Individualism may affect the ability to establish deep emotional connections.
Researchers surveyed more than 60,000 participants from different countries and found that the more a person is self-centered, the colder they are towards their partner. However, a decrease in passion is not always negative; it has its positive aspects.
In recent decades, psychologists have increasingly spoken about the growing individualism. This refers to a worldview where personal goals and achievements are prioritized over the interests of family, collective, or community. This contrasts with collectivism, where the individual places the interests of the community or group above their own needs.
Authors of previous studies have noted that the shift towards such a worldview has accelerated in most countries recently. Possible reasons include globalization, the development of digital technologies, and the spread of social networks.
But how exactly individualism affects romantic relationships has remained unclear. Results from past scientific works have contradicted each other. Some researchers indicated that more independent and self-centered individuals love their partners differently than others. Others found no such connection.
The reason for the disagreement may be related to insufficient sample sizes. Experts studied residents of one or two countries and surveyed relatively few people. As a result, the findings could depend on the peculiarities of a specific country or random factors.
An international group of psychologists led by Marta Kowal from the University of Wrocław in Poland conducted a large-scale study to check whether there is a connection between individualism and the degree of romantic attachment.
Kowal and her colleagues prepared a survey completed by 61,000 adults aged 18 to 90 from 81 countries. At the time of the survey, all participants were in romantic relationships—ranging from a few weeks to over 10 years. Participants were asked through online questionnaires to rate on a scale from one to five how strongly they felt emotionally connected to their partner and whether they wanted to maintain the relationship.
Then, the participants answered questions to determine their level of individualism. In this part of the study, a scale from one to seven points was used. Volunteers rated statements such as "The success of the group is more important than personal success," and "A person should pursue their goals only after considering the well-being of the collective."
When researchers compared the responses, it turned out that people with more pronounced individualistic views were less inclined to romantic feelings. This connection persisted even after accounting for factors such as gender, age, and economic status.
To verify the results, the scientists conducted an additional study. More than six thousand people from 50 countries participated, all of whom were in relationships. The re-analysis confirmed the initial findings. The effect was observed in both men and women.
Kowal and her colleagues believe that individualism may affect the ability to establish deep emotional connections. According to the authors, a constant focus on achieving personal goals may hinder the emotional openness on which intimacy between partners is built. If a person finds it difficult to be vulnerable in a relationship, to share their feelings and inner world, such relationships become less emotionally rich. After all, openness and emotional vulnerability are considered the most important components of deep romantic attachment.
At the same time, psychologists do not believe that a decrease in passion due to increased individualism is necessarily negative. Immersing oneself in a partner and obsessive thoughts about one person can take up a significant amount of time and attention, as well as reduce productivity. If romantic experiences cease to play such an important role in life, it frees up strength and energy for communication with friends and relatives, work, study, and activities that bring personal satisfaction.
