Adult Relationships Research Articles

Protective factors for adverse childhood experiences: Scoping review and evidence gap map.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) negatively impact mental, physical, and behavioral health of adults. To develop empirically supported interventions to reduce the impact of ACES, we need to have a strong empirical base of research on modifiable protective factors that reduce the link between ACES and health outcomes. The current review is focused on assessing the state of the literature on modifiable protective factors on the ACE-health outcome relationship in adults. We conducted a scoping review in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic search for peer-reviewed literature published in English was conducted in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science from inception of the databases to January 5, 2023. We then constructed an evidence gap map to provide an innovative, visual approach to guide research prioritization. Seventy-seven articles met inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that the majority focused on mental health outcomes (59%), and investigated individual (52%) and general social support (23%) protective factors. Also, the majority of the work was done in North America (65%) with predominantly female samples. Future studies should focus on addressing gaps in our understanding of what factors may buffer the influence of ACES on physical health outcomes and risky health behaviors and our understanding of family and nonfamily relationships and community and cultural protective factors on the ACE-health outcome relationship in adults. Additionally, research is needed that focuses on samples that are more gender diverse and from countries outside of North America. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

How do older adults experience pet companionship? A qualitative study of the affective relationship with pets and its effect on the mental health of older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the affective relationship of older adults with their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to assess how this contributed to their mental health. This qualitative study included 351 participants aged 65–88 years from Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Spain. All interviews went through content analysis. Findings indicated five themes: (1) Enabling a meaningful affective relationship (86%); (2) Strengthening affective sharing with partner (68%); (3) Easing new affective relationships (61%); (4) Enhancing sensory stimuli and physical touch (55%); and; (5) Feeling physical pleasure (23%). Three main themes emerged from the content analysis regarding the second objective: (1) Fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms (73%); (2) Fewer feelings of loneliness (68%); and (3) Fewer mood swings (43%). The affective relationship between older adults and their pets was relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic since it solidified affective relationships with their partners and fostered the creation of new relationships. Additionally, it contributed to a deeper affective relationship with themselves, in terms of sensory stimuli, physical touch, and physical pleasure. Owning a pet improved mental health symptoms, namely those associated with depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

A place to belong: student–adult relationship-building activities in a transitional school year program

ABSTRACT Despite the importance of student–adult relationship to students’ experiences of school belonging, little is known about the activities that create and sustain these relationships. In the present article, we examine the interpersonal and institutional relationship-building activities described by students and adults following a transitional school year in Norway. The transitional school year is a program provided for students at risk of early school leaving. We conducted reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews involving 17 students and 5 employees. The most prominent topic was activities that involved being seen, heard, and responded to. Additionally, students and adults took part in both institutional and interpersonal relationship-building activities. Implications for practice are discussed.

Higher handgrip strength is linked to higher salience ventral attention functional network segregation in older adults

Converging evidence suggests that handgrip strength is linked to cognition in older adults, and this may be subserved by shared age-related changes in brain function and structure. However, the interplay among handgrip strength, brain functional connectivity, and cognitive function remains poorly elucidated. Hence, our study sought to examine these relationships in 148 community-dwelling older adults. Specifically, we examined functional segregation, a measure of functional brain organization sensitive to ageing and cognitive decline, and its associations with handgrip strength and cognitive function. We showed that higher handgrip strength was related to better processing speed, attention, and global cognition. Further, higher handgrip strength was associated with higher segregation of the salience/ventral attention network, driven particularly by higher salience/ventral attention intra-network functional connectivity of the right anterior insula to the left posterior insula/frontal operculum and right midcingulate/medial parietal cortex. Importantly, these handgrip strength-related inter-individual differences in salience/ventral attention network functional connectivity were linked to cognitive function, as revealed by functional decoding and brain-cognition association analyses. Our findings thus highlight the importance of the salience/ventral attention network in handgrip strength and cognition, and suggest that inter-individual differences in salience/ventral attention network segregation and intra-network connectivity could underpin the handgrip strength-cognition relationship in older adults.

Depression, Vascular Burden, and Dementia Prevalence in Late Middle-Aged and Older Black Adults.

Late-life depression and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) have been linked to increased dementia risk. However, there is a dearth of literature examining these relationships in Black adults. We investigated whether depression or WMH volume are associated with a higher likelihood of dementia diagnosis in a sample of late middle-aged to older Black adults, and whether dementia prevalence is highest in individuals with both depression and higher WMH volume. Secondary data analysis involved 443 Black participants aged 55+ with brain imaging within 1 year of baseline visit in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. Chi-square analyses and logistic regression models controlling for demographic variables examined whether active depression in the past 2 years, WMH volume, or their combination were associated with higher odds of all-cause dementia. Depression and higher WMH volume were associated with a higher prevalence of dementia. These associations remained after controlling for demographic factors, as well as vascular disease burden. Dementia risk was highest in the depression/high WMH volume group compared to the depression-only group, high WMH volume-only group, and the no depression/low WMH volume group. Post hoc analyses comparing the Black sample to a demographically matched non-Hispanic White sample showed associations of depression and the combination of depression and higher WMH burden with dementia were greater in Black compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. Results suggest late-life depression and WMH have independent and joint relationships with dementia and that Black individuals may be particularly at risk due to these factors.

A Feasibility Study on the Virtual Adaptation of Child–Adult Relationship Enhancement in Primary Care

A Feasibility Study on the Virtual Adaptation of Child–Adult Relationship Enhancement in Primary Care

Parent - Young Adult Relationship with Self-esteem among Undergraduate Students

Worldwide, there are over 1.8 billion young people living today and 90 % of who live in developing countries1. Parent–child relationships are central to psychological development and several studies have shown that suboptimal parenting is an important risk factor for psychological disorder in clinical and representative community samples.2 This study is an insight to know the Parent - Young Adult Relationship in the current generation of young adult and its impact on Self - esteem. Research results carried out on this topic suggest & promote Parents and Young Adult to have a better relationship. The aim of the study was to correlate relationship between Parent - Young Adult with Self-esteem among undergraduate students in selected college at Puducherry. Methods: A Quantitative Descriptive Research Design was used to assess the correlation between Parent - Young Adult Relationship with Self-esteem among undergraduate students in selected college at Puducherry. After taking a written consent, both male and female (117) undergraduate students (18 - 21 years) were selected using Simple Random Sampling Technique. The Parent - Young Adult Relationship among undergraduate students was assessed by Parent Adult Child Relationship Questionnaire (PACQ) and level of Self esteem was assessed by Rosenberg's Self - esteem Scale. The data was analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean and Standard Deviation. Correlate the relationship between Parent - Young Adult Relationship and Self – esteem was analyzed by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. The association between the demographic variables between Parent - Young Adult Relationship and Self – esteem was analyzed by using Fisher’s exact test Result: The results show the correlation between Parent - Young Adult Relationship with Self-esteem among 117 undergraduate students. The mean self esteem score was 19.26 ± 3.791 and it ranged from 6 to 29. The level of self - esteem among nursing college students was normal, high and low, for 88.0%, 5.1% and 6.9%, respectively. There was a weak negative correlation observed between Parent - Young Adult relationship (Father) with Self - esteem in control aspect which implies greater the control by father lower the Self - esteem of the students. There was no statistically significant correlation was observed between Parent-Young Adult Relationship (Mother) with self -esteem at the significance level of p>0.05. Statistically significant association was found between Parent-Young Adult Relationship (Father - Regard) with gender, (Father -control) with Occupation, (Father - Responsibility) with feels more attached. Statistically significant association was noted between Parent-Young Adult Relationship (Mother - Responsibility) with year of studying implying B.Sc (N) - II Year and with area of residence, (Mother - Regard) with time spent every day (1-2 hours). Borderline statistically significant association was found in (Father - Control) with feels more attached & area of residence and (Mother - Responsibility) with Occupation. Conclusion: The findings of the study reflect that the Undergraduate relationship with both of their parents and majority Undergraduate students had normal self - esteem. The way parents raise their children influences the development of their self-esteem. Stronger relationship with parents boosts the self-esteem level in an individual. The study participants get benefited by participating in the study. Conducting this research in another society and with a greater sample size and in different setting may generate different results.

Forgiveness in Young Adult Dating Relationships: A Comparative Study Between Javanese and Buginese

Erikson stated that the intimacy vs isolation crisis is closely related to an individual’s ability to establish a romantic relationship. Conflict resolution is needed so that the relationship continues to run well. One of the things that can be done is to forgive. This study aims to determine the level of forgiveness in early adult dating relationships between Javanese and Bugis tribes. The study uses quantitative methods with comparative studies. The subjects in this study were Javanese (n = 20) and Bugis (n = 20) people. Data collection in this study used the Heartland Forgiveness Scale which was translated into Indonesian by the researcher. The t-test hypothesis test shows that the results of this study show no difference in the level of forgiveness in dating relationships in young Javanese and Buginese adults. This happens because there are other factors that are more influential than the influence of culture itself such as commitment, closeness and satisfaction with the relationship, emotional control, personal factor, empathy, and religious commitment.
 Keywords: Buginese, Javanese, forgiveness, dating relationships

Black adolescents' disclosure and advice‐seeking: Making choices between parents and adult relatives

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined Black adolescents' decision‐making processes around disclosure and advice‐seeking with their primary caregivers and nonparental adult relatives.BackgroundFew studies have examined youths' decision‐making in the support process or how multiple dyadic youth–adult familial relationships concurrently function to support youths' needs. Consideration of multiple dyadic relationships facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of how Black adolescents use familial resources to meet their support needs.MethodInterview data from 24 youth, their primary caregivers, and one nonparental adult relative with whom youth reported having a strong relational bond (n = 72 individuals) were analyzed to investigate who youth were deciding to confide in and what information youth were choosing to share with these adults.ResultsBlack adolescents often disclosed and sought advice from their primary caregivers either exclusively or in conjunction with nonparental adult relatives across most domains of disclosure and advice‐seeking. Family issues was one topic that youth would almost exclusively discuss with their nonparental adult relatives.ConclusionFindings suggest that youths' decision to confide may be topic dependent rather than based on a general disposition among youth for whom they share most of their concerns.ImplicationsUnderstanding youths' disclosure and advice‐seeking across multiple close family relationships may inform interventions aimed to promote Black adolescents' support seeking.

Childhood maltreatment and the quality of marital relationships: Examining mediating pathways and gender differences

Background: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is considered a traumatic experience with long-term adverse effects on the quality of adult intimate relationships. Research on the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon among Arab societies is scarce. Objective: This study investigated the impact of childhood physical abuse (PA) and emotional abuse (EA) on the quality of marital relationships. Additionally, it examined the mediating roles of two dimensions of insecure adult attachment (i.e., avoidant and anxious) to a romantic partner and psychological distress within gender-specific models. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a representative sample of 604 married Arab adults ( M age = 33.5, SD = 6.52; 50.1% women) in Israel using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Childhood PA was significantly related to low levels of relationship quality among men and women. For men, childhood PA was positively related to psychological distress and both patterns of romantic attachment styles, which in turn were negatively associated with relationship quality. For women, childhood PA was positively associated with psychological distress and avoidant attachment, correlating with low levels of relationship quality. Conclusion: A retrospective assessment of childhood PA is associated with decreased levels of marital relationship quality for men and women. This association is mediated by psychological distress and romantic attachment styles. Implications: Implementing interventions focused on improving mental health and promoting a secure romantic attachment style can enhance the quality of marital relationships for adults with CM experiences.

Continuous versus changeable: transitions in older parents–adult children relationships in Chinese families

Abstract The traditional model of family relationships is undergoing significant changes in contemporary China. Nevertheless, little research has delved into the dynamic evolution of intergenerational relationships. To address this research gap, we utilise data from the Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) conducted between 2016 and 2018 (N = 7,009) to analyse the transitions in intergenerational relationships over a two-year period, alongside the predictive factors. Employing Latent Transition Analysis, we unveil three distinct typologies: ‘Tight-Knit’, ‘Intimate-Distant’ and ‘Ambivalent-Distant’, which undergo changes over time. Our study captures the tendency of the integration of tradition and modernity within intergenerational relationship patterns in China, as well as the intricate dynamics of these relationships. Furthermore, we identify the predictive roles of age, gender, household registration, health conditions, life events, family composition and filial piety on relationship transitions. This study expands upon previous typological research on intergenerational relationships and enriches our comprehension of their intricate and dynamic nature.

Abstract TMP100: Acute Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults: A Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Mortality in Metabolically Healthy Obese vs. Normal Weight Individuals, 2016-2019 Cohort

Introduction: Rising obesity rates and the increasing prevalence of stroke in the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) necessitate examining its association in younger (18-44 year) populations. Analyzing acute ischemic stroke (AIS) trends and outcomes in MHO vs. metabolically healthy normal weight (MH-NW). Methods: Data from the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2019) was analyzed to identify young MHO and MH-NW AIS patients using ICD-10 codes. Demographics, trends, and outcomes were compared using multivariable statistical approaches. Results: Of 26,949,310 young metabolically healthy individuals studied between 2016 and 2019, 47,795 had AIS, 4,985 were MHO, and 42,810 were MH-NW. The median AIS patient age was 35. The MHO cohort was primarily female, white, in the lowest income quartile, with private insurance. Most were hospitalized in southern US urban teaching hospitals. Notably, the MHO cohort had higher rates of specific comorbidities like depression, chronic pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea but lower rates of drug abuse and peripheral vascular disease. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in MHO patients (6.0% vs. 8.6%). Hospitalization length and cost did not significantly differ between groups. From 2016 to 2019, AIS incidence rose slightly, significant only for the MH-NW cohort. Adjusted multivariable odds ratios revealed no significant difference in AIS occurrence between MHO and MH-NW overall (aOR: 1.02, p=0.701), in males (aOR: 0.88, p=0.161) or females (aOR: 1.06, p=0.363). However, MHO-associated AIS had lower odds of in-hospital mortality than MH-NW (aOR: 0.60, p=0.021). Conclusion: AIS incidence was consistent across young metabolically healthy groups regardless of obesity status. However, we noted a paradoxical 40% reduction in in-hospital mortality in the MHO cohort. This underscores the complex MHO-stroke relationship in young adults, signaling a need for in-depth research and tailored interventions.

Falls, perceived social support and fear of falls in older adults

Introduction: Falls affect the functionality, quality of life and socio-familial relationships of older adults. Perceived social support and fear of falling because of a fall are important factors for falls syndrome and its prevention. Objective: To determine the association between previous falls and perceived social support with fear of falling in older adults. Methods: Analytic, cross-sectional and correlational study. The sample consisted of 250 participants. The instruments used were a Sociodemographic Data Form, the International Falls Efficacy Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. A univariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between fear of falling and Perceived Social Support in participants with a history of falls. Results: A significant association was found between fear of falling and ASP (p = 0,006), the dimension of perceived family support (p = 0,003) and the dimension of perceived social support from friends (p = 0,031). In the predictive analysis, previous falls and perceived support from friends were found to predict fear of falling (F [2, 248] = 17,22; p<.001; R2=.122). Conclusion: Fear of falling was found to be dependent on previous falls and perception of support by friends, so nursing interventions to reduce fear of falling in MAPs should focus on these variables

Competing Attachment in Romantic Relationships

Competing attachment is defined as a relational dynamic where one partner in a romantic relationship turns to someone or something outside of the relationship for comfort, soothing, or other attachment needs. We used path analysis to analyze whether competing attachment predicted relationship satisfaction and whether this relationship was mediated by relational attachment security in adult romantic relationships. We also demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Competing Attachment Scale, which was developed for this study. Participants (N = 151) completed the Competing Attachment Scale (CAS;), the State Adult Attachment Measure, and the Couples Satisfaction Index-16. Competing attachment was found to negatively correlate with relationship satisfaction and state specific attachment security. Additionally, state specific attachment security was found to mediate the relationship between competing attachments and relationship satisfaction. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Functional AGXT2 SNP rs180749 variant and depressive symptoms: Baseline data from the Aidai Cohort Study in Japan.

No study has shown the relationship between alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and depressive symptoms. The present case-control study examined this relationship in Japanese adults. Cases and control participants were selected from those who participated in the baseline survey of the Aidai Cohort Study, which is an ongoing cohort study. Cases comprised 280 participants with depressive symptoms based on a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score ≥ 16. Control participants comprised 2034 participants without depressive symptoms based on the CES-D who had not been diagnosed by a physician as having depression or who had not been currently taking medication for depression. Adjustment was made for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, leisure time physical activity, education, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Compared with the GG genotype of rs180749, both the GA and AA genotypes were significantly positively associated with the risk of depressive symptoms assessed by the CES-D: the adjusted odds ratios for the GA and AA genotypes were 2.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-8.24) and 3.10 (95% CI 1.37-8.92), respectively. The TGC haplotype of rs37370, rs180749, and rs16899974 was significantly inversely related to depressive symptoms (crude OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.49-0.90), whereas the TAC haplotype was significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms (crude OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.52). This is the first study to show significant associations between AGXT2 SNP rs180749, the TGC haplotype, and the TAC haplotype and depressive symptoms.

Unique roles of adolescents' friends and fathers in predicting verbal aggression in future adult romantic relationships.

This 20-year prospective study examined verbal aggression and intense conflict within the family of origin and between adolescents and their close friends as predictors of future verbal aggression in adult romantic relationships. A diverse community sample of 154 individuals was assessed repeatedly from age 13 to 34 years using self-, parent, peer, and romantic partner reports. As hypothesized, verbal aggression in adult romantic relationships was best predicted by both paternal verbal aggression toward mothers and by intense conflict within adolescent close friendships, with each factor contributing unique variance to explaining adult romantic verbal aggression. These factors also interacted, such that paternal verbal aggression was predictive of future romantic verbal aggression only in the context of co-occurring intense conflict between an adolescent and their closest friend. Predictions remained robust even after accounting for levels of parental abusive behavior toward the adolescent, levels of physical violence between parents, and the overall quality of the adolescent's close friendship. Results indicate the critical importance of exposure to aggression and conflict within key horizontal relationships in adolescence. Implications for early identification of risk as well as for potential preventive interventions are discussed.

Implementation of a Booster Sexual Health Education Curriculum for Older Adolescents in Rural Communities.

Ongoing education on sexual health and other health promotion topics is critical as young people transition into adulthood. A "booster" round of education may be an effective strategy to reinforce information previously taught and expand to additional topics relevant later in adolescence. In partnership with a Youth Advisory Council, we co-designed READY, Set, Go!, a booster curriculum for older adolescents with modules covering adult preparation skills, sexual identity, relationships, reproductive health, and mental health. From November 2021 to January 2023, we provided the curriculum to 21 cohorts of 12th grade students (N = 433) in rural communities of Fresno County, CA, and conducted an implementation evaluation to assess its feasibility in school settings, acceptability by participants, and changes in short-term outcomes. Health educators completed implementation logs to track program adaptations. Youth completed pretest/posttest surveys to assess changes in outcomes and participant satisfaction. We used descriptive statistics to examine program adaptations and satisfaction. We used multivariable regression models to examine changes in outcomes, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Health educators completed most activities as planned, with adaptations occurring in response to youth needs and scheduling limitations. Sexual health knowledge, confidence in adult preparation skills, awareness of local sexual and mental health services, and willingness to seek health services all increased significantly from pretest to posttest. Youth feedback was strongly positive. We conclude that booster sexual health education is a promising strategy to address critical knowledge gaps and support health promotion, especially in rural and other under-resourced communities.

The relationship between blood vitamin A levels and diabetic retinopathy: a population-based study

We assessed the relationship between blood vitamin A levels and the risk of diabetic retinopathy. The study was population-based epidemiological study for 11,727 participants aged 40 or older who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Vitamin A in the blood was classified into quartiles. Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed by the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study. After adjusting confounding variables such as age, sex, smoking, cholesterol, diabetes prevalence period, glycated hemoglobin levels, and high blood pressure, the odd ratio (OR) of vitamin A at quartile level 4 for diabetic retinopathy was 0.32 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.72, P for trend < 0.001). In male, the OR of quartile 3 level vitamin A for diabetic retinopathy was 0.11 (95% CI, 0.01–0.69, P for trend = 0.010). In adults under the age of 60, the OR of vitamin A at quartile level 3 for diabetic retinopathy was 0.10. (95% CI, 0.03–0.29, P for trend < 0.001). Serum vitamin A high levels are associated with low risk of diabetic retinopathy. Particularly, there is a more effective relationship in male and adults under the age of 60.

Relationship with Mother and Satisfaction with Motherhood of Middle-Aged Women

The object of the study: the relationship of women's attitude to their mother and satisfaction with their own motherhood. The novelty of the study is that empirical data have been obtained showing how the nature of the relationship with the mother, the type of attachment and the style of separation from the mother are interrelated with a woman's satisfaction with her motherhood. The present study was focused on finding the interrelationships of the nature of the current relationship of an adult woman with her mother and the degree of satisfaction of a woman with her parenting. The relationship between a woman's current level of satisfaction with her motherhood and her emotional and evaluative attitude towards her mother, the degree of psychological separation from her and the formed nature of attachment in adult relationships with her mother was studied. The main conclusions of the study: 1. Regarding the attachment style to the mother: higher satisfaction with motherhood is characteristic of women with a lower level of avoidance and anxiety in the relationship with the mother.2. Regarding the level of separation from the mother: higher satisfaction with motherhood corresponds to higher conflict independence, but lower attitude. 3. A study of the nature of a woman's emotional and evaluative perception of her mother showed that the lowest satisfaction with motherhood was noted only among women with a negative attitude towards their mother, and is not typical for those whose attitude towards their mother is more positive.

Causes and Effects of Domestic Violence on Academic Performance among Senior High School Students in the Kwahu South District, Ghana

The study investigated the root causes and repercussions of a variety of issues plaguing a sample of Senior High School (SHS) students in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region. However, the precise goals of the study were to discover what factors contribute to domestic violence in the eyes of high school educators and their pupils. This survey study merely described the phenomena being examined. A total of 137 students were chosen at random for the study. The information was gathered with the use of a self-made questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. According to the results, people who experienced domestic violence as children are condemned to carry that into their adult relationships. The following explanations have been uncovered: Effects of domestic abuse among SHS students include low self-esteem, the development of phobias and insomnia, emotional discomfort and others. The academic performance of victims of domestic violence was also found to be subpar. Given the widespread incidence of domestic violence, it was suggested that many authorities in the education sector tackle the issue of domestic violence as a social vito in order to help children from violent homes achieve better in school.