285 articles
What the research says, not what the internet repeats.
Relationship science is one of the most misquoted fields in popular media. Findings from small samples get repeated until they harden into folk wisdom — the 55/38/7 communication rule, the seven-year itch, the idea that opposites attract. Most of these are either overstated or straightforwardly wrong.
The findings that do replicate are less catchy but more useful. Perceived partner responsiveness predicts satisfaction better than similarity. Relationship-specific beliefs matter more than personality traits. The strongest predictors of longevity are behavioural — how conflict is handled, how bids for attention are received — rather than demographic.
This collection tracks the primary literature: what has replicated, what has not, where the field is genuinely uncertain, and how to read a study before reorganising your life around a headline.
Relationship Psychology
In a 2024 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, researchers ran seven studies examining two forms of relationship knowledge: how ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 12 min read
Relationship Psychology
One key question researchers continue to ask is: Does similarity between romantic partners lead to greater happiness and relationship longevity over time? To ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 10 min read
Relationship Psychology
Numerous studies, plus health survey records, show that people in a relationship are physically healthier and less likely to develop chronic diseases than those ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 20 min read
Relationship Psychology
Research on long-distance, long-term couples found virtually no difference between them and other couples: They reported equal levels of intimacy, communication ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 18 min read
Relationship Psychology
One of the most enduring findings from Gottman research is that thriving relationships aren't defined by the absence of conflict. They are defined by the ...
Summary of Gottman · 15 min read
Relationship Psychology
a well-controlled 2024 study that found no evidence that partners need matching love languages to enjoy strong relationship satisfaction.
Summary of Psychologytoday · 10 min read
Relationship Psychology
Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic approaches and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. I use an integrated approach tailored to your goals. (929) 202-7143
Summary of Psychologytoday · 16 min read
Relationship Psychology
It includes taking full accountability for their actions, an understanding of the impact of their actions and a willingness to remain present with the partner's ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 12 min read
Relationship Psychology
The study reviewed suggests shared traits (matching demographics and background) can foster compatibility, but the presence of differences does not mean your ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 12 min read
Relationship Psychology
Research finds that the most successful couples meet through shared social networks or while pursuing a common interest.
Summary of Psychologytoday · 11 min read
Relationship Psychology
Browse couples therapists in Columbia, MD who specialize in relationship issues, conflict resolution, and communication for couples. Filter by therapy type, ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 8 min read
Relationship Psychology
It helps couples communicate about highly emotional issues in a calmer, safer way. Therapists can help you articulate feelings and concerns you may not yet ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 13 min read
Relationship Psychology
The shocking findings of the European study depict a gendered pattern in “silver splits”—that is, divorces among couples over the age of 50. A New Divorce ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 11 min read
Relationship Psychology
2. Be Nice From the Start, Not Just at the End ... If cognitive reframing is about perspective, emotional tone is about atmosphere. A renowned study by ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 7 min read
Relationship Psychology
Want a stronger, more connected relationship—even during conflict? Discover how active listening can turn tension into trust and help you feel truly heard.
Summary of Psychologytoday · 12 min read
Relationship Psychology
Use "tap-out" to pause conflicts and reconnect as respectful adults once emotions settle. · Frame tough talks with loving language to avoid triggering ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 7 min read
Relationship Psychology
This post lists many of the principles that guide the work of effective marriage counselors and couples therapists.
Summary of Psychologytoday · 12 min read
Relationship Psychology
Couples therapy improves communication, trust, intimacy, and sexual connection. Waiting too long allows unhealthy relationship patterns to become deeply ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 12 min read
Relationship Psychology
These pages provide descriptions of evidence-based and popular therapeutic approaches to help individuals select the most suitable treatment for their needs ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 8 min read
Relationship Psychology
Emotionally focused couples therapy helps to identify and break negative cycles that fuel repetitive conflict. Most recurring arguments stem from unspoken ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 10 min read
Relationship Psychology
Couples therapy for infidelity involves stabilization, insight, and forgiveness-focused interventions. Infidelity is probably one of the most painful and ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 11 min read
Relationship Psychology
A minute-long hug after a long day at work. Even a 20-second hug can lower cortisol and increase oxytocin, the bonding hormone. · It's a reliable “deposit” in ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 11 min read
Relationship Psychology
Individual therapy helps identify why personal reactions occur in relationships. · Writing clear emotional scripts can transform vague feelings into effective ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 10 min read
Relationship Psychology
A new study shows people tend to experience higher emotional well-being in a relationship than when single. Individuals felt less happy and more distressed ...
Summary of Psychologytoday · 8 min read
Behavioural patterns during conflict and everyday connection — the ratio of positive to negative interactions, the absence of contempt, whether repair attempts land, and whether partners turn toward rather than away from bids for attention.
Not in a way that lasts. Difference can be exciting early, but similarity in values, life goals, and conflict style predicts long-term satisfaction far better. The research consistently favours compatibility over complementarity.
It is a signal of arousal, not of fit. Intense early chemistry often reflects familiarity with a dynamic rather than compatibility — which is why anxious-avoidant pairings can feel electric and still be corrosive.