biostudies-literatureRizzo Mthe Italian Ministry of University and Research - MUR NextGenerationEU1730https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12730133biostudies-literatureUnknown15(12)Romantic relationship satisfaction is widely recognized as a foundational contributor to both psychological and physical well-being. However, research on its association with other key constructs, such as body appreciation, sexual esteem and sexual assertiveness, is still lacking, especially in reference to romantic relationships. The present study investigates the interplay between body appreciation, sexual esteem, and sexual assertiveness, and their combined influence on relationship satisfaction in individuals in heterosexual relationships in Italy. Participants were 473 adults (50.1% men, 49.7% women, 0.2% other; age range 18-49). Structural equation modeling revealed that while body appreciation was indirectly associated with sexual assertiveness, it significantly predicted sexual estBehavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships: The Role of Body Appreciation, Sexual Esteem and Sexual Assertiveness.PMC12730133B53D23019650006Grano CRollero CDonizzetti ARRizzo MMatera CNerini ACaso DfalseSatisfaction in Romantic Relationships: The Role of Body Appreciation, Sexual Esteem and Sexual Assertiveness.Romantic relationship satisfaction is widely recognized as a foundational contributor to both psychological and physical well-being. However, research on its association with other key constructs, such as body appreciation, sexual esteem and sexual assertiveness, is still lacking, especially in reference to romantic relationships. The present study investigates the interplay between body appreciation, sexual esteem, and sexual assertiveness, and their combined influence on relationship satisfaction in individuals in heterosexual relationships in Italy. Participants were 473 adults (50.1% men, 49.7% women, 0.2% other; age range 18-49). Structural equation modeling revealed that while body appreciation was indirectly associated with sexual assertiveness, it significantly predicted sexual est2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Dec2026-05-28T03:19:44.433Z2026-05-28T03:07:45.863ZS-EPMC127301334146407310.3390/bs15121730