Do on-off relationships impact your mental health?

New research has suggested that on-off relationships can seriously impact your mental health.

According to Science Daily, researchers from the University of Missouri found that ‘on-off relationships are associated with higher rates of abuse, poorer communication and lower levels of commitment.’

Previous research cited by Science Daily indicates that 60% of adults have been in on-off relationships at one time or another.

Kale Monk, Brian Ogolsky and Ramona Oswald, from the University of Illinois, collected data from more than 500 people in relationships. The research found that those who broke up and got back together were more likely to have experienced psychological distress symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

Monk said: ‘For some couples, breaking up can help partners realize the importance of their relationship, contributing to a healthier, more committed unions.

‘On the other hand, partners who are routinely breaking up and getting back together could be negatively impacted by the pattern.’

Following the publication of the research, Monk urged couples who are seeking to better evaluate their relationship to seek therapeutic help.

He said: ‘Couples therapy or relationship counselling is not just for partners on the brink of divorce. Even happy dating and married couples can benefit from ‘relationship check-ups’ in order to strengthen the connection between partners and have additional support in approaching relationship transitions.’