Here are some important relationship facts:

• People who are in romantic relationships tend to be happier than those who are single.¹
• Difficulties getting along with a boss or coworkers can impact work performance.
• Couples experiencing marital problems tend to be less nurturing and their children are more likely to exhibit behavioral and emotional problems.²
• Regular healthy social contact can be a buffer for depression.
• Important relationships can be good sources of support when experiencing positive or negative life events.
• Distressed couples experience a number of negative emotions such as anger and jealousy, or psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety.²
• Marital problems may lead to substance abuse. ²

Interpersonal, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse is a clear sign of a relationship in trouble. Although the perpetrator may try to convince a victim that the abuse is deserved it is never justified. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, economic status, race or educational background. Domestic violence happens to men and to same-sex partners, but more often involves men abusing their female partners.³ Get the facts and learn more about domestic abuse.

How's your relationship? Test the strength of your romantic relationship by taking this online quiz.

The Domestic Violence Screening Quiz can help you determine if domestic abuse is occurring in your relationship.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4^th Edition, a number of Relational Problems are classified as stressors that may be the focus of clinical attention, but they are not mental disorders. The term "Relational Problem" is used to identify and explain patterns of interaction between or among members of a relational unit that are associated with clinically significant impairment in functioning.⁴ Examples include:

• Parent-Child Relational Problem
• Partner Relational Problem
• Sibling Relational Problem

People with other psychiatric disorders often exhibit symptoms or behaviors that have a negative impact on their relationships. For instance, service members suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder may become easily angry with family members. People with mood disorders may be pessimistic or moody, which can be difficult to be around. Substance abuse can affect relationships, including arguing with friends and family while intoxicated, failure to follow through with home and work responsibilities because of hangovers, poor memory, etc.

¹ Kamp Dush, C.M. (2005).Consequences of relationship status and quality for subjective well-being. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 22, 5, 607-627.

² Epstein, N. B., Baucom, D. H., & LaTaillade, J. L. (in press). Marital problems. In J.E. Fisher & W. O'Donohue (Eds.), Practice Guidelines for Evidence Based Psychotherapy. New York: Kluwer Academic.

³ Mayo Clinic (2005). Domestic violence toward women: Recognize the patterns and seek help. Accessed 3/24/06.

⁴ American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC:American Psychiatric Association.