Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Corresponding author: Karney, Benjamin R. Partners in intimate relationships, because they have each other to rely on, have generally been considered safe from the negative consequences of social isolation. Here, we question this assumption, suggesting instead that social isolation may pose a threat to couples by depriving them of the tangible and emotional support that couples are likely to need, especially when confronted by stress.
After briefly reviewing theoretical frameworks relevant to this idea, this article summarizes existing research documenting 1 associations between network ties and relationship outcomes, 2 mediators of these associations, for example, support and approval, and 3 moderators of these associations, for example, relationship qualities and cultural differences.
We conclude by describing a research agenda to address methodological limitations in existing research and the policy implications of this line of work. Keywords: Marriage, Intimate relationships, Marital interaction, Marital satisfaction, Social isolation, Social networks. Whereas feeling connected to others is critical for maintaining our physical and mental health [ 1 ], social isolation is associated with increased depressive symptoms, lower life satisfaction, and less adaptive responses to stress [ 2 , 3 ].
Among those at risk of suffering from social isolation, people in ongoing intimate relationships are typically considered the least vulnerable because partners have each other. To be sure, members of couples can still feel lonely. Relationship partners ask one another to help fulfill their deepest emotional needs [ 6 ], and partners can feel distressed when their relationships fail to meet their expectations [ 7 ]. When their relationships are satisfying, however, couples are generally considered safe from the negative consequences of social isolation.
Or are they? Can a couple be vulnerable to the adverse effects of social isolation, even if partners have a healthy relationship? In this review, we expand on the phenomenon of social isolation and present a framework which recognizes that couples can be socially isolated with implications for the success of the relationship, just as individual isolation has implications for physical and mental health.
