Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
05:33
Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
8.5K
Pressurizing or encouraging: Health behaviors among long-distance couples
Shveta Kumaria1, Hayley Fivecoat1,2, Jessie Li2
1The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Family Process
|February 18, 2024
Summary
Long-distance relationships (LDRs) show better health practices and fewer health issues like fatigue compared to proximal relationships (PRs). Couple satisfaction and income significantly impact health outcomes for all couples.
Area of Science:
- Relationship Science
- Health Psychology
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Long-distance relationships (LDRs) present unique challenges impacting health outcomes differently than proximal relationships (PRs).
- Previous research on LDRs' health outcomes is mixed, with couple satisfaction and gender influencing results.
- Understanding health practices and outcomes in LDRs compared to PRs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine health practices in LDR couples versus PR couples.
- To investigate how partners influence each other's health behaviors.
- To compare health outcomes between LDR and PR couples.
Main Methods:
- Multilevel multivariate analysis was employed to compare health practices and outcomes.
- Data included factors like couple satisfaction, gender, age, and income.
- Strategies used for health influence were analyzed.
Main Results:
- LDR couples demonstrated better health practices than PR couples.
- Women utilized more collaborative and pressurizing strategies to influence partner's health.
- LDR couples reported lower fatigue and sleep disturbances compared to PR couples.
- Lower couple satisfaction and income were significant predictors of poorer health across all groups.
Conclusions:
- LDRs may offer certain health advantages over PRs, challenging negative perceptions.
- Gender dynamics influence health-influencing strategies within relationships.
- Couple satisfaction and socioeconomic factors are critical determinants of relationship health.
- Findings offer insights for health practitioners supporting diverse relationship structures.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
32
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
32
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
29
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
29
02:12Relationship Formation
40.0K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
40.0K
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
48
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
48
02:06Social Exchange Theory
34.5K
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
34.5K
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
47
Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
47