Which of the following is an external factor influencing relationship satisfaction?

• A. Communication quality.
• B. Finances.
• C. Compatibility.
• D. Attachment style.

Answer: (B)

External factors are those that come from outside the couple’s usual relationship dynamics. Finances fit this because money problems, income, debt, and financial stress originate outside how the partners interact daily and can spill over into satisfaction through increased stress, time pressures, and conflict about money. The other options describe internal dynamics: communication quality is about how partners talk to each other, compatibility is about how well their values and lifestyles fit, and attachment style reflects each person’s individual patterns in close relationships. These are internal processes or traits rather than external pressures. So finances is the external factor influencing relationship satisfaction.