Abstract
Framed in social exchange theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate differences in relationship factors between virgins and non-virgins who are currently in romantic relationships. Data from 134 participants, 67 virgins matched with 67 non-virgins, were analyzed to determine differences in couple conflict level and management, communication, and relationship satisfaction. Results from a series of analyses of variance indicated that virgins and non-virgins differed only on 3 of 13 relationship constructs: psychological aggression, argumentativeness, and constructive communication. Specifically, non-virgins reported higher levels of psychological aggression and more arguments than did virgins, whereas virgins reported using more constructive communication than did non-virgins. In general, correlations between indicators of conflict and communication with relationship satisfaction were in the expected direction, with higher levels of communication and lower levels of conflict being associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction. Testing the differences between correlations among conflict, communication, and satisfaction revealed four differences—a stronger correlation between physical assault and both relationship fulfillment and happiness, negativity and relationship contentment, and constructive communication and relationship contentment for the virgins compared with non-virgins. Limitations and implications are discussed, focusing on the need for continued research that explores the effect of virginity status on relationship factors.
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