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“Lovesick”: Mental Health and Romantic Relationships among College Students

Author

Listed:
  • Lacey J. Ritter

    (Department of Psychology, Sociology, & Social Work, Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USA)

  • Taylor Hilliard

    (Department of Sociology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA)

  • David Knox

    (Department of Sociology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA)

Abstract

This research investigated the interpersonal impact of self-reported mental health diagnoses and/or perceptions on undergraduate students’ current or most recent romantic relationship. Analysis of data from a 43-item online questionnaire completed by 267 undergraduates revealed that 68.3% of women and 52.5% of men reported having either been professionally diagnosed with a mental illness or perceive themselves to be mentally ill based on DSM criteria, with women and white students reporting significantly higher levels. Sociologically speaking, mental illness was found to influence relationship initiation, maintenance, and dissolution in this study. The mental health of the respondents’ potential partners was an important consideration in deciding to form a relationship, particularly for male, white, heterosexuals. When the respondents reported relationship problems, men were more likely to blame such problems on mental health issues than women. Finally, though more respondents reported having broken up with a romantic partner who had mental health issues than had romantic partners break up with them, there were no significant gender, race, or sexual orientation differences in the termination of these romantic relationships. Study findings emphasize the importance of acknowledging and providing mental health resources—particularly interpersonal options—for emerging adults in the college setting.

Suggested Citation

  • Lacey J. Ritter & Taylor Hilliard & David Knox, 2022. "“Lovesick”: Mental Health and Romantic Relationships among College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2022:i:1:p:641-:d:1019820
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hunter, Bronwyn A. & Mohatt, Nathaniel Vincent & Prince, Dana M. & Thompson, Azure B. & Matlin, Samantha L. & Tebes, Jacob Kraemer, 2017. "Socio-psychological mediators of the relationship between behavioral health stigma and psychiatric symptoms," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 177-183.
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