In 1972, psychologists at the University of Colorado surveyed 140 couples to determine whether a relationship facing parental disapproval was more likely to strengthen or crumble under the pressure. Can long-term success of a romantic relationship be predicted by the perceived approval or disapproval of the couple's friends and family? Dig into the trend known as the Romeo and Juliet Effect. [Directed by Maryna Buchynska, and action creative agency, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

 TED-Ed: Should you care what your parents think?

Should you care what your parents think?

Reactance theory explains why being told 'no' often propels us towards doing the forbidden, a bid for regained autonomy.

Parental disapproval can fortify love, dubbed the Romeo and Juliet Effect, yet often, wider social approval predicts relationship longevity.

Defiant reactance might fuel secret romances, but independent reactance leads individuals to trust personal judgment over group skepticism.