A curated list of 18 recent publications published around the world in August 2026, including newly released books, journal articles, advance online publications, and preprints. Explore the entries below grouped by major research themes.

We hope you find these publications valuable to your research. If you would like to feature your recent work on love and relationships in an upcoming monthly bulletin, please contact the Institute at info@love-studies-institute.org.

Theme 1: Attachment, Trauma & Relational Healing

1. Griffith, A. (2026). Healing attachment wounds through romantic love: Exploring narratives of earned security [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University New England]. Antioch University Repository and Archive (AURA). https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1308

Griffith (2026) explored how romantic love facilitates the transformation of insecure attachment styles into earned security. Through qualitative narrative analysis, the author examined the relational mechanisms and pivotal corrective experiences that enable individuals to heal early attachment wounds within adult romantic partnerships. Findings reveal that partner responsiveness, emotional safety, and reflective functioning are central to renegotiating internal working models of self and others. This research underscores love as a therapeutic vehicle, providing interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners with valuable insights into relational resilience and attachment repair in adulthood.

2. Taşkesen, N., & Barutçu-Yıldırım, F. (2026). Bringing mindfulness to romantic relationships: Linking attachment insecurity to young adults’ relationship satisfaction. Frontiers in Psychology, 17, Article 1732002.

This study investigates how mindfulness and self-compassion buffer the negative impact of attachment insecurity on romantic relationship satisfaction among 521 young adults. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examined dispositional mindfulness, relationship mindfulness, and self-compassion as potential psychological mechanisms transmitting the effects of insecure attachment dimensions—anxiety and avoidance—to relationship satisfaction. Both attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted lower scores across all three constructs. Notably, relationship mindfulness emerged as the sole significant indirect mechanism explaining how attachment anxiety leads to lower satisfaction. These findings indicate that context-specific, relational mindfulness—rather than general dispositional mindfulness or self-compassion—serves as a vital factor in romantic dynamics among anxiously attached young adults.

3. Kim, J. N., Hidalgo, J. E., Noble, N. C., Ha, J., Llorin, J., Carbrey, E., McGinnis, E., Legrand, A. C., & Price, M. (2026). Gratitude amidst hardship: The moderating role of gratitude on social support and sexual assault PTSD. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 1–14. Advance online publication.

Kim and colleagues (2026) examined how gratitude and social support interact to buffer posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among survivors of sexual assault. Analyzing survivor self-reports, the authors found that while higher social support generally predicts lower PTSD severity, gratitude acts as a crucial moderator that enhances these protective benefits. Specifically, survivors expressing higher trait gratitude derived significantly greater mental health protections from their social networks. These findings highlight that cognitive-affective strengths like gratitude amplify external relational resources, offering practitioners clear pathways for integrating gratitude exercises into trauma-informed interventions.

Theme 2: Evolutionary Foundations & Biological Models

4. Erickson, M. (2026). Tender and passionate love: An evolutionary perspective. In M. Brüne & S. Cheli (Eds.), The evolution of psychotherapy: Applying evolutionary theory to mental health care (pp. 293–310). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-27009-2_14

Erickson (2026) provided an evolutionary framework examining the distinct functional roles of tender and passionate love in human bonding and psychological wellbeing. The author explores how these adaptive emotional systems evolved to meet divergent reproductive and pair-bonding demands, balancing romantic attraction with long-term nurturance. By linking evolutionary mechanisms with clinical insights, the chapter illustrates how understanding these dual emotional systems enhances therapeutic approaches to relationship distress. This interdisciplinary contribution offers psychologists, evolutionary scholars, and psychotherapists critical frameworks for evaluating emotional dynamics and attachment needs in clinical settings.

5. Xie, J., & Brown, G. (2026). Cross-cultural variation in partner preferences: are gender gaps larger in countries with more restrictive gender norms?. Evolutionary Human Sciences, 1–33.

Xie and Brown (2026) examined whether restrictive national gender norms widen sex differences in partner preferences across 14,399 participants in 45 countries. Using the Gender Social Norm Index, the authors found that traditional gender gaps—namely women’s prioritization of financial prospects and men’s preference for younger partners—were significantly larger in nations with restrictive gender norms. These patterns disappeared when evaluating general cultural tightness rather than gender-specific expectations. Consequently, the findings indicate that partner preferences adapt dynamically to localized cultural context, offering strong support for biosocial perspectives.

6. Verpooten, J., & De Tiège, A. (2026). From LUCA to LUCAE: Darwin’s aesthetic theory reappreciated. Biological Theory. Advance online publication.

Verpooten and De Tiège (2026) reappraised Charles Darwin’s evolutionary aesthetic theory, tracing visual and sensory evaluation mechanisms back to early life forms. Conceptualizing the transition from the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) to a Last Universal Common Aesthetic Evaluator (LUCAE), the authors re-examine mate choice, mate selection, and sensory exploitation through a foundational evolutionary lens. This theoretical synthesis offers evolutionary biologists, cognitive scientists, and relationship researchers renewed frameworks for understanding how physical attractiveness, aesthetic preferences, and pair-bonding signals originally evolved across biological lineages.

Theme 3: Cultural Contexts, Diversity & Socio-Structural Dynamics

7. Romanowicz, A., & Choudhury, A. (Eds.). (2026). Emotional cities and classed emotions: On emotions and social class in the urban Indian and diasporic contexts. Routledge.

Romanowicz and Choudhury (2026) compiled an interdisciplinary volume examining how social class and urban space shape emotional experiences, including romantic love, across Indian and diasporic contexts. Analyzing phenomena from Kolkata marriages to transnational caregiving, the contributors demonstrate how emotional expressions interact with structural power, culture, and social hierarchies. This volume provides cultural psychologists, sociologists, and relationship scholars with vital insights into how individuals negotiate intimacy, family expectations, and personal identity within class-stratified urban environments and modern globalized settings.

8. Hashemi, S., Amanollahi, Z., & Zibaeinejad, M. (2026). Representation of romantic love discourse in the formation of marital conflicts during the first five years of marriage. Woman in Development & Politics, e108209, 10.22059/jwdp.2026.412826.1008621

Hashemi and colleagues (2026) examined how idealized cultural discourses surrounding romantic love contribute to marital conflict during the critical first five years of marriage. Utilizing qualitative thematic analysis, the authors analyzed couples’ lived experiences, identifying how unrealistic romantic expectations and media-driven ideals create severe cognitive dissonance when confronted with daily marital realities. Findings highlight how romantic discourse shapes conflict dynamics and disillusionment in early marital adjustments. This research offers family scholars and marital therapists valuable perspectives on managing unrealistic relationship expectations to promote long-term marital stability.

9. Kocur, D., Moroń, M., Sitko‐Dominik, M., Dhakal, S., & Sharma, N. (2026). Intergenerational association in attitudes toward displaying affection in a romantic relationship. Family Relations, 1–16. Advance online publication.

Kocur and colleagues (2026) examined how attitudes toward displaying affectionate love in romantic relationships transmit across generations within families. Analyzing cross-generational dyadic data, the authors found a significant intergenerational alignment, showing that parental expressions and acceptance of romantic love strongly shape adult children’s affection norms. However, individual developmental factors and broader cultural contexts moderate this transmission. These findings demonstrate that familial modeling serves as a primary foundation for romantic affection, offering family scholars and relationship practitioners crucial insights into intergenerational patterns of romantic expression and emotional closeness.

10. Khamisi, A., Condello, S., Hansson, A. M., & Talbot, D. (2026). Falling short in love: Height dissatisfaction and dating confidence in Australian adults. Academia Mental Health & Well-Being, 3(1), Article e8166. https://doi.org/10.20935/MHealthWellB8166

Khamisi and colleagues (2026) investigated how height dissatisfaction affects dating self-perception among 330 Australian adults. Utilizing self-report measures, the authors found that height dissatisfaction—rather than objective height itself—significantly predicted lower dating confidence across all sex and relationship status groups. Interestingly, height dissatisfaction did not reflect past romantic experience, suggesting that perceived height inadequacy primarily impairs expectations of future dating success. These findings demonstrate that cognitive body image concerns, rather than physical stature, shape romantic confidence, highlighting clear opportunities for targeted cognitive interventions.

Theme 4: Digital Technology, Virtual Intimacy & Non-Human Bonds

11. Molaie-Birgani, S., & Khodabakhshi-Koolaee, A. (2026). Love across screens: A descriptive phenomenological exploration of women’s lived experiences in long-distance virtual romantic relationships. Sexuality & Culture. Advance online publication.

Authors (2026) explored how women experience, navigate, and sustain romantic love within long-distance virtual relationships. Utilizing a descriptive phenomenological framework, the authors identified key lived themes, including digital emotional intimacy, the negotiation of spatial separation, and strategies for maintaining relational presence through screen-mediated communication. Findings illuminate how digital technologies reshape traditional bonding practices and emotional connection. This qualitative inquiry offers relationship scholars and mental health practitioners rich insights into the modern dynamics of remote intimacy, emotional resilience, and virtual romantic connection.

12. Ayık, G. (2026). Yakın ilişkilerde bağlanma, kişilik özellikleri ve yalnızlığın evcil hayvana bağlanmayla ilişkisi [Master’s thesis, Antalya Bilim Üniversitesi]. YÖK Ulusal Tez Merkezi. [Ayık, G. (2026). The relationship of attachment, personality traits, and loneliness with pet attachment in intimate relationships [Master’s thesis, Antalya Bilim University]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Center.)

This study examines how individual differences influence human–animal bonds within romantic contexts. Investigating the interplay between intimate partner dynamics and human–pet relationships, the researcher evaluated how human attachment orientations, core personality traits, and experienced loneliness correlate with emotional attachment to pets. By integrating psychological measures of interpersonal functioning with animal companionship metrics, the findings highlight how personal vulnerabilities and relational styles shape the reliance on pets for emotional support. This research offers cross-disciplinary insights for scholars and practitioners in psychology, human-animal interaction, and clinical therapy.

Theme 5: Clinical Pathologies, Conflict & Boundary Negotiation

13. Cavalli, R. G., Teverini, A., Ferrà, V., & Velotti, P. (2026). Psychological and psychopathological features of love addiction: A cross-sectional study. Sexual Health & Compulsivity, 1–18. Advance online publication.

Cavalli and colleagues (2026) investigated the core psychological and psychopathological features underpinning love addiction in adult relationships. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the authors examined how emotional dysregulation, attachment insecurity, and personality traits contribute to problematic relational dependence and obsessive love patterns. Findings demonstrate that deficits in emotion regulation and anxious attachment significantly elevate the risk for compulsive romantic behaviors. This research provides relationship scholars and clinical practitioners with crucial insights into the clinical profiles of love addiction, highlighting target mechanisms for therapeutic intervention and relational rehabilitation.

14. Liu, Y., Tong, W., & Cai, Q. (2026). Longing for ex-partners: A daily diary study on daily thoughts, emotions, and desired attachment following romantic relationship breakup. Journal of Adult Development. Advance online publication.

Liu and colleagues (2026) investigated day-to-day fluctuations in longing for ex-partners following romantic dissolution. Utilizing an intensive daily diary design, the authors tracked individuals’ ongoing thoughts, emotional states, and attachment desires across consecutive days post-breakup. Findings demonstrate that daily intrusive thoughts and negative affect directly trigger heightened attachment seeking toward ex-partners, whereas emotional self-regulation buffers these intrusive impulses over time. This research provides relationship scholars and clinical practitioners with a granular, real-time understanding of how post-breakup distress fluctuates, highlighting critical intervention targets for fostering emotional recovery and detachment.

15. Mironova, O. I., & Rybakova, P. K. (2026). Vliyanie emotsional’nogo intellekta podrostkov na razreshenie konfliktov v romanticheskikh otnosheniyakh [The influence of teenager’s emotional intelligence on conflict resolution in romantic relationships]. Vestnik Universiteta, (4), 285–298.

Mironova and Rybakova (2026) investigated how emotional intelligence shapes conflict resolution strategies among adolescents in early romantic relationships. Examining key competencies—including emotion recognition, empathy, and self-regulation—the authors demonstrated that higher emotional intelligence significantly reduces destructive conflict behaviors and encourages constructive problem-solving strategies. Findings highlight the protective role of emotional awareness in mitigating adolescent relational distress. This research provides developmental psychologists, educators, and youth counselors with valuable empirical insights to support interpersonal skill development, promote healthy communication patterns, and foster relational stability during critical developmental transitions.

16. Marici, M., Marina, L., & Cheia, G. (2026). Measuring refusal in romantic relationships: Psychometric properties of the Refusal Frequency Scale, Refusal Impact Scale, and Refusal Index in Romanian culture. Social Sciences, 15(8), Article 518.

Marici and colleagues (2026) evaluated the psychometric properties of three romantic refusal instruments—the Refusal Frequency Scale, Refusal Impact Scale, and Refusal Index—within a Romanian cultural context. Analyzing construct validity, factor structure, and internal consistency, the authors validated these measures as robust tools for assessing how romantic partners communicate, perceive, and react to boundaries and non-consent. This research advances cross-cultural relationship assessment, equipping social science scholars and clinical practitioners with empirically sound instruments to examine communication boundaries, relational power dynamics, and conflict negotiation.

Theme 6: Compatibility Metrics & Historical Psychobiography

17. Vigl, J., Ihrig, F. L., Greif, M., & Zentner, M. (2026). Harmonies of taste: Shared music preferences and compatibility in romantic relationships. Social Psychological and Personality Science. Advance online publication.

Vigl and colleagues (2026) examined how shared musical taste influences relationship compatibility and satisfaction among romantic couples. Analyzing dyadic survey data, the authors found that music preference alignment—particularly across core dimensions like rhythm and acoustic intensity—significantly predicts perceived interpersonal closeness and relational harmony. Crucially, shared taste served as a behavioral proxy for aligned values and personality traits rather than acting purely as a surface-level hobby. These findings demonstrate that aesthetic alignment functions as a meaningful psychological bridge, offering relationship scholars and practitioners valuable insights into how cultural co-engagement fosters long-term emotional bond cohesion.

18. Mayer, C. H., & Halstead, J. M. (2026). Loving Rodin–Tristes Amours? A Comparative Psychobiography of Camille Rosalie Claudel and Gwendolen Mary John. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 02654075261475388.

This comparative psychobiographical study examines the complex romantic love and artistic dynamics that sculptors Camille Claudel and Gwen John experienced with Auguste Rodin. Drawing on Murray Bowen’s Systems Theory, Mayer and Halstead analyze how both women navigated their love for Rodin, their artistic identity, and their differentiation of self while working under his influence. The authors highlight how differing socio-cultural constraints, relational patterns, and psychological vulnerabilities shaped their contrasting trajectories, illustrating how their love for a dominant master served as a catalyst for both intense creative expression and profound personal struggle.

Thank you for reading, and we look forward to sharing more updates next month!

A curated list of 10 recent studies published around the world in June 2026, including newly released journal articles, advanced online publications, and preprints.

Publications

1. Emond, M., Ramos, B., Léonard, F., Péloquin, K., & Daspe, M. È. (2026). It Takes Two to Tango: The Interplay of Partners’ Communicated Perspective‐Taking, Positive Relational Experience During Conflict and Relationship Satisfaction in Young Adult Couples. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 52(3), e70149.

This study utilized an observational dyadic design involving 178 young adult couples to investigate how communicated perspective-taking (CPT) during conflict relates to overall relationship satisfaction. Moving beyond individual analyses, the researchers examined the interplay of partners’ CPT alongside their positive relational experiences (e.g., feeling validated, close, and understood). Path analysis revealed that an individual’s CPT indirectly enhances both partners’ relationship satisfaction by cultivating a more positive relational experience during discussions. Furthermore, interaction patterns indicated a compensatory dynamic, demonstrating that one partner’s strong CPT skills can effectively offset the other’s lower communicative abilities to foster immediate relational warmth.

2. Kowal, M. (2026). Partner idealization and perceived partner similarity predict relationship quality across 74 countries. Journal of Research in Personality, 104729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2026.104729

Analyzing a massive global sample of 41,606 individuals across 74 countries, this cross-cultural study demonstrates that romantic compatibility follows distinct psychological profiles depending on the trait domain. For universally valued valence traits, like kindness and physical attractiveness, partner idealization dominates—relationship quality peaks when individuals rate their partners above themselves. Conversely, value-based traits, such as political orientation, strictly require perceived similarity, where any discrepancy diminishes satisfaction. While gender differences are minimal, cultural modernization significantly intensifies these domain-specific dynamics, particularly amplifying the relational impact of idealizing a partner’s kindness and attractiveness.

3. Carroll, J. S., Willoughby, B. J., Lynch, J., & Wilcox, B. (2026). The dating recession: State of our unions 2026. Institute for Family Studies & Wheatley Institute.

In The Dating Recession: State of Our Unions 2026, Carroll and colleagues analyze a nationally representative sample of unmarried young adults (ages 22–35) to identify a pronounced “dating recession” in America. Despite broad, traditional aspirations toward long-term marriage, roughly two-thirds of respondents are not actively dating. The authors identify a structural gap between marital expectations and modern dating capacities, driven by financial constraints, depleted relational confidence, and low resilience after romantic setbacks. Ultimately, the study highlights how economic anxieties and socio-emotional barriers stall the foundational relationship-building necessary for future family formation.

4. Tu, E., Park, H. G., Raposo, S., Balzarini, R. N., Impett, E. A., Harasymchuk, C., & Muise, A. (2026). Inspiring Better Relationships? The Role of Trait Charisma in Conflict Resolution and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction. Personality Science, 7, 27000710261456857.

This empirical study examines how trait charisma—traditionally analyzed in professional and leadership contexts—influences romantic relationship satisfaction across five individual and dyadic studies ( ). The data consistently demonstrates a significant actor effect: individuals high in self-reported charisma report greater relationship satisfaction and better perceived conflict resolution. This link is primarily mediated by an increased utilization of constructive conflict resolution strategies, such as positive problem-solving and compromise. Conversely, the study found minimal, inconsistent evidence for partner effects, indicating that an individual’s charisma does not reliably predict their partner’s relationship satisfaction.

5. van Stolk-Cooke, K., Thurston, N., Sanchez, B., Benjamin, L., & Merrilees, C. (2026). Supporting a partner after traumatic injury: Associations of relationship satisfaction and perceptions of partner PTSD symptoms on support experiences. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0002211

This empirical study examines how romantic partners ( ) experience providing care after a survivor’s traumatic injury, using a moderated stress-support model. Results indicate that higher pre-trauma relationship satisfaction predicts more frequent and less difficult support provision. Conversely, higher partner-perceived survivor posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) correlate with increased support frequency but greater caregiver strain. Crucially, relationship satisfaction moderates this dynamic: lower satisfaction intensifies the burden of support as perceived symptoms increase. The file “Supporting a partner after traumatic injury.docx” highlights these vital interpersonal resilience factors in post-trauma caregiving

6. Dash, S. S. & Verma, S. K. (2026). Cognitive and affective facets of ambivalence in romantic relationships. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

This book examines the complex relationship between intimacy, autonomy, and relational uncertainty by exploring how romantic ambivalence shapes interpersonal relationships. Drawing on qualitative research with young adults in India, the authors analyze the cognitive and affective tensions people experience when they try to balance (a) closeness with independence and (b) commitment with doubt. By combining insights from psychology, sociology, and culture, the authors present ambivalence as a natural part of relationships rather than a problem. This cross-disciplinary approach provides relationship researchers and practitioners with important understanding of interpersonal conflict, relational dynamics, and stability.

7. Origlia, G., Sanzone, F., Doroldi, D., Giannini, T., Sansone, A., Mollaioli, D., … & Ciocca, G. (2026). (255) Capacity to Love, Love Addiction and Intimacy in Long-distance and Geographically Close Relationships. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 23(Supplement_4), qdag118-232.

This research studies capacity to love (CTL), love addiction, and intimacy between young adults in long-distance relationships (LDRs) and geographically close relationships (GCRs). Utilizing a cross-sectional survey of 979 Italian participants, the researchers found that individuals in long-distance relationships exhibited significantly higher total capacity to love scores and greater affective dependence compared to their counterparts – individuals in long-distance relationships. Remarkably, psychological well-being and distress levels remained stable across both groups. The authors conclude that emotional dependency may serve an adaptive, regulatory function in long-distance relationships by maintaining object constancy and sustaining emotional investment across physical distance.

8. Minchev, P. (2026). Vazpriyatie na balgarite v zryala vazrast za lyubovta (Възприятие на българите в зряла възраст за любовта) [Perception of Bulgarians in adulthood about love]. Universitetsko izdatelstvo “Sv. Kliment Ohridski”.

This monograph by Plamen Minchev examines the implicit, everyday perceptions of love among Bulgarian adults across different life stages. Grounded in Erik Erikson’s developmental theory, the study utilizes an original empirical research framework to compare how individuals in early and middle adulthood understand romantic and parental love. By analyzing the conceptual distinctions between different dimensions of love, the author explains how cultural perspectives and age-specific contexts shape psychological understandings of love. This book integrates the knowledge from developmental psychology, social constructivism, and linguistics, offering interdisciplinary insights into cross-generational emotional structures of love.

Original in Bulgarian: Тази монография на Пламен Минчев изследва имплицитните, всекидневни възприятия за любовта сред българските граждани в зряла възраст през различните етапи от живота. Стъпвайки на теорията за психосоциалното развитие на Ерик Ериксън, изследването прилага авторска емпирична изследователска рамка, за да сравни как хората в ранна и средна зряла възраст разбират романтичната и родителската любов. Чрез анализ на концептуалните разграничения между различните измерения на любовта, авторът обяснява как културните перспективи и специфичният за възрастта контекст формират психологическото разбиране за това чувство. Книгата интегрира познания от възрастовата психология, социалния конструктивизъм и лингвистиката, предлагайки интердисциплинарен поглед върху междупоколенческите емоционални структури на любовта.

9. Song, C., Chen, F., Wang, Q., & Ren, Y. (2026). Theoretical Construction of Love Anxiety: A Multi-Stage Relational Threat Model. Journal of Law, Psychology, and Communication Studies, 2(2), 1-8.

The paper conceptualizes “love anxiety” through a multidisciplinary lens, establishing the Multi-Stage Relational Threat Model. The authors define love anxiety not merely as an individual psychological trait, but as a dynamic process triggered by perceived threats to relationship stability. The model delineates how these relational threats progress through cognitive appraisal, emotional manifestation, and behavioral responses. By integrating perspectives from psychology, legal frameworks of interpersonal commitment, and communication dynamics, the study provides a comprehensive framework for scholars across fields to understand how romantic insecurity develops and impacts interpersonal communication and systemic relationship well-being.

10. Moya, R. M., Betancor, Á. T., & Sánchez, J. A. A. (2026). The relationship between gender segregation and romantic love myths among adolescents. Psychology, Society & Education, 18(2), 9-16.

This interdisciplinary study examines how gender segregation and romantic love myths act as risk factors for gender-based violence among adolescents aged 13–17. Evaluating 911 participants using sociometric questionnaires and love-myth scales, the findings reveal that these harmful beliefs persist in youth. While gender exerts the primary main effect, a critical interaction emerges: boys in gender-segregated peer groups score highest in the myth of ambivalence, explicitly linking love with aggression. Ultimately, the research highlights the pressing need for targeted educational interventions promoting gender equality.

Original in Spanish: (Este estudio interdisciplinar analiza de qué manera la segregación por género y los mitos del amor romántico actúan como factores de riesgo de la violencia de género en adolescentes (13-17 años). Evaluando a 911 participantes mediante cuestionarios sociométricos y escalas de mitos amorosos, los resultados muestran que estas creencias persisten en la juventud. El género ejerce el efecto principal, pero destaca que los chicos con relaciones segregadas puntúan más alto en el mito de la ambivalencia, vinculando amor y agresión, evidenciando la necesidad de intervenciones educativas en igualdad.)

Advance Online Publications and Preprints

Williams, L. (2025). How much we express love predicts how much we feel loved in daily life. PLOS ONE, 20(4), e0323326.

(Note: While data gathering and preliminary indexing began in late 2025, its full citation indexing and integration into behavioral well-being reviews peaked in 2026). URL: PLOS ONE Article Page

In this paper, Williams and colleagues utilize ecological momentary assessment to investigate the reciprocal temporal dynamics of micro-moments of love. Employing a continuous-time stochastic process model, the study uncovers an asymmetric relationship: increases in expressing love consistently predict longitudinal increases in feeling loved, whereas experiencing felt love does not conversely increase subsequent expressions. Furthermore, individuals demonstrating greater emotional inertia—or persistent stability—in felt love exhibit significantly higher baseline flourishing, suggesting that behavioral expression is a potent upstream mechanism for cultivating personal well-being

Carp, T.-N. (2026). From the Kiss of Wisdom to the Rib of Communion: Mary Magdalene, Lilith, Eve, and the Transformation of Possessive Love into Breath-Giving Communion [Preprint]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/.

This interdisciplinary paper offers a relational-theological critique of human fragmentation, reinterpreting biblical and mythic archetypes—Mary Magdalene, Lilith, and Eve—to examine the shift from exploitative relationship dynamics to non-possessive, spiritually conscious intimacy. Drawing on theology, philosophy, and psychology, the author reframes physical and platonic intimacy not merely as mechanical or erotic gestures, but as embodied vessels capable of communicating grace, recognition, and healing. Ultimately, the work conceptualizes purified human connection as a restorative, “breath-giving” communion designed to transcend narcissistic dominance and heal modern alienation.

Here are 12 prominent publications on love and relationship studies published in May of 2026, along with following advance online publications, preprints, and posters.

Publications

1. Marazziti, D., Mucci, F., Gurrieri, R., Palego, L., Betti, L., Giannaccini, G., & Carter, S. (2026). Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stable love relationships: a study in healthy humans. The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, 1-15.

This study investigated how being in a stable romantic relationship affects levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for brain health and emotional regulation. Researchers compared 60 healthy adults, measuring BDNF in their blood. The results showed that individuals in committed relationships had significantly higher BDNF levels than those who were single, regardless of biological sex. These findings suggest that romantic partnership may positively influence biological markers associated with mental well-being and neurological health

2. Isolani, S., Costacurta, M., Winer, C., Grigoropoulos, I., Olivo, I., & Di Battista, S. (2026). Beyond Sexual Attraction: Development and Validation of a Multidimensional Attraction Measure Informed by Asexual People’s Experiences. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 1-20.

In their study, Isolani and colleagues developed and validated the Multidimensional Attraction Measure (MAM), a novel tool designed to capture a broader range of attraction types beyond the sexual. Informed by asexual experiences, the MAM identifies five distinct attraction dimensions: sexual, romantic, aesthetic, sensual, and platonic. Validated with 1,510 participants, the measure demonstrated high reliability and validity, offering a more inclusive framework for psychological research into human relationships and orientation.

3. Khamisi, A., Condello, S., Hansson, A. M., & Talbot, D. (2026). Falling short in love: height dissatisfaction and dating confidence in Australian adults. Academia Mental Health and Well-Being, 3(1). doi.org/10.20935/MHealthWellB8166

In their study, Khamisi and colleagues explored the relationship between height dissatisfaction and dating confidence among Australian adults. Surveying a diverse sample, the researchers found that height dissatisfaction significantly predicted lower dating self-efficacy, particularly among men. While shorter men reported the highest levels of anxiety regarding romantic prospects, tall women also experienced unique social pressures. The study concludes that height remains a potent factor in “sexual market value,” suggesting that physical stature deeply influences psychological well-being and romantic confidence in modern dating.

4. Langlais, M., Seidman, G., Jiao, C., & Ledermann, T. (2026). A Dyadic Analysis on Social Media Behaviors for Romantic Relationship Quality. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2026(1), 6667233.

In this dyadic study, Langlais and colleagues examined how social media behaviors impact romantic relationship quality among couples. By analyzing data from both partners, the researchers found that “relationship-maintenance” behaviors, such as public displays of affection and positive tagging, were associated with higher satisfaction and commitment. Conversely, individualistic behaviors or monitoring a partner’s activity often predicted lower relationship quality and increased jealousy. The findings highlight the importance of reciprocal digital engagement in fostering intimacy and stability within modern romantic partnerships.

5. Sánchez-Fernández, M., Almeda, N., & Borda-Mas, M. (2026). Problematic Love Behaviors and Correlated Factors: A Systematic Review with Subgroup Meta-Analysis Including Gender/Sex Moderation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1-21.

Across four studies, this study explores how sexual arousal affects risk regulation in initial romantic encounters, where approach motivation competes with the fear of rejection. The findings reveal that sexual priming induces a “tunnel vision” effect, causing individuals to perceive ambiguous social cues as signs of romantic interest. This optimistic bias is mediated by the increased perceived desirability of the partner. However, this perceptual distortion is bounded; it disappears when rejection cues are clear, suggesting that sexual arousal selectively impairs judgment only when the possibility of a romantic connection remains plausible.

6. Zhu, M., Tan, J., Zheng, Z., Liang, L., Li, Q., Wen, J., … & Shu, Y. (2026). Adult attachment and intimate relationship satisfaction among university students: the chain mediating roles of appreciation and sense of giving. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 17, 1758775.

This study by Zhu et al. investigates how insecure adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) reduces intimate relationship satisfaction among 536 university students. The researchers identified a significant chain mediation mechanism: insecure attachment negatively impacts “appreciation” (both feeling and expressing it), which in turn diminishes an individual’s “sense of giving.” This reduction in the perceived value of relational contributions ultimately leads to lower satisfaction. The findings suggest that interventions targeting appreciation could mitigate the negative effects of insecure attachment on romantic well-being

7. Wells, T., Hoan, E., & MacDonald, G. (2026). Happily Ever After? Singles’ Expectations of Romantic Relationships Are Associated With Singlehood Satisfaction and Future Romantic Outcomes. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 01461672261438616. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672261438616

This study investigated how a single person’s perception of a romantic relationship—more especially, what they believe they will gain or lose—influences their level of satisfaction now and in the future. Researchers divided these expectations into three categories using long-term data from more than 5,000 participants: status (financial or social benefits), negative outcomes (stress and loss of freedom), and intimacy (affection and support). The study shows that being single isn’t experienced the same way by everyone; their satisfaction is deeply tied to the imaginary alternatives they create in their minds.

8. Rempel, J. K. (2026). Conceptualizing Trust in the Context of Close Relationships. In J.P. Forgas (ed.) The Psychology of Trust (pp. 171-184). Routledge.

John K. Rempel’s framework conceptualizes trust within intimate relationships as a progressive, three-stage developmental process that involves predictability, dependability, and faith. Trust originates from evaluating a partner’s consistent past behaviors (predictability), evolves into an assessment of their stable disposition and emotional investment (dependability), and culminates in faith—an emotional leap of conviction allowing individuals to feel secure about the future despite facing unavoidable risks. This multidimensional model shifts interpersonal focus from calculated risk management to emotional security, serving as the foundational glue for long-term relational resilience and stability.

9. Ebner, P., & Szczuka, J. (2026). Understanding romantic relationships between humans and chatbots: A qualitative and quantitative study on romantic fantasy and other interpersonal characteristics. Technology, Mind, and Behavior. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000193

This mixed-methods study explores the psychological drivers behind the emotional intensity of human-chatbot romantic relationships. Combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the research demonstrates that the capacity for romantic fantasizing is the strongest predictor of relationship intensity, alongside anthropomorphism (perceiving the chatbot as human-like) and anxious-avoidant attachment styles. General loneliness surprisingly plays no significant role. Notably, the study reveals that romantic fantasy operates similarly in both human-chatbot and human-human bonds, as users actively leverage imagination to enrich their digital intimacy and compensate for the technological limitations of AI companions.

10. Pederson, J. R., & Peacock, C. (2026). The Relational Load of Political Dissimilarity in Romantic Relationships. Communication Studies, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2026.2667526

This study explores how political differences impact the relationship of romantic partners through the lens of the “relational load” model. While most couples tend to choose politically similar partners, those with divergent voting behaviors and ideologies experience heightened interpersonal stress. The researchers found that political dissimilarity negatively affects a couple’s communal orientation, decreasing their collective relationship maintenance. This erosion triggers chronic conflict and emotional depletion during political discussions, creating a heavy relational load that damages relational resilience. The study highlights that maintaining a politically discordant relationship requires continuous, intentional investment to prevent emotional wear and tear.

11. Kounenou, K., Pezirkianidis, C., Findani, D., Kalamatianos, A., & Kourmousi, N. (2026). Perceptions of early attachment experiences and quality of romantic relationships among Greek adults. Psychology: the Journal of the Hellenic Psychological Society, 31(1), 143-158.

This study examines how recalled early maternal attachment experiences shape the quality and styles of adult romantic relationships among 400 Greek adults. The findings reveal distinct developmental trajectories: early experiences of maternal love and low rejection correlate with avoidant romantic styles, whereas experiences of maternal care deficiencies and role reversals—especially when recalled with anger—strongly predict anxious attachment. Additionally, significant gender and age variances emerged, highlighting how early relational vulnerabilities evolve over time. These insights emphasize the value of targeted, interdisciplinary psychological interventions for modern couple therapy and parenting support.

12. Xia, M. (2026, May). Development and validation of the Feeling Loved Scale (FLS): Felt love from a specific close other and its relevance for well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies 27(5). DOI: 10.1007/s10902-026-01052-0

By creating and validating the Feeling Loved Scale (FLS), Xia (2026) fills a significant gap in psychological measurement of love and love-related constructs. While prior research focuses on relationship-level dynamics or romantic contexts, this measurement instrument specifically assesses an individual’s subjective experience of being loved by a specific close other. The 12-item scale is grounded in a three-component framework that includes feelings of positive responsiveness, authentic connection, and stability. The scale was validated across various samples and included 758 participants. The Feeling Loved Scale reveals robust psychometric reliability and validity, offering an adaptable, cross-disciplinary tool for examining how felt love influences overall well-being.

Advance Online Publications and Preprints

• Birnbaum, G. E., & Zholtack, K. (2026). They are just not that into you: Does sexual arousal impair perception of rejection cues? Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Advance online publication.

In this study, Birnbaum and Zholtack investigated how sexual arousal influences the perception of rejection in early romantic encounters. Across four experiments, researchers found that sexual priming induces a “tunnel vision” effect, causing individuals to overperceive romantic interest and desirability in potential partners, even when faced with ambiguous cues. This motivated bias helps prioritize approach goals over self-protective fears of rejection. However, this perceptual distortion vanishes when rejection cues are clear, suggesting arousal only impairs judgment in hopeful, uncertain situations.

• Mageed, I. A. (2026). The mathematical equation of love: Thinking beyond numbers and emotions. Computer Science and Emotion Modeling.

In this article, Ismail A. Mageed proposes a novel mathematical framework to quantify love, moving beyond traditional psychological perspectives. By integrating affective computing, cognitive architecture modeling, and complex systems theory, the author defines love as a dynamic synchronization of multi-modal emotional states. The research utilizes acoustic analysis, visual attention markers, and vision-based emotion modeling to create a computational approach to relationship maintenance. Ultimately, the study suggests that the fundamental mechanisms of deep emotional connection can be measured and understood through sophisticated computer science and emotion modeling.

• Thorne, A. (2026). Love as emotional container and integrative flow (LECIF): A unified model of affective coherence. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20008599

This paper proposes that love is a dual-function relational architecture rather than a discrete emotion. It synthesizes cross-disciplinary evidence to define love through two structural components: an emotional container that establishes regulatory safety for affect , and an integrative flow-state that drives emotional and cognitive alignment toward systemic coherence. Validated by empirical markers like sexual behavior and the catastrophic systemic collapse of betrayal , this model provides a universal framework for understanding how relational bonds actively preserve or degrade human psychological stability.

• Malejka, P. (2026). Between projection and regulation: Love, attachment, and parasociality in human-AI interaction [Unpublished manuscript].

This paper reviews how love, attachment, and parasocial dynamics are operationalized in human-AI interaction research. Synthesizing literature across psychometric, qualitative, computational, and behavioral traditions, the author identifies fragmented methodologies that provide only partial accounts of these emotional bonds. To bridge these gaps, the review conceptualizes these relationships as a hybrid phenomenon. It proposes a grounded distinction between simulated reciprocity (a systemic property of conversational agents) and projective bonding (a cognitive property of user psychology), offering a unified framework for future multidisciplinary research.

Poster Presentations

Young, E., Coniku, A., & Imami, L. (2026, May 1). SES and cognitive interdependence in romantic relationships [Poster presentation]. Oberlin College Research Symposium, Oberlin, OH, United States. https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/researchsymp/2026/posters/9/

The study of Young, Coniku, and Imami investigates how socioeconomic status (SES) influences cognitive interdependence—the mental representation of a romantic couple as a single unit. Across two studies involving 468 participants, the authors explored whether SES predicts the use of plural pronouns (e.g., “we,” “us”) during goal-setting tasks and if this interdependence mediates relationship outcomes like commitment and forgiveness. Results were mixed: while Study 1 found that higher education levels positively predicted cognitive interdependence, this effect was not replicated in Study 2, highlighting the complex psychological landscape of lower-SES romantic dynamics.

Here are 12 prominent publications on love and relationship studies published in April of 2026:

Eastwick, P. (2026). Bonded by evolution: The new science of love and connection. Random House.

In this book, the author explores the biological roots of human relationships, challenging traditional myths about “soulmates.” The book synthesizes cutting-edge psychological research with evolutionary biology to explain why we form deep attachments. The author argues that modern love isn’t just a social construct but a sophisticated survival mechanism refined over millennia. By examining how natural selection shaped our bonding behaviors, the book offers a fresh, evidence-based perspective on intimacy, helping readers navigate modern dating with a more profound understanding of their inherent prehistoric blueprints.

Jankowiak, W. (2026). Wanting Beauty, Fearing Beauty: Mate Preference, Intimacy, Deception, and the Femme Fatale. Social Sciences, 15(4), 259.

The study explores the complex psychological tension between the desire for physical beauty and the fear of its potential consequences in romantic relationships. By examining the “femme fatale” archetype, the author highlights how high levels of attractiveness can trigger anxieties regarding deception and diminished intimacy. The research suggests that while beauty remains a primary mate preference, it often evokes a protective wariness, illustrating a fundamental conflict between aesthetic attraction and the need for emotional security and trust.

Niranjana, T., & Lukose, R. (2026). Digital intimacy: young women in inter-Asia. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 1-20.

Examines how college-going women in four Asian “smart cities” (Hong Kong, Singapore, Guangzhou, and Bangalore) navigate digital intimacy, including aspects of romance and sex, through in-depth ethnographic interviews. The authors discuss how everyday navigations of romance, family, education, and work within historically situated neoliberal urban landscapes in Asia are shaped by digital intimacies and the relationalities they generate. Research method draws on cultural studies, media, communication studies, and anthropology to build knowledge about Asian contexts, using a collaborative Inter-Asia research method that multiplies reference points across the region.

Yue, A., & Chau, K. T. (2026). Singapore: boundary-work, digital creativity, and the normative life script. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 1-25.

The article develops the concept of the “digitally intimate everyday” to examine how young women negotiate intimacy, subjectivity, and gendered life transitions in Singapore’s highly digitized society. The authors conceptualize digital intimacy as a materially embodied and ambivalent site of self-making, rather than simply a realm of individual choice or technological affordance. They examine how young women express affection and love online with close friends, often finding it easier and more secure than face-to-face communication, and through practices like meme-sharing.

Marazziti, D. (2026). Neuroscience of the adult stalker. Forensic Neuroscience and Violence, 422-431.

The chapter explores the neurobiological roots of stalking by focusing on systems underlying the different components of human bonding, such as attraction, attachment/separation, and jealousy, which is deemed a component of love. The author discusses how stalkers may misinterpret empathy for romantic love or attraction, linking stalking behaviors to issues in attachment style and the inability to elaborate on the breakup of a true or imagined relationship. The author further analyzes the stalkers’ neurobiology, suggesting they likely have a “reaction” of love toward the victim, characterized by hyperactivity, euphoria, anxiety, and focused attention on the relationship, similar to the initial phase of falling in love.

Jin, S., Xu, F., Yuan, Z., Niu, G., & Zhou, Z. (2026). Falling in love with AI virtual agents: the role of physical attractiveness and perceived interactivity in parasocial romantic relationships. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 13, 284. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-06613-5

The article examines the factors influencing the formation of parasocial romantic relationships with AI virtual agents, distinguishing them from real romantic relationships. Authors reports that the development of parasocial romantic relationships between female university students and AI agents is influenced by the interaction between perceived interactivity and physical attractiveness. They compare the neural correlates of parasocial and real-life romantic experiences using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Larsen, M., Fisher, M., & Salmon, C. (2026). Freedom from nature: Voicing the desires of the first sexual revolution in the epistolary romance of Heloise and Abelard. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000401

The article applies evolutionary perspectives to the correspondence of Heloise and Abelard to illuminate how their views on love and pair-bonding reflect cultural roots of modern desires and challenges, such as declining fertility rates and hyper-individualistic mating. The authors investigate the desire of the historical couple, Heloise and Abelard, to free themselves from aspects of their mating nature, with Heloise redefining love to promote gender equality and viewing reproduction as a burden for the intellectually ambitious individual. This way, the authors trace modern mating origins by discussing how the illicit affair inspired new thoughts on gender equality, romantic emotions, and self-realization through pair-bonding, viewing the 12th century as an origin point for modern mating markets.

Ionescu, A., & Lobont, F. (2026). Changing relational insecurity: Logic-based therapy and the preoccupied attachment style. Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 46(2), 117–129. https://doi.org/10.1037/teo0000349

The article explores a new method for combining logic-based therapy and attachment theory, specifically focusing on the phenomenology and clinical structure of the preoccupied attachment style. The authors discuss how attachment theory, originally applied to child-parent bonds, has been expanded to investigate and define romantic love and adult couple relationships. They suggest that the epistemic, emotional, and embodied aspects of preoccupied attachment can be positively altered through philosophical argument, emotional virtue development, and embodied reflection.

Hou, L., & Bai, M. (2026). Guangzhou: embroidering visibility, presenting positivity. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649373.2026.2636446

The article examines young women’s digitally mediated practices of exploring and maintaining intimate relationships in Guangzhou, China, focusing on how they manage digital intimacy amidst strict state legislation. The authors analyze three ways young women manage digital intimacy, including intricate digital labor on WeChat Moments to protect social boundaries, crafting a positive online self-image, and using dating apps primarily out of curiosity and for friendship. Theydefine intimacy broadly as “closeness, familiarity, and attachment across a spectrum of relationships including the familial, peer-based, and romantic or sexual,” and explores how college-aged women negotiate these connections online.

Lee Bunting, K., Krumeich, A., & Nimmon, L. (2026). A thick description of love’s contours for health professions education. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-026-10504-4

The article explores love’s potential as a distinctive and expansive way of relating in health professions education (HPE), challenging hierarchical dynamics. The authors provides a detailed description of love’s nature and requirements, outlining five specific contours: love is transcendent, the “tangibilities” of love, the groundwork for a love practice, a love practice, and love’s promises. They aim to offer a critical descriptive foundation for understanding love as a potentially transformative educational approach within HPE.

DePaulo, B. (2026). The Emerging Field of Singlehood Studies: Centering Single People and Surfacing Systems of Inequality. Sociology Compass, 20(1), e70162.

The article discusses the emerging interdisciplinary field of singlehood studies, which challenges deficit narratives about single life and centers the experiences, strengths, and contributions of single people. The author addresses the concept of “romantic love” in the context of single people, advocating for a singles-centered perspective that views love as a broader concept not limited to romantic relationships.

Williams, L., Kim, S. H., Li, Y., Heshmati, S., Vandekerckhove, J., Roeser, R. W., & Oravecz, Z. (2025). How much we express love predicts how much we feel loved in daily life. PloS one, 20(7), e0323326.

This study explores the connections between feeling and expressing love in daily life, as well as their reciprocal influences. Researchers used ecological momentary assessments to evaluate the reciprocal dynamics of feeling and expressing love and their relations to well-being. Over four weeks, participants rated feeling loved and expressing love six times a day. Results showed that verbal demonstrations of love increased participants’ feelings of being loved, but the experience of felt love did not increase those feelings. Greater love inertia also boosted emotional flourishing. These findings indicate novel psychological ways to improve well-being by deepening loving feelings through demonstrations of affection.

The author has compiled multiple scholarly publications that have been available about the evolutionary science of love over the recent couple of centuries. He systematically reviewed research findings and discoveries focusing on the evolutionary processes that have been occurring throughout thousands and millions of years.

This book presents love and relationships from the perspectives of evolutionary biology, paleontology, archaeology, anthropology, neuroscience, psychology, and other disciplines, presenting the topics on Basic Evolutionary Foundations of Love and How Bodily and Nervous Systems Enable Love.

The Biological Evolution of Love offers the most extensive and comprehensive review of love and relationships resembling love across various species, including plants, birds, and animals, especially mammals, as well as early human ancestors. The chapters of the book include three areas of relationships:

The Biological Evolution of Love in Mating

The Biological Evolution of Love Between Parents and Offspring

The Biological Evolution of Ingroup Love