaction and well-being.