Long-distance romantic relationships among college students: Prevalence, correlates, and dynamics in a campus probability survey

Abstract

Objective

To determine the prevalence of long-distance relationships (LDRs) among college students and explore how relationship dynamics differed between LDRs and geographically close relationships (GCRs).

Participants

Data were from romantically involved students (N = 2075) who participated in the 2020 College Sexual Health Survey.

Methods

Students completed an online survey in which they reported their current romantic relationship status, if they were in a long-distance relationship, and relationship dynamics (happiness, commitment, and conflict).

Results

Overall, 34.2% of romantically involved students were in LDRs, which were more common for first-year students, students in longer duration relationships, dating relationships, and Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. LDRs were less common for older students. Based on χ² tests, relationship happiness, commitment, and conflict did not differ based on LDR status.

Conclusions

As LDRs are common, providing students with resources focused on navigating LDRs may help them manage their romantic relationships.

Keywords:

• Long-distance relationships
• romantic relationships
• romantic development
• college

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Indiana University Institutional Review Board.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.