Examining the Impact of Turkish Couples’ Intimacy Levels in Romantic Relationship on Children’s Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ekmel Gecer,Murat Yildirim,Hatice Kubra Tongar,Kubra Baysal,Muslu Kazim Korez,Omer Akgul,Lutfiye Sogutlu,Enise Akgul

doi:10.29333/ejgm/11875

Abstract

Intimacy refers to closeness and an expressive and personal romantic relationship between couples/partners. More importantly, intimacy in romantic relationships is known to influence children’s well-being and mental health. Couples who suffer from a lack of intimacy in their relationship are more vulnerable to psychophysiological disorders, depression and other non-psychiatric disorders and these disorders may have an impact on the children living with them. Under today’s circumstances, little is known about the link of intimacy in romantic relationships with children’s anxiety particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between intimacy in romantic and children’s anxiety levels during COVID-19 disease. Participants were 12,126 Turkish couples (mean age=35.27±5.37) who completed the intimacy in romantic relationship scale and state-trait anxiety inventory for children online. Socio-demographic data form was created to measures variables such as age, gender, and the COVID-19 experiences. The results suggest that single couples were found to have a better romantic relationship than married couples. Self-disclosure, physical attraction, support, and trust were found to be related to anxiety levels of children. This pattern of results highlights the importance of intimacy in a romantic relationship on children anxiety levels in the face of adversity which have important implications for research and practice.

Highlights

Intimacy is defined as closeness, similarity, an emotional and personal romantic relationship that require comprehension of the individual [1]
Couples who suffer from a lack of intimacy in their relationship are more vulnerable to psychophysiological disorders, depression, and other non-psychiatric disorders [6,10,11]
A study conducted in Austria during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that the quality of the relationship between couples is significantly related to psychological well-being

Summary

Introduction

Intimacy is defined as closeness, similarity, an emotional and personal romantic relationship that require comprehension of the individual [1]. The meaning of intimacy may vary according to age, gender, education, and culture, it comprises various dimensions including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, timewise, communicational, social, intellectual, and spiritual [2]. The level of experienced intimacy in the relationships significantly influence individuals’ social development and adoption [3,4], mental and physical health [5]. Intimacy contributes to the relationship of couples and helping them to cope with daily pressures and stress [4,6] and increases their harmony and satisfaction with sexual experiences [7-9]. Couples who suffer from a lack of intimacy in their relationship are more vulnerable to psychophysiological disorders, depression, and other non-psychiatric disorders [6,10,11]. A lack of satisfaction in an intimate relationship between couples is one of the most important reasons that push people to get psychotherapy [13] and is a ground for divorce [2,14]

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