Conclusion to the special issue: Relationships in the time of COVID-19: Examining the effects of the global pandemic on personal relationships

This article serves as the conclusion of the special issue entitled "Relationships in the time of COVID-19: Examining the effects of the global pandemic on personal relationships." The special issue includes 29 research articles with authors and samples from 28 countries spanning all continents except Antarctica. Romantic relationships between two heterosexual partners were studied most often in the special issue articles, but studies also focused on family relationships, friendships, and relationships between strangers. This article provides a summary of the special issue and its three broad themes: (1) stress, turbulence, conflict, and coping;(2) loneliness, isolation, and mediated communication;and (3) reflecting and reframing in relationships. The article concludes with the special issue editors' reflections on relationship science and the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

A descriptive literature review of early research on COVID-19 and close relationships

This in-depth critical review investigates the impact of COVID-19 on personal relationships from the start of the pandemic in early 2020 to September 2021. Research examining six themes are identified and described in detail: the impact of COVID-19 on (1) family and intimate relationships;(2) LGBTQ+ relationships;(3) how COVID-19 is linked to technologically mediated communication and personal relationships;(4) potential shifts in sexual behaviors and desire;(5) potential shifts in relational conflict and intimate partner violence;and (6) constructive aspects of personal relationships, which is a broad theme that includes outcomes such as resilience, relational quality, coping, and social support. Findings for overarching patterns are offered to highlight implications for current research and identify future directions to consider when continuing to study personal relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar future crises.

A descriptive literature review of early research on COVID-19 and close relationships

This in-depth critical review investigates the impact of COVID-19 on personal relationships from the start of the pandemic in early 2020 to September 2021. Research examining six themes are identified and described in detail: the impact of COVID-19 on (1) family and intimate relationships;(2) LGBTQ+ relationships;(3) how COVID-19 is linked to technologically mediated communication and personal relationships;(4) potential shifts in sexual behaviors and desire;(5) potential shifts in relational conflict and intimate partner violence;and (6) constructive aspects of personal relationships, which is a broad theme that includes outcomes such as resilience, relational quality, coping, and social support. Findings for overarching patterns are offered to highlight implications for current research and identify future directions to consider when continuing to study personal relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar future crises.

Conclusion to the special issue: Relationships in the time of COVID-19: Examining the effects of the global pandemic on personal relationships

This article serves as the conclusion of the special issue entitled ?Relationships in the time of COVID-19: Examining the effects of the global pandemic on personal relationships.? The special issue includes 29 research articles with authors and samples from 28 countries spanning all continents except Antarctica. Romantic relationships between two heterosexual partners were studied most often in the special issue articles, but studies also focused on family relationships, friendships, and relationships between strangers. This article provides a summary of the special issue and its three broad themes: (1) stress, turbulence, conflict, and coping;(2) loneliness, isolation, and mediated communication;and (3) reflecting and reframing in relationships. The article concludes with the special issue editors? reflections on relationship science and the pandemic.

Introduction to the special issue: Relationships in the time of COVID-19

This introduction describes the background for the special issue entitled ?Relationships in the Time of COVID-19: Examining the Effects of the Global Pandemic on Personal Relationships.? It also examines reasons for conducting interdisciplinary research on COVID-19 and personal relationships, and previews first articles published in the special issue.