In the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Jul; 16(13): 2415, authors Lopez, Viejo and Ruiz analyzed 87 studies spread across 3 decades on the association of well-being and romantic relationship of individuals. The focus of their study was on the impact of one’s relationship status, relationship history, and relationship quality on one’s well-being. It was found that particularly individuals who are in the phase of emerging adulthood experience a higher sense of well-being if they are in a romantic relationship compared to those who are not in any relationship. 

Quality of Relationship is an Important Variable of Wellbeing

It was found in the study that people whose relationships were more stable, which did not have any risk of splitting, and in which partners were committed towards each other equated to a higher sense of well-being. It was also found that splitting up or divorce led to an increase in well-being only if the people involved in it evaluated this life experience in a positive light or if the individuals got into another romantic relationship shortly after the split. 

Negativity Reduces Wellbeing

The analysis of the 87 studies concluded that if relationships are going through tough times or if there are issues like violence, power imbalance, transgressions, or arguments then the quality of the relationship suffers thereby undermining the sense of well-being. A dip in commitment levels was found to be directly associated with the poor quality of romance. Secure romantic associations showed a better impact on people. Levels of positive feedback by partners and level of empathy expressed towards the romantic partner were directly related to a sense of well-being. Lower levels of these variables indicated dipping down of the sense of well-being. The quality of relationships during the phase of transition to parenthood also had a proportionate impact.

Clinicians mostly focus on keeping diseases at bay to promote the well-being of society. However, findings of research studies like the one quoted above emphasize the fact that we can work on building community models promoting happy romantic relationships for the benefit of people’s overall health.