Identify the factors that determine the impact of physical separation and distance on long- distance relationships (LDRs). Give an in-depth explanation of how each factor can impact LDRs by using key terms, examples of research studies, and extra details when applicable.
What will be an ideal response?
- Nature of the separation
* Some separation, such as being deployed while serving in the military, is caused by circumstance and may not raise questions about relational commitment.
* Other separation, like deciding to move to a new area after graduation, is by choice and may raise questions about relational commitment.
- Effects of time between visits
* Even temporary separations require adjustment and management by the partners. But permanent physical separation produces a new set of expectations, interactions, and relational management strategies.
* How often people are able to get together is another factor that is slightly different from the actual time of separation.
# One study suggests that people who are in long-distance romantic relationships but who are able to get together at least once a week can maintain relationships similar to those between people who are geographically close.
* Infrequency of face-to-face interactions might have an artificially positive effect on the partners if it causes them to work harder to be on their good behavior when they do get together.
# Another study reported that couples in long-distance premarital relationships had less communication but surprisingly greater satisfaction and higher expectation for the likelihood of marriage than those in geographically close relationships.
- Costs and rewards
* According to social exchange theory, distance and separation adds cost to maintaining a relationship that will have to be accounted for in the cost-benefit ratio of the relationship.
- Tensions created by LDRs
* Tensions may also arise when one person is trying to maintain both long-distance relationships and proximal relationships. Visits by long-distance partners can put strains on proximal partners if the two sets of friends don't get along or if they are vying for time together during visits.
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