• The study included over 3,100 participants from 25 different countries
• Couples with children reported lower levels of love, intimacy, and passion compared to childless couples

A recent international study found that having children may reduce romantic love between couples, particularly affecting intimacy and passion, while mutual commitment remains largely unchanged

The study, published on October 24 in the journal Human Nature, aimed to understand the impact of parenthood on romantic relationships across different cultures

The research team, led by Agnieszka Żelaźniewicz from the University of Wrocław in Poland, surveyed more than 3,100 participants from 25 countries using questionnaires that measured love across three dimensions: intimacy, passion, and commitment

The results showed that couples with children reported lower overall love compared to childless couples, with noticeable declines in intimacy and passion, while no significant differences were observed in commitment

Researchers explained that these effects may be attributed to daily stresses associated with raising children, such as constant fatigue, lack of sleep, financial pressures, and work-life conflicts

The study highlights the importance for couples to consciously maintain their emotional connection when starting family life, ensuring a healthy and loving relationship despite the challenges of parenthood