Relationship status and mental and physical health among Polish and American young adults: The role of relationship satisfaction and satisfaction with relationship status

Abstract

There is growing recognition that relationship factors besides relationship status play an important role in young adults’ mental and physical health. This study explored the concurrent (between‐individual) and longitudinal (within‐individual) associations between relationship status, relationship satisfaction, satisfaction with relationship status, and varied dimensions of health in samples of Polish and U.S. young adults. Data from young adults (aged 18–34 at Wave 1) were collected in a three‐wave investigation in Poland and in the USA with one‐year intervals between each of the measurements. The cross‐sectional analyses demonstrated that individuals in relationships reported better health, particularly if they were in a higher‐quality relationship. The fixed‐effects models showed that relationship quality was a much more consistent and powerful predictor of health than was relationship status; however, for depression, satisfaction with relationship status was an independent contributor to health. Cross‐cultural analyses revealed a stronger link between partner status and depression and emotional well‐being, and relationship satisfaction and psychological well‐being among Polish young adults than their American counterparts. The results demonstrated that characteristics of relationships and satisfaction with relationship status matter more for changes in health than relationship status alone and that these links may differ by cultural context.

Emerging adulthood milestones, perceived capability, and psychological well‐being while transitioning to adulthood: Evidence from a national study

“…Beckmeyer and Cromwell (2019) suggested a reason for such a finding might be due to different social support and benefits romantic partners can provide, and that those who are involved in such relationships may feel they have achieved important life tasks in becoming adults. Compared to single young adults, those in romantic relationships also reported better emotional and psychological health, lower loneliness, and higher physical health (Adamczyk et al, 2021). Similarly, those who engage in a dissatisfying relationship often report lower health outcomes.…”

“…College students in committed relationships have also been found to experience fewer mental health problems, be less likely to be overweight, and be less likely to engage in risky behaviors (Braithwaite et al, 2010). The study by Adamczyk et al (2021) also adds that the quality of a relationship is a stronger predictor of health than relationship status and that relationship quality plays an important role in young adults' well-being.…”

“…Prior research has shown that romantic relationship status and relationship quality are important predictors of emerging adults' well-being and happiness as well (Adamczyk et al, 2021;Beckmeyer & Cromwell, 2019;Braithwaite et al, 2010;Demir, 2010;G omez-L opez et al, 2019). A study by Beckmeyer and Cromwell (2019) examined the association between romantic relationship status and well-being of emerging adults and found that compared to single participants, emerging adults in a romantic relationship reported greater life satisfaction and less loneliness.…”

Variations in mindfulness associated with the COVID‐19 outbreak: Differential effects on cognitive failures, intrusive thoughts and rumination

“…The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has impacted individuals and, in turn, families, increasing stresses due to socio-economic disparities, pre-existing illness and underscoring the precariousness of interpersonal relationships (Adamczyk et al, 2021;Amsalem et al, 2020). Connectedness, good organisation and communication within the family help overcome these effects due to the pandemic and related restrictions.…”

Migration and health: Translation to action

“…perceived discrimination, job stress; Li, Du, et al, 2021*; Qu et al, 2021*; Xie et al, 2020*) and interpersonal (e.g. parental control, negative peer interactions, single or partnered relationship status; Adamczyk et al, 2021*; Li, Su, et al, 2021*) predictors of migrant health using multiple research designs (e.g. longitudinal research, mixed methods, daily diaries) and analytic approaches (e.g.…”