Long-term Couples Research Study

Introduction to the Study



For most people, marriage (or long-term committed relationships) are an enriching, major part of life. However, people’s experiences in long-term relationships vary greatly - some are extremely satisfying, others not as much, and yet others may be mixed. In the research project "Long-term Couples", we hope to advance knowledge on the science of relationships by uncovering some of the factors that promote long-term relationship happiness and love.

To participate:
  1. You must currently be in a romantic heterosexual relationship of 10 years or more
    (That is, you must be married or living together for at least 10 years)
  2. You must be "in love" and/or "very satisfied" with your long-term partner
Rewards for participation:
  1. To learn something new about yourself
  2. To help advance knowledge about relationships just by telling your story
  3. To be entered to win a cash prize of $200 as 1st place winner or $50 as runner up
It is okay if:
Your partner would like to participate in the study - we actually prefer it.



Who is conducting the research study?



Dr. Daniel O'Leary is a distinguished professor of psychology; and director of the Clinical Psychology training program and of the Marital Therapy Clinic, http://www.psychology.sunysb.edu/marital clinic , at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has published research on depression and marital problems, as well as predictors of marital satisfaction and agression against partners. For further information, logon to his website, www.psychology.sunysb.edu/psychology/daniel o'leary .



Dr. Arthur Aron is a professor of psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has published extensively in the top research journals on the social psychology of close relationships and related topics. Much of his research has been supported by the US National Science Foundation. For further information, logon to his website, www.psychology.sunysb.edu/psychology/author aron .




Bianca Acevedo is a doctoral candidate working in Dr. Aron’s laboratory. She graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a B.A in Psychology and is currently working on her dissertation. She has conducted numerous research studies, resulting in conference presentations and manuscripts regarding romantic relationships and emotions. For further information, view her profile at the following website, www.psychology.stonybrook.edu/interpersonal relationships lab.



For additional information about the project - and to participate: