Impact of the Pandemic on Relationships
At first glance, it may appear highly likely that the consequences of the
pandemic on relationships would be negative. Karney and Bradbury (1995)
established a theory that suggested that relationship satisfaction and
stability are associated with major external stressors negatively, because
they are a
challenge to the couple’s
ability to cope and adapt efficiently. Major external stressors include
work, natural disasters, terminal illness of a child or loved one has been
associated to increase in relationship issues.
Applying Karney and Bradbury’s theory to the COVID-19 pandemic,
Pietromonaco and Overall (2020) reported that the pandemic was highly likely
to disturb relationships, especially those who were gravely affected by it.
This was supported by empirical evidence. Luetke et al. (2020) reported
self-reports of increased couples’ conflicts during the pandemic. Balzarini
et al. (2020) showed that COVID-related stressors such as increased
financial strain, increased social isolation, and amplified stress were all
associated with lesser relationship satisfaction and more relationship
conflicts. The pandemic made couples stay together a lot more than usual
creating more clashes between couples.
Not all effects of the pandemic on relationships were negative. Theorists
suggest some couples might have satisfactory coping resources to diminish
the negative impact of the pandemic. Resilience and traumatic growth propose
that undergoing stressful times together might even have benefits. In this
time of increased mortality salience, people may turn to their closest for
comfort and security. For example, some major external stressors, such as
the 9/11 attacks were associated with a significant decrease, not increase,
in the divorce rate, and some couples facing the illness or death of a child
report growing closer during the suffering.
Healthy
relationships reduce stress
and that happiness and improved good health is a by-product of healthy
relationships.
There are few fundamentals to keep your relationships on the bright
side.
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Do not keep unrealistic expectations.
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Refresh your relationship from time-to-time
-
Maintain effective communication.
More details about this can be found at
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