Couples in Times of the Pandemic

The pandemic and its constraints have shaped distinct circumstances for couples and families. Many cohabiting couples found themselves together at home 24/7, an unprecedented situation. Remote work further blurred boundaries between family and professional life, while job loss or income reduction added mental and physical health concerns, alongside COVID-19-related anxieties. Foreseen was a surge in family tension and conflicts, potentially leading to negative outcomes, including heightened violence. This chapter evaluates how Spanish couples navigated this pandemic, comparing it to previous periods and identifying variables influencing relationship assessments. Employing quantitative methodology, data mainly originates from the “Sociological Research Center” (Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) in Spanish), supplemented by national and international sources. Results reveal that most couples emerged from the period unchanged, and among those with altered dynamics, a sevenfold increase in reported improvements rather than deterioration. Notably, middle-aged, middle-class couples experienced the most pronounced positive shifts.