Social Anxiety and Relationship Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Perceived Partner Attractiveness

This study examines whether perceived partner attractiveness (PPA) mediates the association between social anxiety (SA) and relationship satisfaction. Participants were cohabiting individuals in committed romantic relationships who completed a 21-day daily diary protocol. Each evening, they reported on their daily levels of SA, perceived partner attractiveness, and relationship satisfaction. We hypothesize that higher SA will be associated with lower PPA and lower relationship satisfaction, and that PPA will partially mediate the association between SA and satisfaction.