Swooni Research · August 2026 edition · Updated monthly
A practical framework for understanding the small patterns that help relationships stay connected—grounded in public research, transparent about its limits, and designed to improve over time.
The evidence baseline
These figures come from global public-health reporting, longitudinal research, and relationship-science guidance. They provide context—not a single combined score.
Evidence signal
1 in 6
The WHO estimates that 15.8% of people globally reported loneliness between 2014 and 2023.
Read carefully: This is a global loneliness estimate, not a measure of romantic relationship quality or Swooni members.
World Health OrganizationEvidence signal
+29%
A synthesis cited by the U.S. Surgeon General associated poor social relationships with a 29% increase in heart-disease risk.
Read carefully: This is an association across social-connection research and does not establish that one relationship habit causes a health outcome.
U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesEvidence signal
+32%
The same synthesis associated poor social relationships with a 32% increase in stroke risk.
Read carefully: This is a population-level association, not a prediction or clinical assessment for an individual or couple.
U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesEvidence signal
87 years
The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 and continues to examine relationships, health, and happiness across generations.
Read carefully: Its original cohorts were not globally representative; the value here describes study duration, not an effect size.
Harvard Study of Adult DevelopmentEvidence signal
5:1
The Gottman Institute describes five or more positive interactions for every negative interaction during conflict in stable, happy relationships.
Read carefully: The ratio is a research-informed benchmark, not a diagnostic threshold or guarantee for a particular relationship.
The Gottman InstituteThe five dimensions
The framework organizes relationship fitness around five observable areas. Monthly editions can refine the evidence without reducing a relationship to one opaque number.
Do both partners feel noticed, supported, and emotionally reachable?
Track small bids for attention, moments of warmth, and whether support is available when it matters.
Can needs and feelings be named without the conversation becoming unsafe?
Look for clarity, listening, softer starts, and enough room for both perspectives.
Are positive moments visible, specific, and repeated?
Notice gratitude, affection, humor, and everyday signals that keep goodwill available during stress.
After friction, can the couple take responsibility and find their way back?
Watch for accountability, de-escalation, apology, reassurance, and completed reconnection.
Do useful relationship habits survive busy weeks and difficult seasons?
Measure consistency gently: repeated check-ins matter more than an occasional perfect conversation.
How to cite
Keep exploring
Read the public-health case for relationship fitness, explore the science, or see how Swooni brings small connection habits into everyday life.
Our mission
We're making the scientific formula for lasting love accessible to every couple, everywhere.