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A memory lens on gender differences in romantic relationships

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2026

Mohamad El Haj Open the ORCID record for Mohamad El Haj [Opens in a new window] ,
Elisa Sarda ,
Valérie Le Floch  and
André Ndobo
Mohamad El Haj*
Affiliation:
Laboratoire de psychologie des Pays de la Loire, LPPL, Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Nantes, France mohamad.elhaj@univ-nantes.fr elisa.sarda@univ-nantes.fr
Elisa Sarda
Affiliation:
Laboratoire de psychologie des Pays de la Loire, LPPL, Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Nantes, France mohamad.elhaj@univ-nantes.fr elisa.sarda@univ-nantes.fr
Valérie Le Floch
Affiliation:
Cognition Langues Langages Ergonomie, Université de Toulouse, CNRS-UMR 5263, Toulouse, France valerie.le-floch@univ-tlse2.fr andre.ndobo@univ-nantes.fr
André Ndobo
Affiliation:
Laboratoire de psychologie des Pays de la Loire, LPPL, Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Nantes, France mohamad.elhaj@univ-nantes.fr elisa.sarda@univ-nantes.fr
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Wahring et al. highlight gender differences in romantic relationships, attributing them to disparities in social support. We propose that cognitive mechanisms – particularly autobiographical memory – also contribute. Superior emotional memory in women may not only foster relational insight but also facilitate emotional detachment, whereas weaker emotional memory in men may hinder processing, exacerbating distress post-breakup. Integrating memory research offers a complementary lens on romantic attachment and dissolution.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e100
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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