Panel Presentation at the 22nd National Psychology Congress titled “Health and Romantic Relationships from a Biopsychosocial Perspective”
A panel presentation titled “Health from a Biopsychosocial Perspective: What Do Studies on Romantic Relationships Tell Us?” was presented at the 22nd National Psychology Congress. The Clinical Health Research Group at Istanbul University organized the panel.
The presentation explored the concept of health beyond the mere absence of disease, defining it instead as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. The discussion examined how romantic relationships—spanning a continuum from dating to marriage—affect individuals’ psychological and physiological health from a biopsychosocial framework.
The panel highlighted the interrelationships between romantic relationships and mental (such as depression, anxiety disorders, and eating or sleep disturbances) and physical (such as cardiovascular diseases and immune system functioning) health outcomes. These effects were explained through both physiological mechanisms (such as neurobiological processes, stress regulation, and the secretion of oxytocin and endorphins) and behavioral factors (such as social support and health-promoting behaviors).
The presentation further highlighted that relationship quality can positively influence health, whereas factors such as early marriage and relationship stress may increase risk. Gender was discussed as a moderating variable in this process, demonstrating instances to the disadvantage of women and to the advantage of men. It was noted that women may be more vulnerable due to caregiving burdens, while men tend to benefit more from the emotional and practical support provided through relationships.
Concluding on a reciprocal note, the presentation emphasized that health also exerts a significant influence on relationships. It ended with a proposal for a current research project investigating how depression and trauma impact individuals’ decisions to stay in or leave violent relationships.