A large international study showed that the more a person focuses on their own goals and interests, the less deep their emotional attachment to their partner may be. However, psychologists emphasize that this trait has not only downsides but also unexpected advantages.
In recent decades, scientists have increasingly spoken about the rise of individualism in modern society. This concept refers to a worldview in which personal achievements, interests, and goals are prioritized over the interests of family, collective, or community.
According to researchers, the spread of individualistic views is facilitated by globalization, the development of digital technologies, and social networks.
However, it has remained unclear how such a life position affects romantic relationships. The results of previous studies have been contradictory: some scientists found a connection between individualism and the characteristics of romantic attachment, while others did not.
To obtain more reliable data, an international group of psychologists led by Marta Kowal from the University of Wrocław in Poland conducted one of the largest studies on this topic.
The survey involved more than 61,000 people aged 18 to 90 from 81 countries around the world. All respondents were in romantic relationships at the time of the study — ranging from a few weeks to more than ten years.
Participants assessed the degree of their emotional closeness to their partner, their desire to maintain the relationship, and answered questions that allowed for the determination of their level of individualism.
The analysis showed that people with more pronounced individualistic views, on average, demonstrated a lower level of romantic attachment. This pattern persisted regardless of the participants' gender, age, and financial status.
To verify the results, the researchers conducted an additional study involving more than six thousand people from 50 countries. The obtained data confirmed the initial conclusions.
According to the authors of the study, an excessive focus on personal goals may hinder the formation of deep emotional connections. For close relationships, openness, trust, and the willingness to show vulnerability are important, and individuals with pronounced individualism may find this more challenging.
However, the researchers do not believe that such an effect is necessarily harmful. Strong emotional involvement in relationships often requires a significant amount of time and energy. When romantic experiences occupy a less significant place in a person's life, they have more resources for work, study, socializing with friends, family, and personal development.
At the same time, the scientists emphasize that the study revealed only a statistical correlation between individualism and the level of romantic attachment. It does not prove that individualism is the cause of more restrained feelings.
It is possible that other factors — upbringing, cultural environment, personality traits, or life experiences — simultaneously influence both phenomena.
The authors also note that the results are based on self-assessments from participants. This means that some respondents may have consciously or unconsciously distorted their answers under the influence of mood, current conflicts in relationships, or the desire to present themselves in a more favorable light.
Nevertheless, the study has become one of the most extensive in its field and has shown that changes in societal values can affect not only people's lifestyles but also how they build romantic relationships.
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