Research Programme 2025/2026 Theme Announcement: Hugs and Hypotheses: Psychology of Close Relationships

Research Programme 2025/2026 Theme: Hugs and Hypotheses: Psychology of Close Relationships

The research of close relationships is a broad and rich field in psychology. The development of a unified science focused on understanding human relationships only began in the 1980s. Today, relationship science is an interdisciplinary field that uses various empirical methods to explore how interpersonal relationships begin, develop, are maintained, and eventually dissolve. It examines the structure and progression of relationships, the dynamics of how they function, and how individual characteristics and broader contexts affect relationship outcomes (Finkel et al., 2017). 

Relationship science has inspired several robust theories that have informed countless empirical studies on how people think, feel, and act in close relationships. Three of the most influential frameworks are Interdependence Theory, Attachment Theory, and Sternberg’s Triangular Model of Love. Currently, there is a tendency for interdisciplinary integration, as there is a need to theoretically and empirically conceptualise the term within the broader context in which it exists (Finkel et al., 2017). 

Interdependence theory originated as a game-theoretic model of interactions between two people, and was first applied to close relationships in the 1970s, while becoming a leading theory by the 1980s. It posits that social situations vary across several dimensions, which in turn affects relationship processes and outcomes (Finkel et al., 2017). 

Psychodynamic approach offers another view on close relationships. After Freud’s death, psychodynamic thought expanded in various directions, among which we findJohn Bowlby’s pioneering Attachment theory. Attachment theory began by exploring infant-caregiver relationships and stems from Bowlby’s writings on attachment, separation, and loss. In the 1980s, it was adapted to explain adult close relationships and became one of the primary models of adult relationships by the 1990s. The theory suggests that humans have an innate need to form emotional bonds: people form emotional connections with significant others and are driven to maintain these connections over time. This need is seen to be a reflex of evolutionary development, as we evolved to form deep, long-lasting emotional attachments to aid in human survival during infancy. Furthermore, individuals seek closeness to their primary attachment figure, especially in times of stress, illness, or fear, relying on the security this person provides to them (Finkel et al., 2017; Gabbard & Rachal, 2012).

Another important theory is the triangular theory of love proposed by Sternberg. It posits that love comprises three elements: intimacy (connectedness), passion (romantic attraction), and commitment (the decision to maintain the relationship). Different combinations of these elements lead to various forms of love—like infatuation (passion only) or companionate love (intimacy and commitment without passion) (Finkel et al., 2017; Stangor et al., 2014).

In their review of Psychology of Close relationships, Finkel et al. (2017) propose that relationship science can benefit from both greater integration of theories to minimise redundancy, and a stronger focus on the situations in which existing or future principles may conflict as a way of further theoretical development. It is not always clear how these theories connect or what common features they share. Some theories intentionally overlap while some theories highlight processes that are not frequently addressed elsewhere (Finkel et al., 2017), thus the importance of integration becomes even more important.  

Due to changing social circumstances and evolution of human connection, forms of romantic relationships such as polyamory, asexuality, open relationships, childfree marriages, and singlehood by choice are gaining more recognition. In investigating the characteristics of these relationship models, Doyle & Molix (2015) stress that the link between social stigma and relationship functioning is an important area of study, with initial findings showing a small but significant negative association among sexual minorities. Stigma not only affects individual well-being but also has detrimental effects on romantic relationships. Further, the relationships are influenced by the type of stigma, revealing that internalised stigma has a more harmful impact than perceived stigma. While the mechanisms may be particularly pronounced for sexual minorities—those with sexual orientations outside of the heterosexual norm— similar dynamics might also apply to other marginalized groups, such as racial minorities and women (Doyle & Molix, 2015). Studies show that prejudice and discrimination harm not only romantic relationships but also friendships, family ties, workplace interactions, and even relationships with healthcare providers (Doyle & Barreto, 2023).

The trend of couples choosing to remain childfree represents a significant shift in modern family dynamics, with a notable increase in this demographic across various cultures. The decision to remain childfree has significant gendered dimensions, with research indicating that childfree women experience more societal pressure than their male counterparts. Men’s roles in childfree decisions remain complex. While motherhood is often seen as a crucial part of femininity, fatherhood does not carry the same societal weight. Understanding these changes necessitates cross-cultural studies to explore the various reasons behind the childfree decision and its implications for family dynamics in different societies (Agrillo & Nelini, 2008).

Additionally, the rise of consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships challenges the traditional monogamous model often regarded as the societal norm. While CNM arrangements, such as polyamory, open relationships, and swinging, are becoming more common, they still represent a minority of relationship structures. Research indicates that some individuals in non-monogamous setups report higher relationship satisfaction and overall happiness, but this doesn’t universally apply to all individuals or couples. However, societal pressures and stigma surrounding non-monogamy can negatively impact individuals’ mental health and relationship quality, a phenomenon referred to as mononormativity (Killeen, 2022). We believe tackling these new forms of relationships is an important pillar, since we as psychology students wish to be the frontiers in forming research and science based opinions in broader society. 

Another interesting topic related to lifelong intimate relations is siblings and birth order. Does it matter if you are an only child, firstborn, or have a twin? Alfred Adler was among the first theorists to incorporate birth order into his understanding of clients. Adler’s approach emphasized psychological birth order, which refers to how children perceive their roles within the family, rather than just their ordinal position as siblings. However, most research has had a tendency to examine ordinal birth order, partly due to the lack of tools measuring psychological position while second-born children are often overlooked in research. Overall, research shows that birth order can influence relationships, with people often forming close connections with others who share the same birth order. Studies revealed a notable prevalence of same-birth-order friendships and romantic relationships. Despite criticism, a lot of Adler’s initial ideas have at least some confirmation; thus it is an important issue to discuss with clients on the couch as well as to tackle it scientifically (Eckstein et al., 2010). 

Finally, an important topic seen as a pervasive struggle of the 21st century is loneliness. We are more connected than we have ever been before, yet we struggle with intimacy more than we ever have. A meta-analytic review by Holt-Lunstad et al. (2015) indicates that individuals who experience social isolation have a 29% higher likelihood of mortality, while those who report feelings of loneliness face a 26% increased risk, and living alone correlates with a 32% increase in mortality risk. Jeste et al. (2020) posit that modern societies are grappling with behavioural epidemics, particularly the alarming rise in suicides and opioid overdoses, contributing to a significant decline in life expectancy. Central to this issue is the pervasive and lethal nature of loneliness, defined as the distress from a mismatch between desired and actual social relationships. While social media has provided some benefits for those feeling isolated, it also poses risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Mental health experts should guide the development of policies that protect and support individuals struggling with loneliness and mental health issues. Addressing loneliness requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses both individual and societal interventions.

In summary, we as the Research Office Team and broader EFPSA community, believe that exploring close relationships is important both for theory and practice of future psychologists. Thus, the aim of the 2025/2026 Research Programme is to explore Psychology of Close relationships. 

Key Words: close relationships, romantic relationships, attachment, sexual minorities, birth of order, loneliness 

References:

• Agrillo, C., & Nelini, C. (2008). Childfree by choice: A review. Journal of cultural geography, 25(3), 347-363.
• Doyle, D. M., & Barreto, M. (2023). Relational consequences of stigma: Bridging research on social stigma with relationship science. Journal of Social issues, 79(1), 7-20.
• Doyle, D. M., & Molix, L. (2015). Social stigma and sexual minorities’ romantic relationship functioning: A meta-analytic review. Personality and social psychology bulletin, 41(10), 1363-1381.
• Eckstein, D., Aycock, K. J., Sperber, M. A., McDonald, J., Van Wiesner III, V., Watts, R. E., & Ginsburg, P. (2010). A review of 200 birth-order studies: Lifestyle characteristics. Journal of Individual Psychology, 66(4).
• Finkel, E. J., Simpson, J. A., & Eastwick, P. W. (2017). The psychology of close relationships: Fourteen core principles. Annual Review of Psychology, 68(1), 383-411.
• Gabbard, G. O., & Rachal, F. (2012). Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice. Encyclopedia of Human Behavior, 187–194. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-375000-6.00236-6. 
• Killeen, E. (2022). Consensual Non-Monogamy and Relationship Satisfaction. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth/Le Journal Canadien de Famille et de la Jeunesse, 14(2), 92-102.
• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review. Perspectives on psychological science, 10(2), 227-237.
• Jeste, D. V., Lee, E. E., & Cacioppo, S. (2020). Battling the Modern Behavioral Epidemic of Loneliness. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(6), 553-554.
• Stangor, C., Tarry, H., & Jhangiani, R. (2014). Close relationships: Liking and loving over the long term. Principles of Social Psychology-1st International Edition.