The Impact of Social Isolation on Romantic Relationships During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the severe course of COVID-19, the rate of transmission, and the high risk of death, country governments have taken many measures, such as social isolation, to reduce the rate of transmission. This study, it is aimed to reveal the effect of the social isolation process caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the romantic relationships of individuals. In this correlational study, 540 people (n=433 females, n=107 males) who had a romantic relationship in Turkey were reached by random sampling method. The participants were given the Sociodemographic Information Form and the Anxiety in Romantic Relationships During the Covid-19 Pandemic Period. Validity and reliability analyzes of the scale were made. Romantic relationships of the Covid-19 pandemic process have been determined that it affects women more than men, those with low education levels more than those with higher levels, and those with short relationships than those with long-term relationships. At the same time, it was concluded that those who live separately are more affected than those who live together, those who avoid sexuality are more affected than those who do not, and those who apply social distance rules at home are more affected than those who do not apply social distance rules at home. The research has some limitations. The scale was applied online to 540 people and reached a limited number of people. The results need to be supported by different studies.