From Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, several celebrity couples have called it quits in recent months.
Now, a study suggests that these breakups were probably more painful for the men than the women.
Researchers from Humboldt University of Berlin say that contrary to popular belief, breakups are actually more difficult for men than women.
In their study, the team analysed more than 50 studies on gender differences in heterosexual relationships.
Their results revealed that men are less likely than women to initiate a break-up when in a steady relationship.
What’s more, men are more likely to experience loneliness after a break-up and are less likely to see the positive side of the split.
‘Heterosexual men are more dependent on their partners to fulfil their emotional needs than heterosexual women,’ explained Iris Wahring, who led the study.
‘In short, steady relationships are psychologically more important for men than for women.’
Popular culture has led many people to assume that romantic relationships are more important for women than for men.
In their new study, the researchers set out to understand if that is truly the case in reality.
The team analysed the findings from more than 50 studies, most of which had been published in the last 20 years.
Using a model that takes gender differences in different phases of relationships into account, the researchers uncovered some ‘surprising and unexpected’ insights.
‘Men apparently tend to be more focused on entering into steady relationships,’ Ms Wahring said.
‘Moreover, the well-being and health of men benefit more from such relationships than women.
‘Even the life expectancy of men is more strongly associated with being in a steady relationship than that of women.’
The researchers suggest that men are more emotionally invested in relationships because they rely less on support from other people.
‘Social norms are influential for women sharing emotions with others more often and supporting each other more strongly than men do,’ explained Paul van Lange, co-author of the study.
‘Even young children experience these norms, according to which it is much more common and appropriate for girls than for boys to share emotions and vulnerabilities.’
After a breakup, men therefore often lack social contacts, which can have ‘far-reaching consequences for health and well-being’, according to the researchers.
The team hopes the findings will encouarge both men and women to reach out to their wider social circle when they need support.
Writing in their study, published in Behavioural and Brain Sciences, they concluded: ‘For all people, the sharing of intimacy and emotional support is essential to positive personal and interpersonal outcomes.
‘If societies develop and evolve so that roles in social life become less gender-specific, we hope that men will be able to more openly express their emotions and show their vulnerabilities.
‘If so, their needs for intimacy and support will more likely be fulfilled.’
