Abstract
Little is known about how positive relationship quality (PRQ) and negative relationship quality (NRQ) changed in the context of romantic relationships during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adults in relationships (N = 359) completed self-report measures between April and August of 2020. Participants experienced early increases in both PRQ and NRQ, followed by uniform decline in PRQ but a more variable trajectory of NRQ across couples. Higher NRQ was generally associated with greater pandemic impacts and greater fear of COVID (this latter association weakened over time). Supportive COVID-related communication was associated with higher PRQ and lower NRQ.
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Disclosure statement
The authors have no known conflicts of interest to disclose.