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Review
. 2022 Feb:43:24-29.
doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.002. Epub 2021 Jun 16.

The disconnected couple: intimate relationships in the context of social isolation

Benjamin B Haggerty  1 , Thomas N Bradbury  1 , Benjamin R Karney  2
Affiliations
Review

The disconnected couple: intimate relationships in the context of social isolation

Benjamin B Haggerty et al. Curr Opin Psychol. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Partners in intimate relationships, because they have each other to rely on, have generally been considered safe from the negative consequences of social isolation. Here, we question this assumption, suggesting instead that social isolation may pose a threat to couples by depriving them of the tangible and emotional support that couples are likely to need, especially when confronted by stress. After briefly reviewing theoretical frameworks relevant to this idea, this article summarizes existing research documenting (1) associations between network ties and relationship outcomes, (2) mediators of these associations, for example, support and approval, and (3) moderators of these associations, for example, relationship qualities and cultural differences. We conclude by describing a research agenda to address methodological limitations in existing research and the policy implications of this line of work.

Keywords: Intimate relationships; Marital interaction; Marital satisfaction; Marriage; Social isolation; Social networks.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement Nothing declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
How social isolation affects couples.
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