Actor-partner Interdependence Model Approach Research Articles

Relationship between marital satisfaction and defeat in IVF-ET: based on actor-partner interdependence model approach

Objective A person’s marital satisfaction is a strong predictor of their own mental health outcomes. However, marital satisfaction results from both spouses’ experiences, so a partner’s marital satisfaction also affects his or her mental health outcomes. This study adopted the actor-partner interdependence model approach (APIM) to evaluate the relationship between marital satisfaction and sense of defeat in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) couples. Methods and measures In this cross-sectional study, 181 infertile couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment were recruited using the Marital Satisfaction Scale of the ENRICH Marital Quality Questionnaire and Defeat Scale. Through APIM and Pearson analysis, the path relationship between marital satisfaction and defeat was analyzed. Results The varying degrees of defeat in IVF-ET couples, are closely related to actors’ and partners’ marital satisfaction. In terms of actor effects, the Marital Satisfaction of both husbands (β = −0.71, p < 0.001) and wives (β = −0.46, p = 0.001) have a significant effect on individual Defeat. With regard to partner effects, husbands’ Marital Satisfaction (β = −0.23, p = 0.038) has a significant impact on wives’ Defeat and the wives’ Marital Satisfaction (β = −0.45, p = −0.005) has a significant impact on husbands’ Defeat. Conclusion IVF-ET couples must be looked at as a whole, and it is critical to include couples and not just men or women when studying infertility. The importance of their interaction is essential to improve the psychosocial adaptation of infertile couples in IVF-ET treatment.

Emotion regulation strategies and depression in mother-adolescent dyads: An actor-partner interdependence model approach.

Parent-adolescent emotion dynamics have attracted increasing attention in recent years because adolescence is a challenging period for both adolescents and parents. However, how emotions are coconstructed between parents and adolescents is less clear. This study examined whether mothers' and adolescents' emotion regulation strategy was linked with their own and each other's depression using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM). The participants were 173 mother-adolescent pairs (Mother: Mage = 43.05 years old, SD = 3.78; Adolescent: Mage = 13.00 years old, SD = 0.90). The results showed that the more mothers used cognitive reappraisal, the lower their depression levels were; and the more mothers and adolescents used expressive suppression, the higher their levels of depression were. Additionally, maternal expressive suppression was associated with adolescent depressive symptoms. Moreover, the results revealed that for mothers with higher levels of expressive suppression, their adolescents' usage of expressive suppression was significantly positively related to adolescents' depression, while for those mothers with lower levels of expressive suppression, there was no significant correlation between adolescents' usage of expressive suppression and depression. The findings underscore the significance of recognising the interdependence and interconnected nature of emotions within parent-adolescent relationships for a comprehensive understanding of their emotional well-being.

Relationship between dyadic coping, resilience and fear of childbirth in expectant couples: An actor-partner interdependence model approach

BackgroundFear of childbirth is a common concern in pregnant women and their spouses due to the unpredictability of the process and outcome of a delivery, which results in adverse effects on mental health, birth outcomes and family intimacy. However, there is a lack of studies that explore the influencing factors of fear of childbirth among expectant couples from a dyadic perspective. The aim of this study is to explore the correlation of dyadic coping, resilience and fear of childbirth in pregnant couples and to construct an actor-partner interdependence model to verify dyadic effects. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey included 420 couples and was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023 in the obstetric department at two hospitals in China. Convenience sampling and an actor-partner interdependence model was used. FindingsThe prevalence of fear of childbirth among pregnant women and their spouses is 37.4 % and 33.1 %, respectively. Women's resilience and dyadic coping had a partner effect on spouses’ fear of childbirth, in addition to an actor effect on their own fear of childbirth. Spouses’ resilience and dyadic coping had only actor effects on themselves, and no partner effect was found on the pregnant women. ConclusionWomen's fear of childbirth was positively associated with spouses’ fear of childbirth. Interventions for fear of childbirth should include improving resilience and enhancing dyadic stress support and coping. This study provides empirical evidence for future clinical research and interventions on the psychological status of pregnant women and their partners during pregnancy.

The relationship between sexual dysfunction and insomnia symptoms in older men with prostate cancer and their partners: an actor-partner interdependence model approach

The relationship between sexual dysfunction and insomnia symptoms in older men with prostate cancer and their partners: an actor-partner interdependence model approach

Depression, anxiety and insomnia in Chinese older adults and their family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an actor-partner interdependence model approach.

This study aimed to explore the dyadic effects of depression and anxiety on insomnia symptoms in Chinese older adults and their caregivers living in a community setting. Data were collected from 1,507 pairs of older adults and their caregivers who were in the Guangdong Mental Health Survey in China. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder module 7 (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to measure depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) were used to determine whether anxiety or depression symptoms predicted individual or dyadic insomnia. Older adults' and caregivers' depression and anxiety had significant positive correlations with their own and their caregivers' insomnia symptoms (all P < 0.001). Actor effects were found between depression and insomnia symptoms in both older adults and caregivers (B = 0.695, P < 0.001; B = 0.547, P < 0.001, respectively), with one significant partner effects (B = 0.080, P = 0.007). Actor effects were also found between anxiety and insomnia symptoms in both older adults and caregivers (B = 0.825, P < 0.001; B = 0.751, P < 0.001, respectively), with one significant partner effects (B = 0.097, P = 0.004). However, the caregivers' depression and anxiety were not associated with older adults' insomnia symptoms in the APIM analyses. Older adults and their caregivers had an interrelationship between psychological distress and insomnia. Consequently, healthcare providers might consider involving dyads when designing programs to reduce insomnia and improve psychological distress for family caregivers.

Health literacy and health behaviors in parent-adolescent dyads: an actor-partner interdependence model approach

Objective Health literacy (HL), skills for accessing, appraising and using health information in health decision-making is implicated in adolescents’ health behaviors. HL skills develop through scaffolding, modeling, practice and opportunity. Therefore, adolescents’ HL skills are likely closely tied to parents’ HL and health behaviors. Yet, no studies have examined the dyadic interdependence of the relationship between HL and health behaviors between parents and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the interdependence of adolescents’ and parents’ HL and health behaviors. Methods and Measures Data were collected from 300 parent-adolescent dyads via Qualtrics Panel. Dyads completed identical measures of their HL, diet, physical activity, sedentary activity, cigarette-smoking, vaping, and alcohol binge-drinking behaviors. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Results Within-dyad correlations were significant for HL and all health behaviors assessed. After controlling for covariates and partner effects, adolescents’ HL was related to their sugar-sweetened beverage intake, sedentary activity, and substance use. After controlling for covariates and actor effects, adolescents’ HL was related to parents’ sedentary activity, binge-drinking, and vaping while parents’ HL was related to adolescents’ sedentary activity. Conclusion Our results suggest that there is interdependence in these relationships especially for risk behaviors.

Dyadic associations between COVID-19-related stress and mental well-being among parents and children in Hong Kong: An actor-partner interdependence model approach.

The spread of COVID‐19 and its subsequent social distancing policies have profoundly impacted the lives of parents and children. Prolonged exposure to parenting‐related responsibilities and heightened levels of family conflict under stay‐at‐home orders coupled with reduced access to support systems and resources have rendered parents and children more prone to stress and mental health difficulties. Drawing on a transactional model of parent–child interactions, the present study applied an actor–partner interdependence model approach to examine the transactional relationship between COVID‐19‐related stress and mental well‐being among parents and children. Data from 109 Chinese parent–child dyads in Hong Kong were included in the study. Parents and their 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children completed a questionnaire on COVID‐19‐related stress, parent–child relationships, and mental well‐being. The results showed that 53.2% and 30.3% of the parents and children, respectively, showed poor mental well‐being, indicating possible emotional problems. Both actor and partner effects of parent COVID‐19‐related stress were found. Parent COVID‐19‐related stress was indirectly related to lower levels of parent and child mental well‐being, through the mediation of parent–child conflict. To facilitate psychological adjustment following the COVID‐19 outbreak, effective family‐based mental health and parenting interventions are needed to promote family cohesion and alleviate stress‐induced psychological symptoms. Even in the time of social distancing, telepsychotherapy and other online non‐psychotherapeutic interventions can serve as a valid alternative for parents and children who experience excessive distress. Implications for psychological services, family‐friendly policies, and social protection measures are also discussed.

Does Mindfulness Moderate the Link of Worry About COVID-19 With Adjustment? An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Approach.

ObjectivesCOVID-19 constitutes an unprecedented mental health challenge to the world. At this critical time, it is important to identify factors that may boost individuals’ well-being or render individuals more resistant to the negative impact of COVID-19-related stressors. The goals of this study were to examine whether individuals’ and their partners’ worry about COVID-19 were linked to individuals’ psychological, social, and cognitive adjustment and test individuals’ and their partners’ mindfulness as possible moderators.MethodsCross-sectional, dyadic data were collected from 211 Chinese couples with kindergarten-aged children living in Hong Kong, China, during its fourth major outbreak of COVID-19 (between December 2020 and January 2021). Using paper-and-pencil questionnaires, fathers and mothers independently reported their worry about COVID-19, mindfulness, depressive symptoms, social difficulties, and cognitive problems.ResultsActor-Partner-Interdependence Models revealed that, controlling for individuals’ gender and education levels, individuals’ worry about COVID-19 and mindfulness were positively and negatively associated with their own depressive symptoms, social difficulties, and cognitive problems, respectively. The worry of individuals’ partners was also positively associated with individuals’ depressive symptoms and social difficulties. These associations, however, were only significant when the partners had low but not high levels of mindfulness.ConclusionsOur study highlighted the importance of studying the potential benefits of mindfulness at not only the individual but also the dyadic level.

Quality of life and informational needs for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant among patients and their caregivers visiting long-term follow-up clinic.

To examine the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and fulfillment of informational needs among patients for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and caregivers who visit long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinics within 1.5 years of post-HSCT. We conducted a cross-sectional survey at two university hospitals in Japan between May and December 2018 using self-administered questionnaires and medical records. Based on previous research and patient interviews, informational needs of patients and caregivers were categorized into general information, post-discharge treatments, side effects and complications, self-care, psychosocial problems, and social resources. The HRQOL of patients and caregivers was measured using the Japanese Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (for patients) and Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (for caregivers). In addition, the pooled-regression actor-partner interdependence model approach was employed to analyze the relationships using R ver.3.6.0. A total of 16 patients and 14 caregivers were analyzed. The mean total score of the FACT-BMT was 91.0, and the mean total score of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer was 88.2. For both patients and caregivers, fulfillment of informational needs regarding side effects and complications (estimates = 0.55, t (16) = 4.88, P < 0.001) and self-care (estimates = 0.73, t (13) = 5.02, P < 0.001) exerted actor effects on their HRQOL, whereas fulfillment of informational needs regarding psychosocial problems (estimates = 0.35, t (13) = 2.90, P = 0.012) exerted a partner effect on the mutual HRQOL. Multidimensional physio-psychosocial approaches toward patients and their caregivers are important to enhance their HRQOL during the acute phase after HSCT. Detailed overviews of and methods to cope with patients' psychosocial issues should be provided before discharge, especially for caregivers unable to visit the LTFU clinics.

Internet gaming disorder, psychological distress, and insomnia in adolescent students and their siblings: An actor-partner interdependence model approach

BackgroundAssociations between internet gaming disorder (IGD), psychological distress, and sleep have been reported. However, little is known whether such associations exist across siblings; that is, whether adolescents’ IGD symptomatology may impact their siblings’ psychological distress and sleep. This study aimed to examine whether siblings' IGD symptoms may relate to depressive, anxiety symptoms or sleep quality among each other. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design with two-stage cluster sampling, 320 dyads of adolescent students and their siblings participated in the study. Each dyad completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) was applied to examine relationships between IGD, psychological well-being, and insomnia severity in the dyadic data. ResultsActor effects of IGDS-SF9 scores on depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia severity were significant in both adolescents (e.g., adolescents’ IGDS-SF9 scores on their depression scores) and their siblings (e.g., IGDS-SF9 scores of adolescents’ siblings’ scores on their depression scores). Partner effects of IGDS-SF9 scores on depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia severity were significant in both adolescents (e.g., adolescents’ IGDS-SF9 scores on their siblings’ depression scores) and their siblings (e.g., IGDS-SF9 scores of adolescents’ siblings on adolescents’ depression scores). ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that adolescent students and their siblings had mutual impacts of IGD on psychological health and sleep. Thus, healthcare providers may consider involving siblings when they design programs reducing IGD-related problems or improving psychological health and sleep for adolescents.

Implications of relationship-induced self-concept change across partners: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model approach

Investigations of relationship-induced self-concept change and relationship quality have generally been limited to intraindividual effects (i.e., actor effects). In the current study, we examined whether self-changes influence romantic partners’ perceptions of relationship satisfaction and commitment (i.e., partner effects). Using the actor–partner interdependence model, we tested how four self-concept change processes—self-expansion, self-pruning, self-contraction, and self-adulteration—are associated with relationship satisfaction and commitment. Results revealed robust actor effects across all self-change processes and partner effects on satisfaction for degradation processes only (i.e., self-contraction and self-adulteration), suggesting that self-changes differentially predict individuals’ and partners’ perceptions of the relationship.

The Relationship between Perceived Stress and Marital Satisfaction in Couples with Infertility: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

BackgroundInfertility, one of life’s great stressors, may adversely affect marital satisfaction. No studies have in- vestigated the relationship between perceived stress and marital satisfaction at the dyadic level. The current study assessed the actor and partner effects of perceived stress on marital satisfaction in husband-wife dyads using an in- novative dyadic analysis approach, the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited a total of 141 infertile couples. Marital satisfac- tion and stress were assessed using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS Scale) and Perceived Stress Scale-4 Item (PSS-4), respectively. Dyadic data have been analysed by the APIM approach, with distinguishable dyads. In this approach, actor effect is the impact of a person᾽s perceived stress on his/her own marital satisfaction. Partner effect is the impact of a person's perceived stress on the partner᾽s marital satisfaction.ResultsBoth men and women’s perceived stress exhibited an actor effect on their marital satisfaction (β=-0.312, P<0.001, β=-0.405, P<0.001, respectively). Women’s perceived stress had a negative relationship to the marital satis- faction of their partner (β=-0.174, P=0.040). Although the partner effect of men’s perceived stress on woman’s marital satisfaction was not significant (β=-0.138, P=0.096), women whose husbands had higher levels of stress were more likely to have poorer marital satisfaction. Both actor and partner effects of perceived stress on marital satisfaction were similar among men and their wives.ConclusionThe findings of this study have highlighted that marital satisfaction in patients with infertility was in- fluenced by not only their own perceived stress, but also their spouses’ perceived stresses. Therefore, psychological interventions that target a reduction in perceived stress and enhancement of marital satisfaction in the context of infer- tility should treat the couple as a unit.

The effect of depression on quality of life in infertile couples: an actor-partner interdependence model approach

BackgroundInfertility can cause psychological distress and has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). There have been no studies investigating the effect of depression on QoL in infertile couples at the dyadic level. This study aimed to investigate the effects of actors’ and partners’ depression on QoL in male-female dyads experiencing infertility using an innovative dyadic analysis approach, the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM).MethodsWe conducted this cross-sectional study on 180 infertile couples in Tehran, Iran, during August-September 2017. Quality of life and depression were assessed using Fertility Quality of Life and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. Dyadic data were analyzed by the APIM approach. In this method, actor effect is the impact of a person’s depression on his/her own QoL. Partner effect is the impact of a person’s depression on his/her partner’s QoL.ResultsResults from APIM revealed that both males and females’ depression exuded an actor effect on their own QoL (β = − 0.589, p < 0.001; β = − 0.588, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, males’ depression exuded a significant partner effect on their wives’ QoL (β = − 0.128, p = 0.030). Although the partner effect of females’ depression on males’ QoL was not statistically significant (β = − 0.108, P = 0.070), males whose wives had higher depression were more to indicate their own QoL was poorer. Based on equality constraint test, both actor and partner effects of depression on QoL were similar between males and females.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that QoL in infertile patients was influenced by not only their own depression but also their spouses’ depression; therefore, interventions to improve QoL should include both males and females.

Relationship and sexual satisfaction: a longitudinal actor–partner interdependence model approach

ABSTRACTResearch has demonstrated a strong link between relationship and sexual satisfaction in the context of romantic relationships. However, little research has examined this in the context of a dyadic longitudinal sample, where both partner and actor effects are considered over time. The current study aimed to assess directional fit of the link between relationship and sexual satisfaction with the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) on the cross-sectional and longitudinal level. Data were collected online from 204 mixed-sex couples (408 individuals) in an online quantitative longitudinal study (baseline, 2 months, and 4 months). The average age of participants was 34 and participants were in a relationship for an average of nine years. Results from the cross-sectional APIM indicated that relationship satisfaction as a predictor of sexual satisfaction provided a better fit to the data. The over-time APIM further supported this directionality. Although prior research has shown mixed results, with some studies providing support for a bidirectional model, the current results indicated that relationship satisfaction precedes sexual satisfaction. This provides additional support that targeting relationship building to improve relationship satisfaction may be a fruitful approach to improving sexual satisfaction in relationships. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Ask and you might receive: The actor–partner interdependence model approach to estimating cultural and gender variations in social support

AbstractAs an essential part of close relationships, social support is a dynamic interactive process. This paper aims to simultaneously investigate social support‐seeking and provision behaviours using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Ninety‐two friendship dyads participated in this study. Supportive versus negative friendship qualities were used to predict different support‐seeking and support‐provision behaviours during an experimental task. Cultural and gender variations were also examined. Results showed that self‐reported friendship qualities influence support‐seeking and provision behaviours intrapersonally and interpersonally. Female participants were more likely to provide emotion‐focused support than were male participants. After accounting for friendship qualities in the dyads, there was no evidence of cultural group differences on support‐seeking or provision behaviours among same‐sex friends. These results demonstrate the conceptual and empirical advantages of using APIM to unpack cultural and gender variations in social support processes.

Physical Abuse in Childhood as a Predictor of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Dating Couples: The Role of Negative Affect During Conflict

Adult victims of child physical abuse (CPA) are more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) than are nonvictims. However, not all CPA victims go on to become violent toward their partners, suggesting that other factors moderate risk for IPV perpetration. Drawing on the background-situational model (Riggs &amp; O’Leary, 1989, 1996), this study examines the independent and interactive effects of CPA history and negative affect arising during conflict with an intimate partner in predicting physical IPV perpetration. Fifty-three heterosexual dating couples completed questionnaires assessing CPA history and perpetration of physical IPV. Couples discussed the largest source of conflict in their relationship for 10 min. Videos of these discussions were coded for negative affect. Using an actor partner interdependence model approach to account for the dyadic interdependence of the data, findings revealed that at average levels of negative affect, CPA severity predicted greater IPV perpetration for both men and women. However, at average levels of CPA, negative affect during conflict was positively predictive of IPV perpetration for men only. Findings further revealed an interaction such that for men, the positive association between CPA severity and IPV perpetration became stronger as their negative affect during conflict increased.

Entre marido e mulher, a crise mete a colher: A relação entre pressão económica, conflito e satisfação conjugal

Considerando a crise económica que Portugal atravessa, e com base no modelo de stress familiar económico (MSFE), o presente estudo teve como objectivo investigar o papel mediador do stress emocional na relação entre a percepção de pressão económica e o conflito e satisfação conjugais. Procurou-se, ainda, alargar a aplicabilidade do MSFE, testando-o no contexto português, bem como contribuir para um maior conhecimento do modelo através da utilização de uma abordagem de análise baseada no actor-partner interdependence model. Participaram no estudo 208 casais portugueses, casados ou em união de facto, com filhos adolescentes. Os resultados mostraram uma relação indirecta entre a percepção de pressão económica e o conflito e satisfação conjugais, mediada através do stress emocional de cada cônjuge. Os resultados indicaram também a existência uma relação directa entre a percepção de pressão económica e o conflito conjugal de ambos os elementos do casal, bem como entre a percepção de pressão económica e a satisfação conjugal dos homens, divergindo do preconizado pelo MSFE e sugerindo possíveis influências culturais.

Investigating the Relationships Between Family Socialization and Adolescent Outcomes in Chinese Parent-Child Dyads

From the family system approach, families are collections of individuals organized into an integrative system, in which choices and behaviors of members are interdependent and mutually reinforced. However, the fact that prior family studies, especially in Chinese context, derived their findings from a single party may cause problems of method variance and response biases. Against this background, the current study adopted the actor-partner interdependence model approach (APIM) to investigate respective effects of family socialization in the form of parenting and family processes on child outcomes in terms of internalizing and externalizing symptoms concurrently from a sample of Chinese parent-child dyads. Results generally supported effects of family socialization on child outcomes, but varying in magnitudes depending on an actor effect or a partner one to be counted, and which family socialization factor being emphasized, as well as the internalizing or the externalizing symptoms as the outcome, all of which were verified by tests of critical ratio differences and model comparisons for parameters invariance. Implications, future research directions and limitations of the study are briefly discussed.

Spirituality and Common Dyadic Coping

This study examined whether spirituality and dyadic coping protected partners from becoming psychologically aggressive toward each other using secondary, cross-sectional data from a sample of 104 Latino couples living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The model tested was based on Bodenmann’s Systemic Transactional model and incorporated an Actor–Partner Interdependence Model approach. Structural equation modeling results indicated that each partner’s spirituality had a direct negative effect on their own psychological aggression and a direct positive effect on their own supportive dyadic coping and the couple’s common dyadic coping. Each partner’s spirituality also had an indirect effect on both partners’ psychological aggression through increases in the couple’s common dyadic coping. Supportive dyadic coping was not found to mediate the relation between spirituality and psychological aggression. Limitations of the study as well as clinical, programmatic, and research implications are discussed.

Postpartum Body Satisfaction and Intimacy in First-Time Parents

Research on postpartum body satisfaction and intimacy focuses almost exclusively on mothers. Furthermore, much of the research tends to be descriptive in nature. As a consequence, little is known about the association of postpartum body satisfaction and intimacy in first-time mothers and fathers. The current study interviewed 85 heterosexual married/cohabiting couples from all over the U.S. 9 months following the birth of their first child. New mothers reported significantly less postpartum body and intimacy satisfaction than new fathers. Using an actor-partner interdependence model approach, we found that fathers’ self and partner body satisfaction are both directly and indirectly (through his perceived partner rejection) linked to his intimacy satisfaction. For mothers, partner and self-body satisfaction were only indirectly linked to her intimacy satisfaction through perceived partner rejection of sexual advances. Finally, fathers’ perceived partner rejection was related to both his and his partner’s intimacy satisfaction. These results suggest that body and intimacy satisfaction following the birth of a child is not only relevant for mothers but also for fathers. In order to better understand how the transition to parenthood impacts couples and their relationship, future theory and research needs to incorporate fathers and their understanding of their bodies and its connection with postpartum intimacy.