Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Relationship (in)congruency may differently impact mental health
Katarzyna Adamczyk1, Nicole Watkins2, Agata Dębek1
1Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Poznań, Poland.
Background:
Being involved in romantic relationships has historically been related to better mental health compared to being single. However, research exploring heterogeneity within these status groups is still understudied. Our study examined the role of (in)congruency between relationship desire, dismissal, satisfaction with relationship status, and current relationship status on the mental health measured in terms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and romantic loneliness.
Method:
The online questionnaire survey included 790 participants aged 18 - 40 (M = 26.51, SD = 5.60) at baseline and 421 at a 1-month follow-up. Participants represented five relationship statuses (single, casual dating, LAT relationships, cohabitation, and engagement/marriage).
Results:
Our results suggest that greater relationship desire and dismissal at baseline were associated with higher anxiety and depression in casual daters one month later, while greater relationship desire was linked to lower anxiety for individuals in living apart together relationships (LATs). Higher relationship dismissal in casual daters and engaged/married individuals was associated with lower insomnia. Higher satisfaction with relationship status was associated with lower depression in single individuals and lower romantic loneliness in cohabitors and engaged/married individuals.
Conclusions:
This study highlights that relationship (in)congruency may operate differently across various relationship status subgroups on mental health outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Cognitive Dissonance
Relationship Formation
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Social Exchange Theory

