Study of romance- are we truly made for each other?

Couples hugging

The University of Western Sydney is calling for participants for a new study investigating the dynamics of relationships, and what keeps people together over the long haul.

Long after the burning flames of romance have died down, and well after you’ve met the friends and family of your new lover, what is it exactly that bonds you through the good times and the bad?

“Close personal relationships are crucial to our wellbeing, and figuring out what it is that keeps relationships strong can help us achieve a healthy and balanced life,” says Dr Rebecca Pinkus, from the UWS School of Social Sciences and Psychology.

“What we are looking to do in this study is put our finger on what draws people together and what keeps a relationship alive.”

“Is it a case of opposites attract, where people who come from a similar background are more attracted to one another than people from diverse backgrounds?”

“Or do partners with similar interests and experiences stay together longer than people who have less in common?”

The University is currently recruiting couples who have been together for at least one year to visit the UWS Bankstown campus to answer some simple questions about themselves, their partners and their relationship.

Participants will then be asked to keep an electronic diary for a fortnight to record their interactions with partners and other couples.

Participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel expenses, to a maximum of $60 per person.

People interested in participating are urged to email the researchers or visit the Facebook page.