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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling

Published on: January 17, 2025

Relationship quality, commitment, and stability in long-distance relationships.

Gretchen Kelmer¹, Galena K Rhoades, Scott Stanley

¹Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA. gretchen.kelmer@du.edu

|June 15, 2013

Summary

Long-distance relationships show higher quality and commitment than geographically close ones. Despite perceived lower breakup likelihood initially, long-distance relationship stability is comparable to close-proximity relationships.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling

Published on: January 17, 2025

Area of Science:

Psychology
Sociology
Relationship Science

Background:

Romantic relationships are a key aspect of adult life.
Geographical distance can impact relationship dynamics.
Understanding factors influencing relationship quality and stability is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare relationship quality, commitment, and stability between long-distance romantic relationships (LDRs) and close-proximity romantic relationships (CPRs).
To investigate differences in perceived and material constraints between LDRs and CPRs.
To examine breakup likelihood and actual breakup rates in LDRs versus CPRs.

Main Methods:

Utilized a nationally representative sample of 870 individuals.
Compared participants in LDRs with those in CPRs.
Assessed relationship quality, commitment, stability, perceived constraints, material constraints, and breakup likelihood.

Main Results:

Individuals in LDRs reported higher relationship quality and commitment.
LDR participants experienced lower levels of feeling trapped (constraint).
Perceived and material constraints were similar across LDRs and CPRs.
While LDRs initially perceived a lower breakup likelihood, actual breakup rates were comparable to CPRs by follow-up.

Conclusions:

Long-distance romantic relationships can exhibit superior quality and commitment compared to close-proximity relationships.
Despite initial perceptions, the long-term stability of LDRs is similar to CPRs.
Relationship dynamics and constraints require nuanced understanding beyond mere geographical proximity.