Divorce is considered distressing for many individuals (Sbarra et al., Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2015, 24, 109); however, individuals in poor-quality relationships may experience certain benefits of leaving an unstable union (Amato & Hohmann-Marriott, Journal of Marriage and Family, 2007, 69, 621). On–off relationship cycling, or the breakup and reconciliation of a relationship, is a salient indicator of poor relationship quality and a common form of relationship instability (Dailey et al., Personal Relationships, 2009, 16, 23) that is associated with distress (Monk et al., Family Relations, 2018, 67, 523). In line with divorce–stress–adjustment and relational turbulence theory perspectives, we hypothesized that those whose relationships were characterized by on–off instability would experience less distress during the separation and divorce process. Given gender inequality in marriage (e.g., Dempsey, Journal of Sociology, 2002, 38, 91; Monin & Clark, Sex Roles, 2011, 65, 320), we also hypothesized that this association would be more pronounced for women. Using data from 98 divorced or separating couples, we found that relationship cycling prior to the separation and divorce process was associated with fewer distress symptoms for women. Conversely, a history of relationship cycling was associated with more distress symptoms for men. Our study provides support and extends prior investigations illustrating that, for some, those in unions characterized by more turmoil, may experience relief following a termination.

中文翻译：

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分居和离婚过渡中的先前开关关系不稳定和痛苦

离婚对许多人来说是令人痛苦的（Sbarra 等人，心理科学的当前方向，2015, 24, 109）；然而，处于劣质关系中的个人可能会因离开不稳定的婚姻而获得某些好处（Amato & Hohmann-Marriott, Journal of Marriage and Family , 2007, 69, 621）。断断续续的关系循环，或关系的破裂和和解，是关系质量差的一个显着指标，也是与痛苦相关的关系不稳定的常见形式（Dailey 等人， Personal Relations , 2009, 16, 23） （Monk 等人，家庭关系, 2018, 67, 523)。根据离婚-压力-调整和关系动荡理论的观点，我们假设那些关系以开关不稳定为特征的人在分居和离婚过程中经历的痛苦较少。鉴于婚姻中的性别不平等（例如，Dempsey, Journal of Sociology , 2002, 38, 91；Monin & Clark, Sex Roles, 2011, 65, 320)，我们还假设这种关联对女性更为明显。使用来自 98 对离婚或分居夫妇的数据，我们发现在分居和离婚过程之前的关系循环与女性的痛苦症状较少有关。相反，关系循环的历史与男性更多的痛苦症状有关。我们的研究提供了支持并扩展了先前的调查，表明对于一些以更加动荡为特征的工会中的人来说，终止后可能会感到宽慰。