Pandemic-Related Stress and Other Emotional Difficulties in a Sample of Men and Women Living in Romantic Relationships during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which relationship quality affects variability in perceived stress and other emotional difficulties associated with the pandemic. The study was conducted March 2–17 2022 using a self-administered online survey. The sample size consisted of 1405 individuals who were in a romantic relationship. The scales used in the study included the PSS-4, ECR-RS, SLS-12 and the standardized Pandemic-ED scale (RMSEA = 0.032). Increased stress levels (U = −5.741), pandemic-related emotional difficulties (U = −8.720), worse romantic relationship quality (U = −2.564) and more frequent anxiety-related attachment (U = −3.371) were characteristic of women. A hierarchical regression model for stress showed that age (b = −0.143), financial situation (b = 0.024), the ECR-RS scores (b = 0.219) and pandemic-related emotional difficulties (b = 0.358) proved to be statistically significant predictors of stress. The hierarchical regression model for pandemic-related emotional difficulties indicated five predictors: gender (b = 0.166), education (b = 0.071), financial situation (b = 0.203), scores on the ECR-RS scale (b = 0.048) and stress (b = 0.367). The SEM model used has satisfactory fit indices (RMSEA = 0.051), romantic relationship quality scores and attachment styles interact with the variability of perceived pandemic-related stress and burdens. The determined model offers conclusions relevant to clinicians working with individuals and couples during periods of intense stress.

Romantic relationships and emotional difficulties and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Najwyższy odsetek odnotowano dla osób mieszkających w średnich miastach (od 49,9 tysięcy do 1 mln) 467 (35,1%), następnie na wsiach 511 (39,4%) oraz w dużych miastach (powyżej 1 mln) 165 (12,4%). Średni wynik SLS-12 w całej próbie (N = 1332) wynosił 48,31 (10,23), a średni wynik ECR-RS 22.71 (11,33).…”

Exploring the influence of stress on aggressive behavior and sexual function: Role of neuromodulator pathways and epigenetics

“…Studies have shown that exposure to stress can increase the likelihood of engaging in sexual aggression [ 27 ]. For instance, stressors such as relationship problems, financial difficulties, and job stress have been linked to increased sexual aggression in both men and women [ 28 , 29 ].…”