Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cohabitation relationships and marriages

A significant factor of close, efficient romantic relationships is that persons see their
partners as tolerant, concerned with their wellbeing, considerate, and supportive. That is to say,
they see their partners as receptive to their needs (Reis, Clark, Holmes, 2004). The existence of
outside stressors, for example unemployment, financial hardship, and stress at work generate a
situation in which it is more problematic for partners to be receptive to each other’s needs. When
confronted with external stress, people are more likely to communicate in ways that are
excessively critical or confrontational. They correspondingly are inclined to blame their partner
and have more trouble paying attention to their partner’s concerns and taking their partner’s
viewpoint. As a result, they can become less contented with their partner and their relationship
(Bodenmann, Ledermann & Bradbury, 2007, Bodenmann, Meuwly, Bradbury, Gmelch &
Ledermann, 2010; Neff & Karney, 2004; Bodenmann, Meuwly, Germann, Nusbeck, Heinrich &
Bradbury, 2015). 
Epidemics are a contributor to external stress for couples and families, particularly for
those who are more severely affected, for instance, those who develop the disease, become
jobless, experience major economic losses. Consequently, as is common given any stressor,
spouses who can communicate more efficiently when problem-solving, who can be approachable
and sympathetic to their partner, and who can participate in some optimistic communications
notwithstanding the stress of the epidemic will be more likely to preserve a respectable
relationship. The Covid-19 pandemic has redesigned personal relationships in unparalleled ways,
compelling individuals to live closer together with some people and separately from others. Life
in quarantine has demanded close, continuous interaction with our families and partners,
nevertheless social distancing measures have secluded other individuals from social interactions.
Some researchers discovered that most marriages have remained largely unchanged, with
the happiest couples seeing a slight improvement. Researchers find that people's average
satisfaction rate with their relationships did not improve much during the pandemic, despite
major stressors such as work losses and health problems. According to Williamson (2019), some
partners have a propensity to give each other comfort, which has taken them closer together,
while others who do not have such tendencies have suffered. In certain cases, the condition is
just amplifying existing patterns in marriages, both positive and negative. People lead busy lives,
and many have lost touch with the authentic, sincere moments share with those we love family
member and loved ones. The COVID-19 scenario has now had a positive effect on how
individuals express themselves and sustain relationships. Persons now have more time with their
families and can properly organize their goals and career. This ultimately aids in the creation of a
prosperous future for both their families and career. Many persons have found ways to remain
involved with friends, even though it may only be virtually, when life has slowed down. Despite
the difficulties, living together will have certain advantages. Prior to this case, busy households
often indicated that they spent no time together in the house and that partners spoke only about
practical activities. Couples have more opportunities for meaningful discussions, running
together, taking walks together, family activities, and family mealtimes as their lives settle down
and they spend more physical time together. According to research, these moments will improve
relationships and foster intimacy.
The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University is looking into how the pandemic is affecting
marriage efficiency, sexual orientation, reproductive planning and fitness, as well as person and
family well-being. According to the survey, most married people registered a positive effect on
their marriage early in the pandemic. According to Yarber (2020), the pandemic was causing
increased tension, worry, housework, and childcare for some married people at the time of the
report, putting a strain on their marriage. Individuals did, however, report a greater sense of
teamwork and interaction in general. In mid-late April 2020, researchers polled a nationwide
group of 1,117 married people aged 30 to 50. Overall, more people believed that the pandemic
had a positive effect on their marriage, with 74 percent saying it improved their relationship and
82 percent saying it made them feel more dedicated. Furthermore, 85% said the pandemic made
them love their partner more, made them appreciate what a nice life they had before the
pandemic, and brought their families closer together. Both men and women said they talked
more about sex with their spouse, slept in the same bed with their spouse, and cuddled and
touched more.
Although being quarantined can be difficult for families who are now living in tight
quarters, it can also offer numerous ways to reinforce family bonds. Couples and families may
have a rare chance to reflect on each other here, as their social bubble is minimized. Since their
schedules are not packed with social commitments, they are able to establish certain routines and
set aside time for special events. People have become innovative in finding ways to strengthen
meaningful family relations that will help them not only get through the pandemic but also boost
their family communication and interaction long after the COVID-19 crisis is over.
 References
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marriage. Personal Relationships, 14(4), 551–569. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-
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