The study was conducted by a research team from Bielefeld and Greifswald Universities in collaboration with the University of Warwick in Britain. It was based on data analysis from 1,103 individuals, collected through long-term studies in both countries, according to the scientific site ‘SciPost’.
The study indicated that the beginning of a romantic relationship represents the most influential moment in enhancing life satisfaction. Al Awad explained this change as due to social transformations, stating: ‘It has become less important compared to the past, especially in the early years of the relationship, due to the increasing acceptance of life partnerships outside the framework of marriage.’
Researcher Anu Realo from the University of Warwick confirmed that the results go beyond the idea of a temporary ‘honeymoon effect’.
The study focused on 1,103 individuals who were single at the beginning of the survey, then entered into romantic relationships within two years and moved in with their partners. Their level of life satisfaction was monitored for an additional two years, with some cases proceeding to marriage during this period.
According to the study, these results confirm that romantic relationships, whether accompanied by marriage or not, remain a key factor in enhancing happiness and psychological stability in individuals’ lives.
