Relationship satisfaction and the PAI: Examining stress, psychological distress, aggression, and alcohol use

Using a sample of 147 undergraduate psychology students, we developed a well-fitting structural equation model (SEM) that predicted relationship satisfaction based on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Overall psychological distress, perceived life stress, and aggression predicted poorer relationship satisfaction while dominant interpersonal styles covaried positively with relationship satisfaction. Psychological distress was predictive of life stress and aggression; aggression was also predicted by alcohol use and predicted higher level of borderline traits and more dominant interpersonal styles. Higher life stress predicted greater alcohol use. Implications for treatment are discussed.