Extreme long-distance relationships and the role of idealisation: a mixed methods study exploring the predictors of relationship satisfaction in extreme long-distance relationships

Long distance relationships are becoming an increasingly regular occurrence in recent years, as advances in online communication have enabled streamlined day-to-day communication between couples residing in separate geographical locations. Mixed methods approach investigates “extreme long distance relationships” and aims to assess the role that distance plays on long distance relationships in regards to Relationship-Satisfaction, Idealisation, Trust, Love and Online Communication.

An online survey recorded 304 participants from three separate distance groups (Extreme, Moderate & Geographically Close) to compare scores between groups and investigate the predictors of Relationship- Satisfaction in each group. Idealisation, Trust, Love and Online Communication were found to be significantly higher in the Extreme distance group compared to the Geographically Close group. Love and Trust were found to be significantly higher in the Moderate distance group compared to the Geographically Close group. Idealisation and Love were found to predict Relationship-Satisfaction in the Extreme Distance Group. Love was found to predict Relationship-Satisfaction in the Moderate Distance Group. Idealisation and Love were found to predict Relationship-Satisfaction in Geographically Close Relationships.

4 Participants were interviewed using IPA, and four main themes were found; ‘Preventing Solutions / Causing Conflict’, ‘Adjusting to the Distance’, ‘Virtual Presence’ and ‘Hopes and Fears about Cohabitation’. Results are discussed and attempts are made to integrate the quantitative and qualitative results.