Romance can survive in long-term relationships and helps improve many couples' satisfaction, according to new research.
Bianca Acevedo and Arthur Aron, of the University of California at Santa Barbara, analyzed data from 25 studies involving 6,070 people in short- and long-term relationships featuring different types of love to examine their levels of satisfaction with their relationships.
The researchers distinguished among "romantic," "passionate" and "companionate" love. "Romantic love" retains "intensity, engagement and sexual interest" without the "obsessive" aspects of "passionate" love, which "includes feelings of uncertainty and anxiety." "Companionate" love is "warm, less intense love, devoid of attraction and sexual desire."
The studies included 17 that examined short-term relationships involving 18- to 23-year-old students who were single, dating or married, with the average relationship lasting less than four years. Researchers also looked at 10 studies on long-term relationships involving older couples who had typically been married 10 years or more. Two studies had short- and long-term samples.
Those who reported experiencing romantic love in their relationships were the most satisfied in both the short and long term, the researchers reported in the March issue of the journal Review of General Psychology. Those reporting companionate love tended to be moderately satisfied, both in short- and long-term relationships. Those who reported passionate love were more satisfied in the short term than in the long term.
"Contrary to what has been widely believed, long-term romantic love ... appears to be a real phenomenon that may be enhancing to individuals' lives," the researchers wrote. They acknowledged, "This could also be distressing for long-term couples who have achieved a kind of contented, even happy -- but not intensely romantic -- status quo, assuming it is the best anyone can expect."
But they added: "A shocking recognition of possibilities, that a long-term marriage does not necessarily kill the romance in one's relationship, may give some couples the inspiration they need, even if challenging, to make changes that will enhance their relationship quality."