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Changes in Couples’ Relationships and Their Differences in Type during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China

Author

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  • Qi Jiang

    (Police Academy, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan 250014, China)

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores changes in couples’ relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzes the differences in the changes across three types: positive communication, criticism/defense, and demand/withdrawal. Method: A total of 600 (567 valid) Chinese respondents participated in this study, and a questionnaire was utilized to determine changes in their overall relationship, verbal and nonverbal communication, emotion, and activities with their spouses. Results: The average score of items related to positive communication is higher, compared with that of negative communication. Compared with the other two types of relationships, respondents with positive communication scored highest on all items related to positive communication and lowest on all items related to negative communication. Significant differences were noted between the positive communication types and the others. Conclusions: Results show that the relationships of couples included in this study have improved during the current pandemic. Therefore, improved consistency in the type of intimacy can lead to improved quality of couples’ relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Qi Jiang, 2022. "Changes in Couples’ Relationships and Their Differences in Type during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12516-:d:930684
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Julianne Holt-Lunstad & Timothy B Smith & J Bradley Layton, 2010. "Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-1, July.
    2. Aleksandra M. Rogowska & Natalia Wójcik & Aleksandra Janik & Paulina Klimala, 2022. "Is There a Direct Link between Sexual Satisfaction and Restrictions during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.
    3. Sachser, Cedric & Olaru, Gabriel & Pfeiffer, Elisa & Brähler, Elmar & Clemens, Vera & Rassenhofer, Miriam & Witt, Andreas & Fegert, Jörg M., 2021. "The immediate impact of lockdown measures on mental health and couples’ relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic - results of a representative population survey in Germany," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
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