Men value romantic relationships more and suffer greater consequences from breakups than women
Romantic relationships are more central to men’s well-being than women’s, according to a forthcoming article in Behavioral & Brain Sciences.
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Romantic relationships are more central to men’s well-being than women’s, according to a forthcoming article in Behavioral & Brain Sciences.
Popular culture suggests women prioritize romantic relationships more than men, though recent evidence paints a different picture. Studies often depict women as emotionally dependent on their partners, while men are stereotypically viewed as independent and emotionally reserved. These assumptions have influenced not only cultural narratives but also academic research.
Iris V. Wahring and colleagues challenge this narrative by providing a comprehensive analysis of how romantic relationships impact men and women differently, drawing on interdisciplinary research across psychology, sociology, and evolutionary biology.
The researchers argue that men, on average, rely more on their romantic partners for emotional support and intimacy than women do. They suggest that this discrepancy stems from gendered socialization patterns: men are less likely to cultivate strong, emotionally supportive friendships or family ties outside of romantic relationships, while women are encouraged to develop broader networks of intimacy and care. These differences make romantic relationships disproportionately significant for men in fulfilling emotional and psychological needs.
The paper cites evidence showing that single men experience higher rates of depression, stress, and loneliness compared to single women, and men who lack a partner are at greater risk of adverse health outcomes, including reduced life expectancy.
