Longitudinal effects of pandemic stressors and dyadic coping on relationship satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: This study examined changes in relationship satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic and the moderating roles of financial strain, perceived threat of COVID-19, and dyadic coping. Background: The systemic-transactional model of dyadic coping posits that relationship satisfaction varies as a function of the stressors partners face and their engagement in dyadic coping. Method: About 188 partnered adults completed questionnaires at three time points during the initial confinement period of the COVID-19 pandemic and at a 20-month follow-up. Results: Relationship satisfaction increased during the first confinement period and returned to its baseline level at the 20-month follow-up. Greater financial strain and perceived threat of COVID-19 were associated with poorer relationship satisfaction over time. Dyadic coping buffered the negative impact of financial strain on relationship satisfaction during the initial confinement period, but not 20 months later. Conclusions: Most individuals were resilient to the effect of pandemic stressors on relationship satisfaction. The buffering effect of dyadic coping was observed during the initial confinement period when access to support resources outside the family unit was curtailed. Implications: Intervention efforts to promote dyadic coping and financial well-being for couples may be especially helpful in the context of strict confinement measures.