Emotional control, self-efficacy and social support as predictors of intimate relationship satisfaction among dating partners

Abstract

The study examined emotional control, self-efficacy and social support as predictors of intimate relationship satisfaction among dating partners using a total of two hundred and seventy (270) participants drawn conveniently from Ado Ekiti metropolis. Four standardized measures were used for data collection. They are: Emotional Control Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, and the Adult Attachment Scale. Three hypotheses were tested using both the Regression Analysis and the Analysis of Variance and results revealed that emotional control does not predict intimate relationship satisfaction among dating partners{F (2,267) = .002; P>.05}. It was also found out that self-efficacy does not have any significant influence on intimate relationship satisfaction among dating partners {F (1,268) = .024; P>.05}. Findings however revealed that social support significantly predicts intimate relationship satisfaction among dating partners {F (3,266) = .574; P<.05}. These findings were discussed in light of existing literature and theories and it is recommended that friends, families and dating partners themselves should endeavor to always exhibit supportive behaviors to strengthen partner relationships and engender relational satisfaction.