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Who benefits most from romantic relationships and who bears the burdens?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2026

Christine M. Curley Open the ORCID record for Christine M. Curley [Opens in a new window] ,
Blair T. Johnson Open the ORCID record for Blair T. Johnson [Opens in a new window]  and
Emersyn K. Rokos Open the ORCID record for Emersyn K. Rokos [Opens in a new window]
Christine M. Curley
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, USA ccurley@wesleyan.edu
Blair T. Johnson*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA blair.t.johnson@uconn.edu
Emersyn K. Rokos
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA emersyn.rokos@gmail.com https://www.wesleyan.edu/about/directory/profile.html?id=ccurley https://sharp.uconn.edu/
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Heterogeneity in romantic relationship research highlights the need for research exploring how factors such as cultural contexts and socialized norms influence benefits differentially experienced by people of any gender: Both benefits and costs should be assessed. Understanding the burdens of roles generally assumed by women can promote social change to decrease gendered disparities and to improve romantic relationships.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e98
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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