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The Impact of COVID-19 on Relationship Conflict and Sexuality in the USA
New couples research enhances understand of pandemic-related health impact.
COVID-19 has resulted in wide-spread quarantine orders in much of the world. We are social animals, and staying at home — with some advantages — presents a strain, which may be more or less challenging depending on how we cope. While opportunities for resilience and post-traumatic growth abound, it is undeniably a difficult time for many, especially those facing economic hardship and mental strain beyond the pale. Personal struggles are accentuated by unclear and inconsistent leadership and poor community resources, resulting in rising rates of mental illness.
A recent KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) study (August 21, 2020) polled US adults and found that over half reported negative mental health impacts due to COVID-related distress, up from 32 percent in March. Job loss is associated with more severe reactions, including depression and suicidal thinking. Notably, mental health was significantly worse among those sheltering in place (47 percent) compared with those who were not (37 percent).
COVID and Relationships
While there are a large number of studies published almost daily about the mental health…
