Dyadic, biobehavioral, and sociocultural approaches to romantic relationships and health: Implications for research, practice, and policy

Abstract

Romantic relationships are a key health determinant. Partners influence each other's psychological, behavioral, and biological trajectories in ways that can foster health and longevity or fuel disease risk and early mortality. A romantic relationship's health impact is considerable yet has historically garnered limited recognition from government agencies, healthcare providers, and policymakers. World-wide public health organizations are increasingly attending to the importance of social connection and health and calling for action and intervention to improve social connection. In this review, we identify key areas to act on this call and advance research, practice, and policy on romantic relationships and health: dyadic effects in how partners influence each other's health; the socio-historical context and systems of social stratification; and couple-level prevention, intervention, and health-promotion efforts. We connect these perspectives and offer next steps to further establish romantic relationships as a public health priority and target for policy and programming that foster social connection and health.