Do I Have Relationship Distress With Spouse Or Intimate Partner?

Is the quality of the relationship with your spouse or intimate partner affecting the course, prognosis, or treatment of a mental or other medical disorder?

Is the relationship distress associated with impaired functioning in behavioral domains (e.g., conflict resolution difficulty, withdrawal, and overinvolvement)?

Is the relationship distress associated with impaired functioning in cognitive domains (e.g., chronic negative attributions of the other's intentions or dismissals of the partner's positive behaviors)?

Is the relationship distress associated with impaired functioning in affective domains (e.g., chronic sadness, apathy, and/or anger about the other partner)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have relationship distress with spouse or intimate partner. Relationships that do not run smoothly may negatively impact your life on all aspects, such as work and your social life. Especially when one of the partners suffers from a medical condition, it should be important for the other partner to care for his or her spouse and to avoid additional distress.

Unfortunately, you are showing one or more signs typically seen among individuals who have relationship distress with spouse or intimate partner. Good relationships have a positive impact on your activities beyond the relationship, such as work and your social life. Healthy and happy relationships are based on trust, loyalty, clear communication, and affection. In case you are experiencing relationship distress with your intimate partner and it clearly affects your life, it may be important to seek help from a marriage counsellor. If both partners manage to improve their communication skills, it can positively influence the relationship.