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13 - Romantic Relationships during a Global Pandemic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2023

By
Paula R. Pietromonaco  and
Nickola C. Overall
Edited by
Brian G. Ogolsky
Brian G. Ogolsky
Affiliation:
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
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Summary

Stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic can threaten the ability to successfully maintain established romantic relationships as well as navigate the initiation and development of new relationships. Drawing on the vulnerability-stress-adaptation (VSA) model, we propose that the extent to which pandemic-related stress will undermine couples’ relationships, as well as the initiation of new relationships, will depend on the amount and severity of pandemic-related and preexisting levels of stress combined with enduring personal vulnerabilities such as attachment insecurity. We review a growing body of research examining relationship processes and functioning prior to and during the initial stages of the pandemic that provides evidence consistent with this framework and draws on related research suggesting routes to minimize relationship disruptions and promote resilience. In addition, we review newly emerging research examining how pandemic-related stress might impact the initiation of relationships. Finally, we discuss several directions for future research to facilitate an understanding of the longer-term implications of the pandemic for ongoing and newly developing romantic relationships.

Keywords

COVID-19pandemicglobalcrisisquarantinepolicy
Type
Chapter
Information
The Sociocultural Context of Romantic Relationships , pp. 247 - 272
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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