How relationships have evolved and changed during COVID-19

More than a quarter of Australians say the COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on their relationship with their family.

The Medibank Live Better Rewards program survey of more than 2,000 people across Australia looked at the evolution of key relationships in our lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychologist, and Head of Clinical Quality and Innovation, Jason Vella said 27% of respondents reported that their relationship with their family had changed for the better.

“It’s really positive to see that COVID-19 has been a catalyst for bringing some family units closer together, he said.

“Those that saw a positive change, credit spending more time together and putting more effort into keeping in touch with family members they were unable to see face to face.

“Gen Z (40%) and Millennials (32%) experienced the most positive changes with family relationships compared to other generations.”

The survey also found consistency across the states with New South Wales (27%), Victoria (26%), Western Australia (27%), South Australia (25%) and Queensland (26%) saying their family bonds had changed for the better.

COVID-19 also had some positive impacts on intimate relationships with 22% saying they would describe it as better.

“Those surveyed believe that spending more time together and deeper conversations was a factor in building a strong connection with their partner,” Mr Vella said.

The relationship that saw the most negative change in 2020 to previous years was friendships.

“Some of the reasons given were the inability to see friends due to COVID-19 restrictions which some believe caused them to drift apart,” he said.

Just 16% of those surveyed said that their relationships with friends changed for the better.

“Some of the drivers of stronger friendships were being more proactive at keeping in touch through video chats and supporting each other through a challenging time,” he said.

Additionally,19% agreed that COVID-19 changed their relationship with their neighbours for the better.