Romantic Relationships Research Articles

Achieving adult status in Greece in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

Achieving adult status in Greece in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

Satisfaction with partner's appearance, body criticism, and relationship quality in heterosexual couples: A dyadic study.

Satisfaction with partner's appearance, body criticism, and relationship quality in heterosexual couples: A dyadic study.

Emotion expressivity and regulation in romantic relationships: The role of social anxiety.

Emotion expressivity and regulation in romantic relationships: The role of social anxiety.

Intellectual humility in romantic relationships: Implications for relationship satisfaction, argument frequency, and conflict behaviors

Intellectual humility in romantic relationships: Implications for relationship satisfaction, argument frequency, and conflict behaviors

Relationship quality and its effects on college student’s psychological well-being

The field of psychological well-being is extensively studied globally, encompassing positive relationships as a notable facet. Presently, there is a discourse emphasizing the need for research on relationships to encompass both positive and negative aspects, along with their effects on an individual’s overall well-being. The study aimed to identify the impacts of relationship qualities of three sources (parental, friendship, and romantic relationships) on college students’ psychological well-being. The 251 college students in Surabaya (Indonesia) and 139 college students in Hangzhou (China), selected using purposive sampling technique, were involved in this research. All participants have at least three social networks/sources of relationship, i.e., parents, best friends, and romantic partners. The network of relationships inventory -relationship quality version (NRI-RQV) was given to identify the qualities of relationship participants have from the three sources. Participants’ psychological well-being was observed using the PERMA-Profiler. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). In both countries, students highlight that the quality of the relationship between parents and college students has the most substantial influence on their psychological well-being, with parental approval being one of the key components. This finding provides valuable insights for developing an effective support system for college students.

Postpartum sleep and relationship satisfaction among Black mothers.

Sleep difficulties for parents and infants in the first months postpartum are common and are likely to impact multiple areas of life, including parents' romantic relationship satisfaction. Empirical literature linking different indicators of sleep in the first months postpartum to concurrent and prospective relationship satisfaction is limited, however, particularly among families who experience disproportionately elevated rates of sleep difficulties postpartum. To address this gap, we examined multiple indicators of subjective and objective maternal sleep and maternal reports of infant sleep as predictors of relationship satisfaction among a sample of first-time Black mothers in relationships (N = 107). At 8 weeks postpartum, mothers reported on their own sleep difficulties and on their infant's nighttime awakenings and time in bed, and they wore an accelerometer to provide estimates of total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Mothers reported their relationship satisfaction at 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. Results indicated that mothers who reported that their own sleep difficulties were more impactful to their functioning at Week 8 reported lower relationship satisfaction at Week 16. Additionally, mothers who had longer nighttime sleep reported higher relationship satisfaction at both Week 8 and 16 postpartum. Infant sleep was not significantly associated with relationship satisfaction. These findings offer new insights into associations between sleep and relationship satisfaction during a critical period of adjustment for families and can inform interventions to enhance individual and relational well-being for new parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Childhood maltreatment, sexual desire and sexual distress in couples: the role of touch aversion.

Childhood maltreatment, sexual desire and sexual distress in couples: the role of touch aversion.

Couples’ physical activity concordance during cardiac rehabilitation

Physical activity plays a central role in cardiac rehabilitation, serving as a pivotal factor in recovery and secondary prevention. Interpersonal factors within patients’ romantic relationships play a critical role in the rehabilitation process, as partners tend to show behavioral concordance in their health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the interdependence of physical activity between Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients and their partners, as well as the role of relationship satisfaction in moderating this concordance. Utilizing 21 daily diary assessments from couples, we examined co-fluctuations in patients’ and partners’ daily physical activity. A significant concordance in couples’ physical activity was found. However, relationship satisfaction did not moderate this association, suggesting that couples’ daily concordance occurred regardless of their average satisfaction level. These results highlight the potential influence of partners on each other’s health behaviors. Our findings suggest important implications for the development of dyadic interventions aimed at promoting physical activity as an integral component of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention.

Sexual problems among a representative sample of Australian men who have experienced physical and emotional intimate partner abuse

Abstract Background The experiences of being emotionally and physically abused by a romantic partner are associated with several deleterious outcomes including poor mental health, being sexually assaulted, and partner homicide. Aim To explore the roles of emotional and physical abuse in relation to men’s sexual functioning. Methods The sample comprised 5642 Australian men (Mage = 45.87 years, SD = 12.36) who completed Wave 4 (2022) of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health: Ten to Men (T2M). As part of the T2M survey, participants completed questions relating to physical and emotional intimate partner abuse, and the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles – Sexual Function subscale (Natsal-SF). Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore whether experiences of abuse in romantic relationships predicted the likelihood of sexual dysfunction in Australian men. Outcomes The variance in sexual dysfunction explained by men’s experiences of physical and emotional abuse over and above the variance explained by relevant covariates. Results The analyses showed that, after controlling for several covariates, physical abuse was not associated with any physio-psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction. However, emotional abuse was significantly associated with all aspects of physio-psychological functioning except for reaching climax more quickly than the man would have liked and experiencing pain as a result of sex. Clinical Implications The results have important implications for relationship therapy and intimacy counselling, with greater awareness of how emotional abuse impacts sexual functioning providing valuable insight for men and their partners. Strengths and Limitations The study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health, which sourced data from a nationally representative sample of Australian men. A potential limitation is that individual Natsal-SF items were used in lieu of the total score, and thus the same variance may be explained in multiple analyses. Conclusion The results suggest that emotional abuse is more damaging to male sexual functioning than physical abuse.

“we grind each other as stones and get rid of sharp edges”: Young people’s reported positive change, learnings, and growth through romantic relationships

Romantic and intimate experiences serve as a crucial learning ground for individual and relational development, yet many aspects of this learning process remain underexplored. The present qualitative study explores romantic relationship-induced learning among 104 participants between 18 and 35, which may foster better navigation of their future relational interactions. Data, i.e., 37 in-depth and 67 written interviews, were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, applying an inductive, semantic, and experiential approach. The report of themes created in the analysis describes how romantic experience positively affected the participants in: (i) identity (self-knowledge, personal growth, and self-evaluation), (ii) relational competence (communication, socio-emotional skills, and problem-solving), and (iii) partner decisions (relationship expectations, relationship boundaries).

Phubbing Behaviour: A Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Production

Phubbing refers to the act of ignoring someone in a face-to-face conversation by paying more attention to a mobile phone. This practice, although common, has been identified as harmful and deserves to be considered a problem. As a result, it has captured the attention of the scientific community, with a significant increase in studies in recent years. However, there is a lack of bibliometric analyses examining existing research on this topic, which would be useful in guiding future studies. This article seeks to fill that gap by providing a detailed bibliometric analysis of phubbing. It analyses the entire production in the Web of Science database between 1985 and 2022 (199 articles and 82 keywords). The study employs citation, co-occurrence, and co-citation analysis techniques using scientific maps created with VOSviewer software. The results indicate that most research has focused on how phubbing affects romantic relationships, with less emphasis on other types of relationships such as family, work, or friends. Areas that require further research are identified, such as motivations for internet use, the tendency to compare oneself on social networks, impulsivity, and the influence of executive functions on phubbing. Further exploration of the relationship between phubbing and other disorders is also suggested. This analysis will serve as a guide and stimulus for future research, offering valuable resources for professionals in psychology, health, and education.

Sexual behaviour and relationship satisfaction in young adults

Background: Relationship satisfaction is a crucial component of overall well-being, influenced by multiple psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors. Sexuality plays a fundamental role in intimate relationships, yet the specific dimensions of sexual behavior contributing to relationship satisfaction remain underexplored, particularly in non-Western populations. Objective: The present study explores the association between different dimensions of sexual behavior and relationship satisfaction among young adults. Method: A sample of 150 Indian young adults (M = 2 3.03, SD = 2.3 9) with prior sexual relationship experience participated in the study. Relationship fulfillment was measured Exercising the Relationship Appraisal Scale( RAS), and different dimensions of sexual geste were estimated through the Multidimensional Sexuality Survey( MSQ). To explore the confederations between these factors, Pearson’s relationship disquisition was employed. Results: Findings revealed significant positive correlations were found between relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction (r = . 5 95, p < .0 01), sexual esteem (r = 2 81, p < .0 01), sexual assertiveness (r = .2 48, p = .002), sexual consciousness (r = .313, p < .001), sexual motivation (r = .181, p = .0 27), and internal sexual control (r = .258, p = .001). In contrast, negative but significant correlations were observed with sexual anxiety (r = –.255, p = .002), sexual depression (r = –.4 00, p < .0 01), and fear of sexual relationships (r = –.1 95, p = .0 1 7). However, external sexual control (r = –.0 9 1, p = .2 66), sexual monitoring (r = –.140, p = .087), and sexual preoccupation (r = –.0 7 5, p = .3 6 4) did not show significant associations with relationship satisfaction. Conclusion: The results indicate that positive sexual traits such as satisfaction, esteem, assertiveness, motivation, and awareness significantly enhance relationship satisfaction. Conversely, experiences of sexual anxiety, depression, and fear were linked to lower satisfaction. No meaningful association was found for external control, monitoring, or preoccupation with sexual thoughts. These findings emphasize the influence of both positive and negative sexual factors on the quality of romantic relationships, highlighting areas for future therapeutic and educational interventions.

The Impact of Emotional Intelligence and Fear of Intimacy on Relationship Satisfaction in men

This study explores the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) and fear of intimacy (FOI) on relationship satisfaction (RS) in men. Using a quantitative correlational design, the research involved 100 Indian men aged 18 to 40 who were currently in romantic relationships. Standardized tools—Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test, Fear of Intimacy Scale, and Relationship Assessment Scale—were used for data collection. The study draws from Attachment Theory, Gender Role Conflict Theory, and the Ability Model of Emotional Intelligence. Results indicated a statistically significant relationship between emotional intelligence and relationship satisfaction. However, fear of intimacy was not a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction in the sample. The findings emphasize the cultural implications of masculinity norms in India and the necessity of enhancing emotional skills in men to foster fulfilling romantic relationships.

The Scent of Intimacy: Exploring the Associations Between Intimacy, Disgust, and Olfactory Ability.

Intimacy is a fundamental aspect of romantic relationships, yet its underlying sensory mechanisms remain understudied. Research has suggested that experiences of intimacy are related to both olfaction and disgust. For example, studies indicate greater olfactory ability is associated with fulfilling relationships, while heightened disgust sensitivity can hinder sexual arousal and interpersonal affiliation. However, no study has investigated intimacy, olfaction, and disgust together. To investigate this, 74 participants aged 17-56 years (M = 22.6,SD = 7.1), completed self-report surveys assessing relationship intimacy and sensitivity to pathogen, moral, and sexual disgust. Participants also completed a short form of theSniffin' Sticksidentification test. Results revealed emotional and intellectual intimacy shared a significant weak positive association with olfactory ability, and no significant relationship with any form of disgust. Physical intimacy had a significant weak positive relationship with pathogen and sexual disgust, but not olfactory ability or moral disgust. Social intimacy had a significant positive moderate relationship with only pathogen disgust. Findings highlight the multifactorial nature of relationships and the importance of exploring different factors that may relate to intimacy.

Perceptions of Benefits and Drawbacks in Maintaining Back Burner Relationships Online: A Report on Gendered Differences Among College Students

This report investigates the perceptions of college students regarding the benefits and drawbacks of maintaining back burner relationships online, with a specific focus on gender-based differences. A mixed-methods study design was utilized. Participants included 762 undergraduate students (71% female, 71% Caucasian, 92% heterosexual) from communication courses at a Southwestern university. Participants completed a Qualtrics survey, and data were analyzed using content analysis with a focus on thematic coding. Inter-coder reliability was established at 98%. Results identified distinct gender differences in the benefits and drawbacks of back burner relationships. Females reported benefits such as emotional comfort and maintaining friendships, while males noted confidence boosts and the potential for future relationships. Conversely, females highlighted drawbacks related to relationship strain and emotional toll, whereas males emphasized complications arising from attachment and temptation. This report enhances the understanding of how young adults navigate interpersonal romantic dynamics in the digital age, contributing to research on relationship alternatives and the role of technology in modern romantic relationships. The findings inform future studies on relational decision-making and gendered expectations in digital communication contexts.

Attachment, Power/Influence, Conflict Management Strategies, and Sexual Aggression in Emerging Adult Romantic Relationships.

Sexual aggression among young people is a public health concern. Although many episodes take place in a couple's relationship, few studies have explored the importance of relational variables in this interpersonal context. Of special interest may be the variables in a couple's functioning related to connectedness, power/influence, and conflict management. This dyadic longitudinal study aimed to examine the relationship between relational variables and sexual aggression in emerging adult romantic relationships. The sample consisted of 133 young heterosexual Spanish couples (mean age = 19.44; SD = 1.41) who completed an online questionnaire. At time 1 (T1), romantic attachment, partner's attempt to influence, perception of actual partner influence, conflict management strategies, and sexual aggression (perpetration and victimization) were assessed; 9 months later (T2), sexual aggression was assessed again. The data were analyzed following the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Males reported higher levels of perpetration than females, and females reported more victimization. Attachment-related anxiety predicted perpetration and victimization in both males and females (T1). In addition, males reported more perpetration when they perceived their partners as attempting to gain power in the relationship (T1) or having more actual influence in the romantic relationship (T2); whereas in females, victimization was more likely when they perceived more partner influence (T1 and T2), and their partners reported more female attempts at influence (T2). Negative conflict management strategies also explained male perpetration (T1 and T2) and female victimization (T1 and T2). These findings suggest the need to develop interventions aimed at promoting equity and relationship skills for emerging adults.

Are you struggling? You need counselling: The growing trend of mental health contents on Instagram

Digital mental health platforms are increasingly emerging. These platforms provide psychological interventions and offer mental health-related content through their social media accounts on Instagram. While this content can raise awareness about mental health, it may also lead to misunderstandings and increase the risk of self-diagnosis. A recent study utilized content analysis to describe the characteristics of mental health-related content on Instagram. The results showed that the most dominant content category is romantic and family relationships, followed by life problems and psychological disorders, recovery and self-love, social media engagement, psychological knowledge, and finally, work and social relationships as the smallest category. Further investigation into science-based content is needed.

Exploring support needs for romantic relationships and marriage post-cancer diagnosis among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors in Japan: A qualitative study

Purpose This study explored the types of support necessary for building romantic relationships and marriages after a cancer diagnosis among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 AYA cancer survivors who were unmarried at the time of diagnosis, including any form of cancer. Participants were diagnosed between ages 15 and 39 and were aged 20 to 45 at the time of the interviews. Results Five core themes were identified: Providing Information, Emotional Support, Engaging with Others’ Experiences, Structural Support, and Negative or Unintended Consequences of Support. Peer cancer survivors and healthcare professionals were the primary sources of both utilized and desired support, though the type of support differed across these areas. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for integrated support systems that address the interconnected concerns related to relationships through peer and professional guidance tailored to the age-specific needs of AYA cancer survivors.

Examining the associations among lifetime interpersonal trauma, attachment, and romantic relationship conflict

Conflicts can be a common occurrence in relationships, and poor conflict management can have negative consequences for relationship satisfaction, mental health, and relationship longevity. Both interpersonal trauma exposure and insecure attachment style have been independently linked with impairments in interpersonal functioning and poor conflict management. However, there is little research that simultaneously examines how trauma and attachment are associated with relationship conflict management. The present study aimed to address this gap and expand upon current literature by simultaneously assessing these associations among a sample of college students in established romantic relationships (N = 365) using structural equation modeling. Measurement of a latent factor of insecure attachment was supported, and insecure attachment was significantly positively associated with interpersonal trauma. Interpersonal trauma did not predict conflict management strategies in the full model; however, insecure attachment was significantly negatively associated with compromise and positively associated with interactional reactivity, domination, submission, and separation. The results of this study contribute to our knowledge of relational difficulties and trauma among college students and have important implications for treatment for individuals in romantic relationships with conflict management concerns.

Romantic Relationships and Sexuality of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review

Sexuality is a central dimension of people’s lives, but it is often overlooked and neglected in relation to people with intellectual disabilities. This Systematic Literature Review investigates the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and professionals about their sexual and romantic lives. Specific databases were searched (PubMed, EBSCO, SCOPUS, APA PsyArticles, Cochrane, and gray literature), and a methodological quality assessment was carried out according to the Joanna Briggs Institute, resulting in the inclusion of 21 articles, published between 2018 and 2023, which met the established criteria. The results show that sexuality is essential for people with intellectual disabilities. The studies show that these people seek intimate relationships, but are limited by social norms, lack of support and inadequate sexual education. This directly affects their emotional well-being and personal satisfaction. Health professionals and caregivers have divergent attitudes towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities, facing obstacles in sexuality education. Parents face a dilemma between promoting independence and protecting themselves from risks, which influences their children’s emotional balance. This highlights the need for personalized approaches to sex education, attention to specific needs and effective communication between health professionals, caregivers and families, with the aim of strengthening self-esteem and autonomy. The results show that researchers should understand the impact of different parenting approaches on the emotional health of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Future research should include all stakeholders, enabling a wider range of perspectives and stakeholder involvement in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of personalized educational programs.