Coronavirus: Love Island psychologist explains why lockdown could be a positive for our relationships

A psychologist who has worked on Love Island and Big Brother in the past has revealed why she reckons the COVID-19 pandemic could actually help strengthen our interpersonal relationships.

Honey Langcaster-James explained the social psychology surrounding an external "other" - in this case, coronavirus.

"Add this to our shared sense of values as we more obviously and overtly engage in a joint purpose," she wrote for Sky News, "And a shared perception that we are all part of something big and are on a common mission, and you have a whole host of powerful predictors for increased relationship satisfaction."

She added that we, as a collective, have been reminded during lockdown that we value closeness and friendship - and as such will return to these relationships post-lockdown with a fresher, more positive outlook.

Honey has worked as an on-set professional for Love Island and Big Brother (Internet Grab)

Being housebound with loved ones might even serve to reinvigorate one-on-one relationships that had maybe fallen off a bit.

She continued: "Being in very close proximity to one another might actually reignite the flame in a previously cooled romantic relationship, or you may have a sudden desire to nip out and share a few words over the back fence with your neighbours even though previously you only really acknowledged them at Christmas."

Social distancing also has a role to play - compelling us to reach out to those we'd ordinarily ignore.

Lockdown could be beneficial in reigniting romantic relationships (Getty Images)

Nearly a quarter of people said relationships with their kids were better (Getty Images)

Honey rounds off her article with a message of hope for the future: "'We are all in this together' has become a familiar phrase.

"I wonder whether this virus has turned our sense of 'me' on its head, and reminded us that it is 'we' that really matters after all."

A YouGov-conducted poll found that people in the UK are experiencing stronger feeling of sadness and anxiety during lockdown, bonds are stronger in general.

Honey has worked on Love Island (ITV/REX)

19% said their relationship with their spouse was better, 10% saying it was worse.

23% said things had gotten better between them and there kids, 10% saying the opposite.

Over a quarter are friendlier with neighbours, with a tiny 6% claiming relations had deteriorated.

Honey has worked as an on-set and on-screen professional on various shows, including Love Island and Big Brother.