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A cultural lens on romantic dependence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2026

Yukiko Uchida Open the ORCID record for Yukiko Uchida [Opens in a new window]  and
Alexander Kirchner-Häusler Open the ORCID record for Alexander Kirchner-Häusler [Opens in a new window]
Yukiko Uchida*
Affiliation:
Kyoto University Institute for the Future of Human Society, Kyoto, Japan uchida.yukiko.6m@kyoto-u.ac.jp kirchnerhausler.alexander.7c@kyoto-u.ac.jp https://ifohs.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/archives/member/yukiko-uchida https://ifohs.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/archives/member/alexander-kirchner-hausler
Alexander Kirchner-Häusler
Affiliation:
Kyoto University Institute for the Future of Human Society, Kyoto, Japan uchida.yukiko.6m@kyoto-u.ac.jp kirchnerhausler.alexander.7c@kyoto-u.ac.jp https://ifohs.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/archives/member/yukiko-uchida https://ifohs.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/archives/member/alexander-kirchner-hausler
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Wahring et al. offer a compelling argument that men depend more on romantic partners than women. Our commentary highlights the importance of integrating cultural frameworks – such as relational mobility, support norms, and masculinity ideals – into their model. We argue that sociocultural contexts shape not only the degree of relational dependence but also the nature of close relationships and support behaviors.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e129
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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