Relationship maintenance encompasses a broad array of activities that partners may use to preserve their romantic partnerships. For this article, we systematically review the vast literature (N = 1,149 articles) on relationship maintenance in romantic relationships. We first identify the relevant constructs and propose a conceptual model to organize the literature. Then we turn our focus to the empirical research on the processes and social context of relationship maintenance. We conclude by highlighting the lingering questions in the study of relationship maintenance and offering recommendations for future research.

We examined the ways that federal, state, and local marriage recognition influence multiple domains of personal well-being of individuals in same-sex (n ϭ 279) and different-sex (n ϭ 266) relationships. Longitudinal data were collected across the transition to marriage equality (i.e., the U.S. Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges [2015] case decision, which resulted in same-sex marriage recognition federally). Prior to the ruling, levels of stigma and psychological distress were higher and family support was lower for individuals who were in same-sex (vs. different-sex) relationships. Levels of life satisfaction and family support were higher for those who were married (vs. not married). Levels of stigma and stress were lower and family support and life satisfaction were higher for those who lived in states that recognized same-sex marriage. A more supportive community climate was also associated with lower levels of stigma and stress and higher levels of family support than less supportive communities. Following the ruling, levels of stigma decreased over time, particularly for individuals in same-sex relationships, after accounting for state and local recognition. Levels of family support also increased, whereas support from friends decreased following the ruling. The findings of this study indicate that federal, state, and local marriage recognition play unique roles in changing the climate of discrimination for individuals in same-sex relationships.

Using a minority stress framework, we examined changes in personal well-being among individuals in same-sex relationships during the transition to federal marriage recognition. Longitudinal panel data from 279 individuals were collected once before and at three time points after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Obergefell vs. Hodges case that resulted in federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Prior to the ruling, levels of internalized homonegativity, isolation, and vicarious trauma were positively associated with psychological distress. Levels of felt stigma and vicarious trauma were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Following the ruling, trajectories of psychological distress decreased over time for individuals who experienced higher (vs. lower) initial levels of internalized homonegativity, isolation, and vicarious trauma. Trajectories of life satisfaction increased over time for individuals who experienced higher (vs. lower) initial levels of vicarious trauma. These changes occurred over and above the effects of state and local recognition and marital status.

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How partners handle conflict may be transmitted across generations and contribute to relationship quality. Using a sample of 220 newlywed couples ( N = 440) we examined the associations between destructive family-of-origin conflict patterns and discrepancies in current conflict behaviors (e.g., conflict engagement, withdrawal, negative problem solving) with marital quality. Destructive conflict mediated the relationship between destructive family-of-origin conflict and subsequent marital quality. We found actor and partner effects for the association between destructive conflict behavior and marital quality. Moreover, discrepancies in spousal use of negative problem solving was associated with lower marital quality for husbands, although we found limited evidence of partner discrepancy overall.

Background: Close relationships in older adulthood are characterized by heightened interdependence, which has implications for health and well-being as partners age together. Purpose: We describe a novel method that uses partners’ spatial proximity to examine the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Research Design: In a sample of 10 older adult couples over a 14-day study period, we linked a continuous measure of partners’ spatial proximity with partners’ heart rates—a physiological marker of arousal. Results: Cross-correlations showed that proximity was consistently associated with each partner’s heart rate, but the magnitude and sequence of the correlation varied from day-to-day, suggesting that the coupling of proximity and heart rate is a dynamic of the interaction, rather than the couple. Additionally, our predictive model showed that all three time-series were necessary for optimal prediction, demonstrating that proximity and partners’ heart rates are dynamically intertwined. Conclusion: Together, these results demonstrate meaningful and predictable variation in couple dynamics at the momentary level that consists of a complex association between physiological and spatial proximity.

Informed by ecological and intersectional perspectives, this study examined how Black Americans’ reflections on the historical context of slavery and experiences with discrimination shaped their understandings of and experiences within their own relationships. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 individuals in romantic relationships. Findings of the thematic analysis covered five themes: comparing social climates, assumptions about Black relationships, the discrimination triad, an opportunity to respond, and valuing and celebrating Black love. Contemporary experiences of discrimination were a filter that echoed the historical devaluing and mistreatment of Black individuals and their relationships. Partners’ interactions around discrimination were critical opportunities to offer support to their romantic partner.

A core idea of attachment theory is that security develops when attachment figures are responsive to a person’s connection needs. Individuals may be more or less secure in different relationships. We hypothesized that individuals who perceive a current relationship partner as being responsive to their needs will feel more secure in that specific relationship, and that the benefits of perceived partner responsiveness would be more pronounced for individuals who generally feel insecure. The current study included 472 individuals (236 couples) in romantic relationships. Consistent with our predictions, individuals who perceived more responsiveness from their partner displayed lower partner-specific attachment anxiety and partner-specific avoidance, especially when they were generally insecure. These findings are discussed in terms of the conditions that promote secure attachment bonds.