Exploring the Relationship between Capacity to Love and Well-being: A Comparative Study of Emerging Adults and Middle-aged Adults

• DOI: 10.1007/s12119-023-10184-x
• Publication Date: 2023-12-07T06:02:07Z
• Authors: Maria Inês Fernandes; Claúdia Sousa; Ana Rita Conde; Frederico Silva; Maria José Ferreira
• Keywords: Jealousy; Falling in love; Romance; Well-Being

Abstract Love is a complex construct of undeniable importance for human beings and an area research that has progressed over the past decades. The capacity to love, specifically, refers involvement, investment, maintenance committed romantic relationship, resulting from developmental processes begin in childhood continue be shaped throughout development. Despite its relevance, there still little evidence relationships with indicators positive functioning. This study examines link between love emotional, psychological, social well-being. Furthermore, it delves into potential differences based on life cycle stages (emerging adulthood midlife) gender. involved 535 participants, 282 (52.7%) falling under emerging category (18–25 years) 253 (47.3%) classified as middle-aged adults (45–65 years). Multivariate variance analyses indicate demonstrate greater all dimensions except acceptance loss, grief, jealousy. Concerning gender, were no significant differences. Prediction models age loss grief are predictors types well-being, basic trust predictor emotional Overall, this sheds light vital role plays well-being emphasizes need interventions focus nurturing developing aspect relationships.