The impact of frequent moves on a person’s mind

A change of residence is stressful. It may be pleasant or unpleasant. But the power of emotions that overcome a person at such times is so great that it affects decision-making, the performance of actions, as well as relationships with people. Turkish scientists have discovered an interesting fact. A person becomes “all the world” to their partner when they moves around frequently.

The gist of the research

Scientists involved in several universities in Turkey conducted a three-stage study. The point was to determine how frequent moves affect relationships with a romantic partner.

A total of 5,366 volunteers took part in the experiment. The ages ranged from 18 to 95. The participants’ attitudes towards relatives, friends, colleagues and other acquaintances were taken into account in parallel.

Stages of the study

The first study was an analysis of data from a survey which has been carried out every year since 2003 in Turkey. It consisted in determining the level of satisfaction with life. The only points of clarification were whether the participants were living in their own homes and who they trusted more when it came to financial, health and other important issues.

Those taking part in the second study (those in long-term romantic relationships) were asked to create four lists. They pre-specified the frequency with which they would change residence. The first list to be compiled was to include the names of the 4 people with whom they had frequent contact. The second included 4 names of people who could be approached for help. The third list was 4 people who are a support and encouragement to the participant. The fourth list included the names of those they miss the most when they are apart. In each list, the names of partners came first.

In the third study, again, volunteers first indicated how often they moved from place to place. After that, they were asked to rate the sensitivity and responsiveness of their romantic partner (how much they could listen, support, and understand) on a 7-point scale. The finale was a “happiness level” test. Participants had to indicate their degree of freedom, satisfaction, personal growth, etc. The results showed that those who often change location pay more attention to such qualities of their partner than those who stay “in place”.

Conclusion

Frequent change of residence equals lack of stability in life. This has a strong effect on the person, which makes their attitude towards many things very different from that of someone who moves seldom. In addition, in this “shaky” world, the partner becomes the emotional anchor point that allows you to at least stay afloat.

A change of location does not only affect the relationship between partners. It affects the choice of society as a whole. Thus a person becomes more picky in their choice of friends and acquaintances. Manners of communication also undergo frequent adjustments. But it is the couple’s relationship that only grows stronger.