Romantic relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic: Stressors, dyadic coping, and conflict resolution

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown had been harsh on many people especially those in romantic relationships. There was increase in psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, alcoholism, and problematic eating behaviors which resulted in conflicts and breakdown in relationships. Aim and Objectives: The present cross-sectional exploratory study investigated how individuals in romantic dating relationships have coped during the times of COVID-19. The objectives were to examine the stressors faced by romantic dating couples during the pandemic, the differences among them with respect to dyadic coping, conflict, and resolution strategies employed. Materials and Methods: A total of 232 individuals (males = 104, females = 128) were assessed on a semi-structured Stressor Checklist, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, and Romantic Partner Conflict Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, ANOVA, and Tukey's honestly significant difference were calculated. Results: 45% of participants reported growing closer to their partners during the pandemic; others reported strained relationships or break-ups. Distance, difficulty in in-person meetings, reduced communication emerged as the most reported stressors among participants. Dyadic coping was found to be significantly better in the closer group than in the strained group or the break-up group (t = −1.89,P< 0.05). Stress communication by partner was found to be significantly better in closer couples (t = −2.38,P< 0.01). With respect to conflict resolution, significant differences were found among the three groups on compromise (r = 0.459,P< 0.01) avoidance (r = 0.224,P< 0.01), interactional reactivity (r= −0.446,P< 0.01), domination (r = −0.223,P< 0.01), and submission (r = −0.491,P< 0.01). No difference was found among the groups on separation (r = −0.07; NS). Conclusion: Individuals who found themselves in strained relationships or breakups during COVID-19 attributed negative outcome in relationship to factors internal to the relationship. Individuals with positive relationship outcomes engaged in positive dyadic coping; conflict resolution strategies employed by them were positive. The limitations, mental health implications and suggestions for further research have been discussed.