Close Relationships and Mental Health

Abstract

Abstract Relationships have been described as the “keystone” of human functioning, as they have been found to be associated with both greater levels of subjective well-being and fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and substance use. This chapter focuses on why relationships matter, the association between close relationships and mental health, where relationships and mental health problems become intertwined, and how relationship functioning can be improved. Two opposing hypotheses have sought to explain this finding. On one hand, proponents of the experience hypothesis argue that a strong relationship is associated with better mental health outcomes, while on the other hand, proponents of the selection hypothesis argue that mentally healthy individuals select into marriages at a greater rate than mentally ill counterparts. The chapter examines the research on these two hypotheses and outlines a model for how relationships affect mental health, or vice versa. Then, it looks at specific psychopathologies and relationship quality in the context of the experience hypothesis and selection hypothesis and explores the role that broad personality factors play in mental health and relationship outcomes. Much research explicates the negative relationship between neuroticism and relationship quality, and the authors explore the specific mechanisms of interpersonal and intrapersonal pathways of neuroticism. Lastly, they review the research that shows that treating a troubled relationship is just as effective, if not more effective, than simply treating symptoms of mental illness. Finally, the chapter outlines some of the most efficacious treatment modalities for couples who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness.