Abstract
Objective: To examine the role of on–off relationship cycling in psychological distress for individuals in same- and different-sex relationships. Background: Relationship processes have a robust effect on individual well-being, and dissolution is associated with psychological distress that is normative and typically short-lived. A prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off cycling), however, may facilitate more pervasive symptomology. Moreover, researchers have indicated that instability is similar for individuals in same- and different-sex relationships, but cycling in same-sex relationships has yet to be studied despite existing disparities for sexual minorities. Method: Data from 545 individuals in same-sex (n = 279) and different-sex (n = 266) relationships were used to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results: The occurrence of cycling was similar across relationship types, but a greater frequency emerged in male–male relationships compared with female–female and different-sex relationships. Regardless of relationship type, we found a positive association between relationship cycling and distress while controlling for known correlates of mental health. Conclusion: Patterns of breakup and renewal were linked to increased symptoms of psychological distress, indicating the accumulation of relationship transitions can create added turmoil for individuals. Implications: Due to the potential distress associated with this relational pattern, practitioners should assess for on–off instability. We also provide suggestions for encouraging individuals in distressed on–off relationships to make informed decisions about stabilizing or safely terminating their partnerships.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 523-538 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Family Relations |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 2018 |
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Keywords
- Couple relationships
- mental health
- relationship cycling
- relationship instability
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
Cite this
Coming Out and Getting Back In : Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same- and Different-Sex Relationships. / Monk, J. Kale; Ogolsky, Brian G.; Oswald, Ramona F.
In: Family Relations, Vol. 67, No. 4, 10.2018, p. 523-538.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Coming Out and Getting Back In
T2 - Relationship Cycling and Distress in Same- and Different-Sex Relationships
AU - Monk, J. Kale
AU - Ogolsky, Brian G.
AU - Oswald, Ramona F.
PY - 2018/10
Y1 - 2018/10
N2 - Objective: To examine the role of on–off relationship cycling in psychological distress for individuals in same- and different-sex relationships. Background: Relationship processes have a robust effect on individual well-being, and dissolution is associated with psychological distress that is normative and typically short-lived. A prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off cycling), however, may facilitate more pervasive symptomology. Moreover, researchers have indicated that instability is similar for individuals in same- and different-sex relationships, but cycling in same-sex relationships has yet to be studied despite existing disparities for sexual minorities. Method: Data from 545 individuals in same-sex (n = 279) and different-sex (n = 266) relationships were used to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results: The occurrence of cycling was similar across relationship types, but a greater frequency emerged in male–male relationships compared with female–female and different-sex relationships. Regardless of relationship type, we found a positive association between relationship cycling and distress while controlling for known correlates of mental health. Conclusion: Patterns of breakup and renewal were linked to increased symptoms of psychological distress, indicating the accumulation of relationship transitions can create added turmoil for individuals. Implications: Due to the potential distress associated with this relational pattern, practitioners should assess for on–off instability. We also provide suggestions for encouraging individuals in distressed on–off relationships to make informed decisions about stabilizing or safely terminating their partnerships.
AB - Objective: To examine the role of on–off relationship cycling in psychological distress for individuals in same- and different-sex relationships. Background: Relationship processes have a robust effect on individual well-being, and dissolution is associated with psychological distress that is normative and typically short-lived. A prolonged history of terminating a relationship and then reconciling (i.e., on–off cycling), however, may facilitate more pervasive symptomology. Moreover, researchers have indicated that instability is similar for individuals in same- and different-sex relationships, but cycling in same-sex relationships has yet to be studied despite existing disparities for sexual minorities. Method: Data from 545 individuals in same-sex (n = 279) and different-sex (n = 266) relationships were used to assess the association between on–off cycling and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results: The occurrence of cycling was similar across relationship types, but a greater frequency emerged in male–male relationships compared with female–female and different-sex relationships. Regardless of relationship type, we found a positive association between relationship cycling and distress while controlling for known correlates of mental health. Conclusion: Patterns of breakup and renewal were linked to increased symptoms of psychological distress, indicating the accumulation of relationship transitions can create added turmoil for individuals. Implications: Due to the potential distress associated with this relational pattern, practitioners should assess for on–off instability. We also provide suggestions for encouraging individuals in distressed on–off relationships to make informed decisions about stabilizing or safely terminating their partnerships.
KW - Couple relationships
KW - mental health
KW - relationship cycling
KW - relationship instability
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85051101982&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85051101982&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/fare.12336
DO - 10.1111/fare.12336
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85051101982
VL - 67
SP - 523
EP - 538
JO - Family Relations
JF - Family Relations
SN - 0197-6664
IS - 4
ER -