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Relationship Quality Change Among Partnered Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Jaclyn S Wong
  • Selena Zhong
  • Hui Liu
  • Markus Schafer

Abstract

ObjectivesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic dramatically changed social life, but we know less about whether partnered relationships changed during this time. Because high-quality intimate relationships are key to many older Americans’ well-being, we explore whether, how, and for whom the pandemic changed relationship quality among partnered older Americans.MethodsNationally representative data from 1,642 partnered adults aged 50 and older come from the 2020 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project COVID-19 Study. Multinomial logistic regression analyses estimate the likelihood of reporting improved, unchanged, or worsened relationship quality since the pandemic began across sociodemographic groups.ResultsTwo thirds of respondents reported that relationship quality stayed the same during the pandemic, 22.8% reported their relationship quality got better, and 10.5% reported their relationship quality got worse. Although women and the oldest old were less likely to report improved relationship quality, Black respondents were more likely to do so, even after controlling for explanatory variables.DiscussionResilience describes many partnered older adults’ experiences during the first year of the pandemic, suggesting that they were able to protect their partnerships during this public health crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaclyn S Wong & Selena Zhong & Hui Liu & Markus Schafer, 2023. "Relationship Quality Change Among Partnered Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 78(2), pages 352-358.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:78:y:2023:i:2:p:352-358.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbac140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ruixue Zhaoyang & Lynn M Martire & Deborah Carr, 2021. "The Influence of Family and Friend Confidants on Marital Quality in Older Couples," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 76(2), pages 380-390.
    2. Colm O'Muircheartaigh & Stephanie Eckman & Stephen Smith, 2009. "Statistical Design and Estimation for the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 64(suppl_1), pages 12-19.
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