In contemporary society, there is a widespread belief that romantic relationships provide individuals with important benefits for their mental health and overall wellbeing. One such benefit is the ability to mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation. This notion has been supported by numerous studies which have shown that people who are in committed romantic partnerships tend to experience lower levels of loneliness compared to those who are single.
The mechanism behind this effect remains unclear. In other words, researchers still do not know exactly why romantic relationships may be perceived as sources of psychological resilience against loneliness and isolation. One possible explanation is that romantic partners serve as an important source of social support. Social support refers to emotional, practical, and instrumental assistance provided by others during times of need. It can take many forms, including advice, affection, companionship, reassurance, encouragement, and even financial aid. Romantic partners often provide these types of support to one another, thereby helping each other cope with difficult situations and build resilience. Another potential explanation for the protective effects of romantic relationships on loneliness and isolation could be related to self-esteem. Research suggests that individuals who are in romantic relationships tend to have higher self-esteem than those who are single or otherwise unattached. Higher self-esteem has been linked with improved psychological functioning, including reduced levels of depression and anxiety. Therefore, it is plausible that being in a romantic relationship contributes to greater feelings of personal worth and value, which can act as a buffer against negative emotions like loneliness. Moreover, being in a romantic relationship provides individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in life. A sense of purpose has been associated with better mental health outcomes, such as decreased risk of depression and increased wellbeing. Conversely, lack of purpose has been linked with poorer mental health outcomes, such as increased risk of suicide and substance abuse. In addition to these explanations, researchers have proposed that romantic partnerships may help people develop skills for coping with adversity.
Couples who face difficulties together must learn how to communicate effectively, negotiate conflicts, and problem solve. These adaptive skills can be transferred to other areas of life, potentially enhancing overall resiliency.
In what ways are romantic relationships perceived as sources of psychological resilience and protection against isolation?
Psychologists have found that romantic relationships can provide individuals with both emotional support and practical assistance during difficult times. This can lead to increased feelings of self-esteem, confidence, and wellbeing, which ultimately enhance an individual's overall sense of psychological resilience. Additionally, the presence of a significant other can act as a buffer against loneliness and social isolation, reducing stress levels and promoting better mental health outcomes.