Settling down without settling: Perceived changes in partner preferences in response to COVID-19 concern

The goal of this study was to explore the positive association between concern related to COVID-19 and single individuals’ perceived changes to their partner preferences. In addition, we investigated the mediating role of fear of being single. Results indicated that people with greater COVID-19 concern perceived an increase in the importance of stability, family commitment, and physical/social attractiveness, as well as fear of being single. Fear of being single only negatively predicted the importance of physical/social attractiveness, whereas it positively predicted the importance of stability and family commitment. Thus, in most cases, people with a greater concern for COVID-19 perceived themselves to become more selective, even when they exhibit higher levels of fear of being single

Needing Space During Lockdown: A Test of Relational Turbulence Theory in the Context of Conversations About Physical and Emotional Space During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic upended home life for couples across the globe. Many couples faced increased relational uncertainty and interference from a partner as a result of stay at home and lockdown orders. This study uses relational turbulence theory to examine how (a) relational uncertainty and (b) partner interdependence are associated with cognitions and emotions about needing space conversations with a partner. We examine links between perceptions of needing space conversations and relational turbulence. In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 609 adults in a romantic relationship from 29 countries completed an online survey. Relationship uncertainty was negatively associated with relational cognitions (i.e., solidarity and intimacy), and interference from a partner was associated with more intense hopeful feelings about needing space conversations. Relational cognitions were associated with reduced relational turbulence, and hope was associated with higher relational turbulence. Theoretical implications for relational turbulence theory and practical implications for couples are discussed

Needing Space During Lockdown: A Test of Relational Turbulence Theory in the Context of Conversations About Physical and Emotional Space During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic upended home life for couples across the globe. Many couples faced increased relational uncertainty and interference from a partner as a result of stay at home and lockdown orders. This study uses relational turbulence theory to examine how (a) relational uncertainty and (b) partner interdependence are associated with cognitions and emotions about needing space conversations with a partner. We examine links between perceptions of needing space conversations and relational turbulence. In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 609 adults in a romantic relationship from 29 countries completed an online survey. Relationship uncertainty was negatively associated with relational cognitions (i.e., solidarity and intimacy), and interference from a partner was associated with more intense hopeful feelings about needing space conversations. Relational cognitions were associated with reduced relational turbulence, and hope was associated with higher relational turbulence. Theoretical implications for relational turbulence theory and practical implications for couples are discussed

Needing Space During Lockdown: A Test of Relational Turbulence Theory in the Context of Conversations About Physical and Emotional Space During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic upended home life for couples across the globe. Many couples faced increased relational uncertainty and interference from a partner as a result of stay at home and lockdown orders. This study uses relational turbulence theory to examine how (a) relational uncertainty and (b) partner interdependence are associated with cognitions and emotions about needing space conversations with a partner. We examine links between perceptions of needing space conversations and relational turbulence. In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 609 adults in a romantic relationship from 29 countries completed an online survey. Relationship uncertainty was negatively associated with relational cognitions (i.e., solidarity and intimacy), and interference from a partner was associated with more intense hopeful feelings about needing space conversations. Relational cognitions were associated with reduced relational turbulence, and hope was associated with higher relational turbulence. Theoretical implications for relational turbulence theory and practical implications for couples are discussed

Needing Space During Lockdown: A Test of Relational Turbulence Theory in the Context of Conversations About Physical and Emotional Space During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic upended home life for couples across the globe. Many couples faced increased relational uncertainty and interference from a partner as a result of stay at home and lockdown orders. This study uses relational turbulence theory to examine how (a) relational uncertainty and (b) partner interdependence are associated with cognitions and emotions about needing space conversations with a partner. We examine links between perceptions of needing space conversations and relational turbulence. In the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 609 adults in a romantic relationship from 29 countries completed an online survey. Relationship uncertainty was negatively associated with relational cognitions (i.e., solidarity and intimacy), and interference from a partner was associated with more intense hopeful feelings about needing space conversations. Relational cognitions were associated with reduced relational turbulence, and hope was associated with higher relational turbulence. Theoretical implications for relational turbulence theory and practical implications for couples are discussed