Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
11:13
The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
14.6K
Stress and its associations with relationship satisfaction
Ashley K Randall1, Guy Bodenmann2
1Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University, United States.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|August 17, 2017
Summary
Stress impacts romantic relationships, shifting from an individual to a dyadic construct. External and internal stressors significantly affect relationship satisfaction, informing future research and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Traditionally, stress was viewed as an individual experience.
- Recent research conceptualizes stress as a dyadic construct affecting interdependent partners.
- Understanding stress within relationships is crucial for relationship science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on the impact of stress on romantic relationships.
- To conceptualize associations between internal/external stressors and relationship satisfaction.
- To discuss implications for future research and clinical interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published after Randall and Bodenmann's seminal work.
- Focus on conceptualizing the dyadic nature of stress.
- Analysis of stressors originating inside (internal) and outside (external) the relationship.
Main Results:
- Stress is a dyadic construct impacting both partners in a relationship.
- Both internal and external stressors are associated with relationship satisfaction.
- The type and origin of stressors influence relationship dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Stress in romantic relationships is a shared experience with significant implications.
- Future research should further explore the dyadic effects of various stressors.
- Clinical interventions can be developed to address relationship stress.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
763
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
763
01:30Stress and Mental Health
1.0K
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
1.0K
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
695
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
695
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
367
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
367
01:28Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
314
A social support system is a structured network of personal relationships that provides assistance to individuals facing various challenges, offering a buffer against psychological and physical stressors. This network may consist of family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or other community members who provide resources and companionship. Social support can take many forms, including advice, emotional comfort, practical help, and companionship. Research indicates that these networks can...
314
01:23Types of Stressors
746
A stressor is any event, condition, or stimulus that triggers stress and causes a physical or psychological response in the body. Stressors can be categorized into three main types: catastrophes; significant life changes; and daily hassles, including social stress. Each can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being.
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
746