6 Common Sources of Relationship Problems Linked to Stress

Excess stress is always a trigger for psychological problems, but the consequences of these vary depending on the characteristics of each person and the context in which they live.

One of the areas in which these alterations can be seen more clearly is that of living together as a couple; The accumulation of stress can act like a real time bomb that blows up the basic consensus and even, if given time, the love bond itself.

In this article we will see a summary about the usual sources of relationship problems derived from excessive stress, as well as some possible solutions to know what to do.

• Related article: "Types of stress and their triggers"

How does the accumulation of stress affect the relationship?

Although each case is unique, in general terms it is possible to find a series of problems in the coexistence of a couple, and even the affective relationship itself, which has a good part of its causes in excessive stress or poor management of this.

Is about forms of discomfort that arise on a daily basis and wear down the courtship or marriage

until, many times, a point is reached where it is necessary to end the relationship or go to couples therapy.

These are the main sources of relationship problems due to stress.

1. excessive workload

Workload is clearly one of the most common causes of excess stress.

Unfortunately, it is an area that remains outside the scope of what can be totally solved as a couple, but there are better and worse ways to deal with this problem together.

2. Insecurities and fear of losing a partner

This is one of the most frequent causes of problems in the couple, especially among young people. The fact of feeling that you have to give your best is a stress bomb.

3. Fears related to sexuality

The sphere of intimate and sexual life continues to be subject to fears and taboo topics that not everyone is willing to talk about, even with their partner. This generates misgivings, fears, and a feeling that the other person keeps as many secrets as oneself.

4. Bad communication

Communication problems can give way to stress relatively frequently, because they give rise to misunderstandings that must be solved at inopportune moments. They are experienced as an “added” burden and totally unnecessary.

5. Distribution of household chores

The feeling that the distribution of household tasks is unfair contributes to the accumulation of stress, due among other things to the fact that such efforts are perceived as arbitrary, which should not exist with a better allocation of responsibilities.

6. family disagreements

Conflicts with family too are an important source of stress that "seeps" into the sphere of the couple. Tense Christmas dinners, problems entrenched for many years, family members with whom contact is avoided, etc.

• You may be interested in: "My partner does not love my family: possible causes and what to do"

To do?

These are some basic tips to deal with this kind of problem in the best possible way.

1. Detect the source of stress

It is clear that it is impossible to identify each and every one of the things that cause us stress on a day-to-day basis, but it is possible to recognize those that affect us the most.

Thus, spend some time talking specifically about what is the source of that psychological pressure, to establish something similar to a diagnosis of the situation you are going through.

Do it from an attitude of harmony in which it is clear that the other is not being judged, since otherwise it will be impossible to deal with the issue honestly.

You need to express how stress itself affects you, and the way in which the other person behaves, for better or for worse, but without recriminations.

2. make new commitments

It is important that you set specific objectives and as objective as possible to improve the situation in which you find yourself.

The better defined a goal is, the more difficult it will be to disengage from the commitment to achieve it. You must delimit both concrete measures to be adopted, as well as the time in which they must be applied to your coexistence. If possible, choose a group of one, two or three new habits and add them to your schedule in a literal way, noting the moments that you will dedicate to them.

3. Talk regularly about your impressions and progress

Talking periodically about how you are experiencing this challenge of better managing stress helps you to remain involved in this process, and also allows you to correct mistakes in time.

4. If the problems do not stop, go to couples therapy

Couples therapy is a context in which it is possible to intervene in love problems and coexistence with professional support, something that completely changes the situation by having an external figure and objective, as well as trained in emotional management techniques and good communication habits and expression of feelings.

Are you looking for help to know how to manage relationship problems?

If you think you are in a relationship that is going through moments of crisis due to stress or any other aspect that makes the relationship difficult, you can contact our team of psychotherapists.

In Advance Psychologists We have a team with two decades of experience offering professional support to couples and people with emotional, communication or relational problems in general. We currently attend both in person at our center in Madrid, and through online therapy by video call. You can see more information about our services at this page.

Bibliographic references:

• Biscotti, O. (2006). Couples Therapy: a systemic look. Buenos Aires: Lumen.
• Harvey, J. H., Ormarzu, J. (1997). Minding the close relationship. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 1: pp. 223 - 239.
• Morgan, J.P. (1991). What is codependency? Journal of Clinical Psychology, 47(5): pp. 720 - 729.
• Serrano, G. and Carreno, M. (1993). Sternberg's theory of love. Empirical analysis. Psicothema, 5(Suppl.): pp. 151-167.
• Sternberg, R.J. (1987). liking vs. loving: a comparative evaluation of theories. Psychological Bulletin, 102(3):pp. 331-345.