The influence of parents and friends on satisfaction in the context of life strategies: a representative sample

Close social relationships are among the strongest determinants of subjective well-being. Nevertheless, it remains unclear why some individuals consistently experience higher levels of support or interference from close others than others, and how these differences relate to relationship and life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to test whether these associations can be explained within the framework of life history theory, which assumes stable individual differences in long-term versus short- term orientation and in the level of investment in social, particularly romantic, relationships. A Czech representative sample of adults aged 18-50 years (N = 1 175; 592 women, 583 men) completed measures of life history strategy (Mini-K), perceived social support (MSPSS), interference in romantic relationships (IRRI), relationship satisfaction (RAS), and life satisfaction (SWLS). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, including comparisons between parental and friend contexts and between genders. A slower life history strategy was significantly associated with higher relationship and life satisfaction, with part of this association mediated by higher perceived social support. Interference showed weaker associations and was primarily related to lower relationship satisfaction. The...