Romantic Relationship Quality Research Articles

CD38 genetic variation is associated with increased personal distress to an emotional stimulus

Genetic variation in CD38—a putative oxytocin pathway gene—has been linked to higher oxytocin levels, empathy, and sensitive parenting, but also to more negative interpersonal outcomes (e.g., alienation from friends and family, poorer romantic relationship quality). To reconcile these seemingly contradictory findings, we drew upon the idea that CD38 variation may heighten social-emotional sensitivity and, consequently, make individuals prone to negative emotions in distressing interpersonal situations. To test this hypothesis, we performed a secondary analysis of a dataset including participants’ (n = 171; 94 females) empathic concern (“sympathetic”) and distress-related (“anxious”) responses to an emotional video. Distress responses were higher for the CD38 rs3796863 AA/AC group vs. the CC group (p = 0.03, η2 = 0.027); however, there was no significant effect of genotype for empathic concern responses to the video or for indices of trait empathy. These findings provide preliminary evidence that, in the face of an interpersonal stressor, CD38 genetic variation may predict more self-focused, aversive emotional reactions. More broadly, this finding highlights the need to adopt a more nuanced perspective in which the influence of oxytocin system variation (assessed by oxytocin-related genetic variation) should be considered in light of the social context.

"Can I Have More Than This?" The Role of Romantic Relationship Quality, Maximization Style, and Social Media Addiction in Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms.

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that manifests in the relationship domain, such as romantic relationships. Within romantic relationship, ROCD symptoms could be focused on flaws perceived on the relationship itself (ROCD relationship-centered) or on the partners' quality (ROCD partner-focused). These symptoms are associated with negative relationship outcomes, such as low relationship satisfaction. However, no studies have yet addressed the role of relationship quality in the context of ROCD. Furthermore, previous studies have shown the detrimental role of social media use and maximization style in obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the romantic relational domain; however, the associations with ROCD symptoms have not yet been explored. Thus, this study aimed to close this gap examining the associations between ROCD symptoms (relationship-centered and partner-focused) and relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style. A total of 211 participants currently involved in a romantic relationship (71.1 percent female, mean age = 30.4 ± 11.54 years) participated in the study. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style emerged as being significantly associated with relationship-centered and partner-focused ROCD symptoms. The results highlighted potential risk factors for ROCD symptoms in romantic relationships, namely relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style. These psychological dimensions could be identified as possible targets in the assessment and treatment of ROCD symptoms.

Attachment anxiety and the dark triad increase stalking after breakups of romantic relationships through psychological maltreatment of romantic partners and reactions to breakups.

This study examined whether two personality traits, attachment anxiety, and the Dark Triad, longitudinally promote stalking behaviors after romantic breakups through psychological maltreatment of partners during relationships and maladjusted reactions to breakups. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study across four waves of assessment for 1 year of individuals in romantic relationships in Japan. They completed measures of attachment anxiety, the Dark Triad, need for control, and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration at Wave 1, and measures of maladjusted reactions to breakups (i.e., anger and rumination) and stalking behaviors at a wave after breakups. The final sample consisted of 356 participants who were involved in romantic relationships at Wave 1 and left by their partners during the survey period. Correlational analysis showed that the Dark Triad at Wave 1 was significantly positively associated with future stalking behaviors, but attachment anxiety was not. Structural equation modeling showed that attachment anxiety and the Dark Triad increased future stalking behaviors after breakups through psychological IPV perpetration during relationships. Additionally, attachment anxiety increased future stalking behaviors through higher levels of postbreakup anger and rumination. Conversely, we did not find any indirect effects of the Dark Triad on stalking behaviors through these reactions toward breakups. Overall, these results suggest that it is necessary to consider personality traits that could damage intimate relationships and to focus on the quality of romantic relationships to prevent stalking after romantic breakups. These results also indicate that emotion regulation may be useful in preventing stalking caused by attachment anxiety.

Between closeness and autonomy. The role of self-differentiation in the sexual functioning of young women

Introduction and objective: Despite several studies investigating satisfaction in romantic relationships, researchers are still looking for factors that can explain the longevity of relationships but also provide for the right therapeutic effects for couples experiencing a crisis in their relationship. One of the less empirically explored factors affecting satisfaction in romantic relationships, and especially sexual satisfaction, is the level of differentiation of self. Materials and methods: In order to verify the presented theoretical assumptions, a study was conducted in which a range of variables related to the quality of romantic relationships were introduced, and then their correlation with the level of self-differentiation of young women was analysed. Results: Autonomy, understood as the ability to maintain one’s boundaries, is an aspect of self-differentiation that has a particularly positive impact on the quality of sexual life – on satisfaction and assertiveness, motivation, consciousness, and esteem. Conclusion: The findings of the study provide an important contribution to the knowledge of women’s sexual functioning and, in addition, can be used as guidance for therapeutic effects in the event of difficulties, such as anxiety, lack of motivation or desire, experienced in relationships.

OLDER AGE IS ASSOCIATED WITH MORE COMPLEX PERCEPTIONS OF ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP QUALITY DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate its devastating effects posed unparalleled challenges to romantic relationships. National lockdowns forcing couples to spend long hours in closed quarters were especially straining, yet evidence points to considerable variability in the effect of the pandemic on relationship quality. Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, we examined age differences in perceptions of romantic relationship quality as one source of insight into this variability. During the first lockdown in Israel, 280 adults aged 25-81 reported positive and negative qualities of their romantic relationships. Of these, 105 participants completed the survey again once lockdown restrictions were lifted. Contrary to our hypotheses based on socioemotional selectivity theory, we found no evidence for age differences in the effect of the lockdown on perceptions of relationship quality. In addition, the lockdown did not influence participants’ positive and negative perceptions of their romantic partners. However, we found that whereas people of all ages represent positive and negative qualities of their romantic partners as separate constructs, the negative association between the two is weaker for older adults compared to younger adults during (but not after) the lockdown. This finding suggests that in stressful times, older adults are better able to avoid negative perceptions clouding positive perceptions and see positive aspects of relationships with romantic partners in the face of negative ones. Findings extend evidence for age associations with complex emotional experiences to emotional aspects of interpersonal relationships and may inform potential interventions for improving romantic relationships during stressful times.

Mindfulness, awareness, partner caring, and romantic relationship quality: Structural equation modeling.

Studies investigating the potential structures underlying the connection between mindfulness and romantic relationship quality are not sufficient and require additional empirical findings. The current study aimed to examine a hypothesized model underlying the association between mindfulness and relationship quality, while investigating the roles of individuals' level of awareness and application of care in a romantic relationship among 199 adult participants in a southeastern region of the United States. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis were executed to examine the hypothesized structural model, testing a multi-step pathway as to how mindfulness influences relationship quality. The SEM and path analyses showed a good fit for the present study's hypothesized model, indicating that individuals' mindfulness had a direct influence on their self-awareness level. Individuals' self-awareness and application of care mediated the link between mindfulness and relationship quality. Implications for family life educators, dyadic couples researchers, and marriage and family practitioners are discussed.

Associations between Self-Reported Anatomical Characteristics of the Penis and Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are common male sexual dysfunctions worldwide, causing substantial distress in men as well as their partners and decreasing the quality and stability of romantic relationships. We investigated the associations between the self-reported anatomical characteristics of penises and sexual dysfunctions in an urban sample of Chinese men. We recruited 1085 Chinese urban men aged from 18 to 50 (M = 31.37; SD = 5.52) to fill out an online questionnaire regarding the anatomical characteristics of their penis, as well as early ejaculation and erectile problems via two Chinese online survey platforms. The participants reported their age, height, weight, penile length, penile circumference, circumcision status, and foreskin characteristics as well as answered the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and Checklist for Early Ejaculation Symptoms. Both an increasing penile length (M = 14.49; SD = 2.22) and girth (M = 15.46; SD = 4.36) were associated with fewer early ejaculation problems, but only an increasing penile length was associated with fewer erectile problems. Less foreskin covering the glans of the penis was associated with fewer early ejaculation and erectile problems. Age was found to have a non-linear relationship with early ejaculation and erectile problems in this cross-sectional study. Specifically, early ejaculation problems decreased until a certain age (31), and then increased with further increases in age. The relationship between the anatomical characteristics of the penis and sexual function is complex. Also, the results suggest that there is a curvilinear non-monotonic relationship between age and sexual dysfunction.

The Association Between Autonomy Need Satisfaction and Perceived Romantic Relationship Quality: The Mediating Role of Openness

One of the most critical developmental tasks during the university years is to develop close romantic relationships. The quality of the relationship established is as important as the existence of these relationships. In this study, a model that examines the mediating role of openness in the association of autonomy need satisfaction and perceived romantic relationship quality among emerging adults was tested. The study group consisted of 510 university students. A personal information form, the Fulfillment Scale of the Needs in Romantic Relationships, the Relationship Maintenance Strategies Scale, and the Perceived Romantic Relationship Quality Scale were used to collect data. The initial analyses showed that there were positive and significant correlations between autonomy needs satisfaction, openness, and perceived relationship quality. In addition, the emerging adults whose autonomy needs were met were more open in their close relationships and, as a result, had a higher level of perceived romantic relationship quality.

Relationship quality, COVID stress, and mental health in sexual and gender minority young adults

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, particularly those assigned female at birth (AFAB), have shown poor mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This issue highlights the importance of identifying factors that may promote SGM-AFAB mental health during the pandemic and protect SGM-AFAB individuals against the negative psychological effects of COVID-related stress. Grounded in previous research and theory suggesting that high quality romantic relationships have promotive (i.e., main) and protective (i.e., stress-buffering) effects on partner’s mental health, we explored associations between relationship quality, COVID-related stress, and mental health among SGM-AFAB individuals. Specifically, we tested whether (1) higher relationship quality, as a promotive factor, was directly associated with fewer mental health problems (depressive and anxiety symptoms, problematic alcohol and cannabis use), and (2) relationship quality, as a protective factor, had a stress-buffering effect, reducing the negative effect of COVID stress on mental health within SGM-AFAB young people. Between May 2020-July 2021, 227 SGM-AFAB individuals (ages 19–35; M = 23.5) in current romantic relationships completed measures of pandemic-related stress, relationship quality, depressive and anxious symptoms, and problematic alcohol and cannabis use. As hypothesized, relationship quality was negatively associated with anxious and depressive symptoms and problematic cannabis use. Relationship quality attenuated the positive association between COVID stress and depression, but not the other mental health outcomes. Findings suggest that high-quality romantic relationships may promote mental health and have a stress-buffering effect for depressive symptoms among SGM-AFAB individuals during major society-wide stressors.

Parent-Child Attachment and Romantic Relationship: Is There a Relationship Between Parent-Child Attachment and Young Adults’ Romantic Relationships?

Many researchers have found that the key to future adaptations or maladaptations of children is the attachment they form with their parents (Davies & Sturge-Apple, 2007; Marvin & Britner, 2008). Early research on attachment has highlighted the impact of parent-child attachment continuing across life (Bowlby, 1982). Recent research has shown that insecure attachment during childhood impacts young adults’ attachment with their parents and in turn, impacts different aspects of their lives. However, no or limited studies have explored the direct relationship between attachment styles and young adults’ romantic relationships among Maldivian young adults. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing the relationship between young adult’s parent child attachment, and the quality of romantic relationships among young adults in Higher Education Institutions in the Maldives. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 463 students aged 18 to 28 in higher education institutions in the Maldives. The data were collected using the Perceived Relationship Quality Scale by Fletcher et al. (2000) and the Attachment to Parent/Caregiver Inventory by Hu (2009). The data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and PLS SEM software. The results showed high levels of avoidant attachment with both mother and father among the participants, which was negatively associated with their current romantic relationship quality. In addition, it also showed an association between mother child anxious attachment, father-child anxious attachment, and the romantic relationship quality of young adults. Hence, a direct connection between insecure attachment styles (avoidant attachment and anxious attachment) and low levels of relationship quality was established.

Self-esteem and romantic relationship quality

Self-esteem and romantic relationship quality

Effects of the need fulfillment given by opposite-sex friends on breakup considerations: A moderated mediation model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of need fulfillment given by opposite-sex friends (NFOF) on breakup considerations, the mediating role of love commitment in this relationship, and the moderating role of need fulfillment given by romantic partners (NFRP). A total of 334 unmarried individuals in romantic relationships from Northwest China were invited to participate in the study. The findings revealed the following: (1) NFOF significantly and positively predicted breakup considerations. (2) This relationship is mediated by love commitment (3) The association between NFOF and breakup considerations was moderated by NFRP (in terms of the first mediation path). Specifically, those who hold higher levels of NFRP are appreciably buffered against the negative impact of NFOF on love commitment. These findings emphasize the crucial role of NFOF and NFRP in shaping love commitment and breakup considerations. Moreover, our research has important realistic implications: NFOF, as a trigger, has a negative effects the quality of romantic relationships and leads to breakup considerations. And, the key to maintaining a romantic relationship is to focus on their partners' need fulfillment as much as possible and increasing the level of their love commitment.

The long arm of rejection sensitivity and young adults' romantic relationships: An extension and a replication.

In an earlier study, we followed adolescents from age 16 to 23, examining the effect of rejection sensitivity (RS) on the quality of future romantic relationships. Findings showed that RS decreased over time, and the decrease associated with a higher quality of future romantic relationships. In contrast, the effect of the earlier level of RS on the quality of future romantic relationships was minor. Extending the earlier study, these 101 Israeli young adults (69 females, mean age = 22.79) were followed again from age 23 to 28. At age 28, the level of RS was assessed again. In addition, participants reported about the quality of their current or most recent romantic relationship. Contrary to the earlier study, findings of the current study show that the earlier higher level of RS at age 23 was associated with a higher likelihood of maintaining distance and self concealing from one's partner, feeling less certain, and reporting greater tension in future relationships. In contrast, the effect of change in RS between ages 23 and 28 on future relationships was minimal. Integrating the findings of the current and earlier studies underscores the role of earlier RS and its change over time during different developmental periods. RS decreases during the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and this decrease associates with a future higher quality of romantic relationships. In contrast, during the latter 20s RS stabilizes, and therefore, its earlier level associates with future romantic outcomes.

Preliminary Study on the Factors Influencing the Inception of Romantic Relationships in Adolescence

Based on literature that highlighted the importance of romantic relationships in adolescence and highlighted that parental attachment may play a decisive role in the development of romantic relationships, the present research aim to analyse, using tests and questionnaires, possible factors affecting the emergence of romantic relationships in adolescence considering parental attachment, quality of romantic relationships and self-esteem as variables. The data refer to a sample consisting initially of 99 adolescents (43 females and 56 males) between the ages of 14 and 17 years, attending an Italian Professional Institute. Subsequently, the study focused on subjects who claimed to be currently in a loving relationship (N=29). SPSS statistical software version 20.0 was used in the data analysis. The main results showed that a large part of the sample has secure attachment (44.8%), detected by SAT. Some of the main characteristics of love relationships (conflict, friendship, help, safety, intimacy, sexuality and future perspective) were taken into consideration. From the present study, the correlation between attachment and loving relationship does not appear to be confirmed, as claimed so far in the emerging literature, although the limited number of subjects involved may have been a limitation.

Romantic Relationships Among Emerging Adults With and Without Type 1 Diabetes.

We compared the romantic relationships of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes to those without type 1 diabetes. We examined whether there were group differences in romantic relationships and relationship quality and whether aspects of romantic relationships were connected to psychological and diabetes health. Emerging adults (mean age 27 years) with (n = 88) and without (n = 99) type 1 diabetes took part in the study. Participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed romantic relationships, psychological health, and diabetes health. Results showed that males with type 1 diabetes were significantly less likely than males without diabetes and either group of females to be involved in a romantic relationship. Among those in a relationship, there were no group differences in relationship quality. For both groups, being in a relationship was associated with less loneliness and greater life satisfaction. Among those in a romantic relationship, the quality of the relationship was more strongly related to psychological outcomes for those with than for those without diabetes. There was modest evidence that relationship quality was linked to better diabetes outcomes. When partner supportive and unsupportive diabetes interactions were examined, there was more evidence that unsupportive interactions were harmful (i.e., related to worse psychological and diabetes outcomes) than there was evidence that supportive interactions were beneficial. These findings underscore the importance of romantic relationships for health among emerging adults in general and suggest that there may be an even greater impact for those with type 1 diabetes.

Qualitative analysis of forgiveness towards parents and examination of connections to current romantic relationship in adults from children's homes

The primary goal of this study was to find out how adults raised in children's homes perceive and experience forgiveness toward their parents, specifically their mother and father. The secondary goal was to examine any connections between them forgiving their parents and their current romantic relationship. The sample consisted of 10 individuals raised in children's homes, with an average age of 25.7 years (SD = 3.2) and average length of romantic relationship of 3.2 years (SD = 1.03). Data were obtained by semi-structured interview and analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research (Hill & Knox, 2021). Participants understood forgiveness mainly as the absence of negative emotions and as moving forward. The main motivation for forgiving one’s parent was discussions with children’s home staff and volunteers, but also exhaustion from negative feelings. An important aspect of the forgiveness process was understanding the parent and their life. The process of forgiving one’s mother and father was similar; however, participants experienced greater difficulty forgiving their father and were more willing to reconcile with their mother. The consequences of forgiveness were described mainly in terms of an absence of negative feelings and achieving inner peace. Participants also stated that forgiving a parent was associated with greater satisfaction in their romantic relationship, more open communication and being more understanding of their partner. The results of this study reveal the importance of forgiveness in the lives of people raised in children’s homes, not just in terms of overall quality of life, but also quality of romantic relationship and healing relationships with parents.

Balancing friends and romance: Associations between men’s investment in peer relationships and romantic relationship quality

Romantic and peer relationships both contribute to overall well-being; however, each demand time and emotional investment that may give rise to competition. Little is known about how men, in particular, balance these relationships. We explored the extent to which men’s investments in peer relationships are associated with romantic relationship quality. We further examined differences between fathers and non-fathers. Data were from five annual waves of the Men and Parenting Pathways cohort study ( N = 608). Participants were men in committed relationships ( n = 526) aged 28-32 years at baseline ( M = 29.91, SD = 1.3). In cross-sectional, linear regressions, estimated using Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE; to account for repeated waves), we investigated peer network investments, (1) time (hours) spent with peers, (2) close network size, and (3) extended network size, and their associations with romantic relationship quality, self-reported using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Inverted U-shaped associations were found for time spent with peers and close network size, whereby increases in investment were associated with improved relationship quality up to a “tipping point”, following which declines in quality are observed. For extended social networks, the association was linear, such that larger networks were linked to higher romantic relationship quality; however, this association was only evident in fathers. Investing too little or too much in peer relationships may adversely impact the quality of men’s relationships with romantic partners. Supporting men, and particularly fathers, to maintain appropriate investment in peer networks may have benefits for their romantic relationships.

Intercultural romantic relationship quality: What is the role of accommodation?

Research comparing the romantic relationship quality of individuals in intercultural and intracultural relationships has yielded inconsistent findings. The current study examined whether accommodation, the process of responding constructively to relationship problems, would reveal new insight on this topic. Undergraduate students ( N = 343) reported on whether they were in an intercultural or intracultural romantic relationship and completed surveys of accommodation, romantic relationship quality, and demographic characteristics. Analyses revealed that individuals in intercultural romantic relationships reported higher romantic relationship commitment and satisfaction than individuals in intracultural romantic relationships. The association of accommodation with romantic relationship commitment was also found to be weaker in the intercultural group than the intracultural group after accounting for age and gender, but not after accounting for ethnicity or relationship length. Overall, results suggest that accommodation may be less relevant for individuals in intercultural romantic relationships, and that ethnicity and relationship length are important factors for understanding the role of accommodation within intercultural romantic relationships. Our findings underscore the importance of examining the possibility of distinct psychological processes in intercultural couples, who comprise an increasingly common form of close relationship.

Romantic relationship quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The longitudinal associations with relationship loneliness and depression

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic created significant strain on both mental health and romantic relationships. Therefore, we examined longitudinal associations between romantic relationship quality, relationship loneliness, and depressive symptoms over 6 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We surveyed 122 couples (n = 244 individuals) in approximately May, September, and November 2020. Using a dyadic mediation model, findings indicated that relationship quality at Time 1 was positively associated with depression at Time 3 for men, but not for women. A significant indirect effect of relationship quality on depression via relationship loneliness at Time 2 was found for both men and women. Self‐mastery, or feeling in control of one's life circumstances, was an important covariate of women's depressive symptoms. Overall, these findings highlight relationship loneliness as particularly salient for mental health and demonstrate the importance of high‐quality relationships for promoting well‐being during stressful events, such as global pandemics.

The Cultural Self-Construals and the Romantic Relationship Experiences of Turkish Young Adults

ABSTRACT The capacity to form and maintain committed romantic relationships is a key aspect of young adulthood. Yet, little is known about the role of cultural factors, in particular cultural self-construal, and their links to romantic relationships. The goal of the current study was to examine the cultural concepts of autonomous and related self-construal as defined by Kağıtçıbaşı’s Family Change Theory and their association with the quality and satisfaction of non-marital romantic relationships. The sample included 621 Turkish young adults (74.4% female, 83.7% undergraduate students, ages 18–25) who were currently in an exclusive and heterosexual romantic relationship for at least three months. Participants completed informed consent and a 15-minute online survey through Qualtrics. Hierarchical linear regression analysis indicated that autonomy self-construal was positively associated with relationship quality and satisfaction, while relatedness self-construal was linked to relationship quality but not satisfaction. Additionally, high levels of commitment significantly predicted better relationship outcomes. The findings suggest a need to explore cultural self-construal and relationship outcomes across cultures.