Which statement best differentiates internal and external factors that influence relationship satisfaction?

• A. Internal factors include communication, compatibility, and attachment; external factors include finances, children, job stress, and social support networks.
• B. Internal factors include finances; external factors include attachment.
• C. Internal factors include finances and children.
• D. Internal factors include social support networks; external factors include compatibility.

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing internal relationship processes from external life context is what this item tests. Internal factors are the dynamics that happen within the couple's day-to-day interactions—how you communicate, how compatible you are, and your attachment style or sense of security in the relationship. External factors are things outside the dyad that can affect you both—finances, parenting responsibilities like having children, job-related stress, and the level of social support from friends and family. The best answer captures this clear split: internal factors include communication, compatibility, and attachment; external factors include finances, children, job stress, and social support networks. Other options mix these categories—placing finances or children with internal factors, or labeling attachment or social support as internal—which doesn’t reflect the outside-within distinction that shapes relationship satisfaction.