Couple Satisfaction Research Articles

New Parents Experienced Lower Parenting Self-Efficacy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global issue which affects the entire population’s mental health. This study evaluates how restrictions to curtail this pandemic change parenting self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, couple satisfaction and health-related quality of life in parents after delivery of a newborn. Methods: In this prospective single center evaluation of parental self-efficacy and quality of life, four validated questionnaires were used to repeatedly assess parenting self-efficacy (Tool to measure Parental Self-Efficacy, TOPSE), depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), couple satisfaction (Couple Satisfaction Index, CSI) and health-related quality of life (short form 12, SF12). Fifty-three parents of 50 infants answered a total number of 63 questionnaires during the lockdown period to limit the spread of COVID-19. These questionnaires were matched with 63 questionnaires of 58 other parents that had answered them before or after strong pandemic related measures. Results: Parents experienced lower parenting self-efficacy during the strict pandemic measures as compared to before and after (p = 0.04). In terms of age, socioeconomic, marital status and duration of hospitalization we detected no significant difference between both groups. On univariate linear regression, TOPSE scores were associated with gestational age (p = 0.044, parameter estimate: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.048 to 3.301), birth weight (p = 0.035, parameter estimate: 0.008, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.015), number of newborns’ siblings (p = 0.0554, parameter estimate: 7.49, 95% CI: −0.174 to 15.145) and distance of home from hospital (p = 0.043, parameter estimate: −0.38, 95% CI: −0.745 to −0.011). Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between quality of life and TOPSE scores, suggesting that those who experience a higher self-efficacy also have a higher quality of life. Conclusions: When implementing a lock-down period psychological effects such as lower experience of parental self-efficacy have to be considered.

The gut reaction to couples’ relationship troubles: A route to gut dysbiosis through changes in depressive symptoms

The gut microbiota plays a role in a wide range of diseases and disorders, with low microbial diversity and richness emerging as notable risk factors. This longitudinal study addressed the impact of marital quality (assessed by the Couples Satisfaction Index) on changes in depressive symptoms, and gut diversity, richness, and permeability. On two occasions an average of 90 days apart, 162 people provided stool and blood samples, and completed questionnaires. Depressive symptoms, assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), increased from visit 1 to visit 2 in those with clinically significant relationship problems, in contrast to the lack of change among their more satisfied counterparts. These changes in depression were consequential: the gut microbiota’s diversity and richness decreased in tandem with the increase in depressive symptoms. Lower relationship satisfaction also foreshadowed increases in lipopolysaccharide binding protein from visit 1 to visit 2, reflecting greater translocation of bacterial endotoxin from the gut to blood circulation, a process that fuels inflammation. Lower diversity and richness provide a pathway from depressive symptoms and marital distress to subsequent health risk.

Cluster A Symptoms and Couple Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Attachment Insecurity

Cluster A Symptoms and Couple Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Attachment Insecurity Kristel Mayrand, Yvan Lussier, Claudia Savard, Stéphane Sabourin Abstract Background: Previous studies have found that higher Cluster A (i.e., paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal ) personality disorder symptoms were negatively associated with lower couple satisfaction in non-clinical samples of couples (South, 2014; South et al., 2008; Stroud et al., 2010). However, little is known about the process underlying these associations. The current study aimed to test the mediating role of attachment anxiety and avoidance in the associations between Cluster A symptoms and couple satisfaction using an actor-partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM). Method: A sample of 138 non-clinical heterosexual couples completed self-report measures of personality disorders (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory- III), attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships), and couple satisfaction (Dyadic Adjustment Scale). Results: Attachment anxiety and avoidance significantly mediated the associations between Cluster A symptoms and couple satisfaction through actor (paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal) and partner (paranoid) effects. Moreover, differentiated patterns of associations were found regarding the types of Cluster A symptoms and the two attachment dimensions. Clinical Implications: Treating attachment insecurity in therapy to develop more adaptative emotional reactions in close relationships may contribute to attenuating the disabling interpersonal deficits related to Cluster A symptoms, and thus, enhance couple satisfaction of both partners. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jpbs.v9n2a2

Cluster a Symptoms and Couple Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Attachment Insecurity

Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology is a peer-reviewed international journal, which publishes original papers promoting theoretical, methodological and empirical developments in the discipline of socio-cultural anthropology.

Effect of Sexual Relationship Enrichment Educational Program on the Sexual Satisfaction of Dual-Career Couples in Ardabil, Iran (2019): A Case Study

Effect of Sexual Relationship Enrichment Educational Program on the Sexual Satisfaction of Dual-Career Couples in Ardabil, Iran (2019): A Case Study

Assessing the General Health Indicators Predicting Marital Satisfaction in Older Couples

Background: Due to the increasing life expectancy and aging population, attention to general health and marital satisfaction of older people can provide an opportunity to improve their living conditions. Objective: This study aims to assess the general health indicators of older couples to predict their marital satisfaction. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 older couples (men and women) living in Qazvin, Iran who were selected using two-stage cluster sampling technique. A demographic form, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and The ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMSS) were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used for data analysis. Findings: The Mean±SD age of older women and men±SD was 64.15±5.46 years and 67.68±6.93 years, respectively. Their Mean±SD EMSS score was reported 109.72±12.58. Multivariate analysis showed that gender (β=0.169, P=0.050), age (β=0.097, P=0.567), age of marriage (β=0.214, P=0.002), somatic symptoms (β=0.233, P=0.013), anxiety/insomnia (β=0.227, P=0.008), social dysfunction (β=0.326, P<0.001), and depression (β=0.356, P<0.001) could significantly predict marital satisfaction. Conclusion: Different dimensions of general health can affect marital satisfaction of older couples. Therefore, interventions in these domains and the promotion of general health level can lead to increased marital satisfaction and, consequently, quality of life in the elderly.

맞벌이 부부의 일-가정 갈등이 결혼만족에 미치는 영향에서 스트레스 대처의 조절효과

본 연구의 목적은 맞벌이 부부의 일-가정 갈등이 결혼만족에 미치는 영향에서 스트레스 대처의 조절효과를 확인하는 것이다. 이를 위하여 만 6세 이하 자녀를 양육하고 있는 맞벌이 부부 369쌍(아내 369명, 남편369명)을 대상으로 스트레스 대처(문제중심, 사회적 지지추구, 긍정화), 일-가정 갈등, 결혼만족에 대한 설문을 실시하였다. 수집된 자료는 자기-상대방 상호의존모형(APIM)을 기반으로 세 가지 스트레스 대처 전략 각각의 조절효과를 일→가정, 가정→일 갈등의 방향을 구분하여 6개의 연구모형을 통해 검증하였다. 스트레스 대처 전략의 조절효과 결과를 살펴보면 첫째, 문제중심대처에서는 남편의 일→가정 갈등이 남편자신과 아내의 결혼만족에 미치는 부정적인 영향을 아내의 문제중심대처가 완화하는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 남편의 가정→일 갈등이 본인과 아내의 결혼만족에 미치는 부정적인 영향을 남편 자신이 사용하는 문제중심대처가 조절하는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째, 사회적 지지추구에서는 남편의 일→가정 갈등이 남편의 결혼만족에 미치는 부정적인 효과를 아내가 사용하는 사회적 지지추구가 완화하는 것을 확인하였다. 셋째, 긍정화 대처의 경우에는 남편의 일→가정 갈등이 남편과 아내의 결혼만족에 미치는 영향을 아내가 사용하는 긍정화 대처가 조절하는 것으로 나타났으며, 아내의 가정→일 갈등에서도 아내가 사용하는 긍정화 대처의 조절효과가 나타났다. 마지막으로 연구결과를 바탕으로 본 연구에 대한 논의와 시사점을 제시하였다.

A combination of insecure attachment patterns in a relationship and its quality: The role of relationship length

Most studies confirm that a combination of insecure attachment patterns in a couple has a negative effect on a romantic relationship. However, some research findings suggest otherwise. It is because they do not take account of relationship length as a moderating variable. The aim of this study was to examine the role of relationship length in predicting the effects of a combination of insecure attachment patterns on different aspects of its quality. The study involved 200 heterosexual couples. We used the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire to measure insecure attachment patterns (anxiety and avoidance) and the Couple Satisfaction Index-32 to determine relationship satisfaction. The other aspects of relationship quality (tenderness, communication, conflict behavior) were examined by means of the Partnership Questionnaire. The key results showed that with time the selected indicators of relationship quality deteriorate in a combination of anxious and avoidant patterns, while they improve in a combination of both anxious patterns.

Couple Satisfaction, Depressive Symptoms, and the Therapeutic Alliance: A Systemic Perspective

There is a well-established bidirectional, negative association between couple satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Yet, a family systems perspective emphasizes the role of the therapist in interrupting this recursive cycle between couple satisfaction and depressive symptoms. The current study utilized longitudinal data to explore the bidirectional associations between depressive symptoms and couple satisfaction, moderated by the therapeutic alliance over the course of therapy. The study included 108 couples participating in couple therapy at a university training clinic. Couples rated their depressive symptoms and couple satisfaction separately before the intake session and at the end of the fourth session, and they also reported their individual therapeutic alliance with the therapist at the end of the second and third sessions. Actor-partner interdependence moderation model analysis revealed several moderation effects. In general, with low therapeutic alliance, couples with higher initial symptoms (such as depressive symptoms and low couple satisfaction) reported more severe symptoms at the fourth session, compared to those who had fewer initial symptoms. The moderating effect of alliance on a couple's symptoms was found both among individuals, and between partners. Systemic clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Partner Responses to Low Desire: Associations With Sexual, Relational, and Psychological Well-Being Among Couples Coping With Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

BackgroundThe experience of distressing low sexual interest/arousal—female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD)—is prevalent in women of all ages and is associated with poorer sexual, relationship, and psychological well-being than women without this difficulty. Women who are partnered are almost 5 times more likely to be distressed by low desire and to receive a diagnosis of FSIAD than unpartnered women, indicating that interpersonal factors are highly relevant, although largely neglected in past research. AimIn a dyadic cross-sectional and longitudinal study, we examined whether partner responses to FSIAD were associated with the sexual, relationship, and psychological well-being of couples, and whether any effects persisted 1 year later. MethodsWomen diagnosed with FSIAD (N = 89) completed a validated measure of perceived partner positive vs negative responses to their low sexual interest/arousal and their partners reported on their own responses, as well as measures of sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual distress, and anxiety. 1 year later, couples (N = 66) completed the outcome measures again. Data were analyzed according to the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. OutcomesOutcomes included were the Sexual Desire Inventory–Solitary and Partner-Focused Subscales; Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction; Female Sexual Distress Scale; Couple Satisfaction Index; and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–Short-Form. ResultsWhen women with FSIAD perceived more positive partner responses (eg, warm, supportive, compassionate) than negative responses (eg, hostile, unsupportive, indifferent), they were more satisfied with the relationship and they and their partners reported lower anxiety. When partners reported more positive than negative responses, they had greater relationship and sexual satisfaction and lower sexual distress and anxiety. Exploratory analyses revealed that women's perceptions of their partners' responses accounted for the link between partners' own responses and women's relationship satisfaction and anxiety. Partner responses did not predict any change in outcomes over time. Clinical ImplicationsFindings support interpersonal conceptualizations of FSIAD and may inform the development of future couple-based interventions. Strengths & LimitationsThis study is one of the few dyadic investigations of FSIAD, as diagnosed via a clinical interview. Significant associations were only observed cross-sectionally, limiting causal conclusions. There was limited power to detect longitudinal effects. ConclusionMore positive responses to women's low sexual interest/arousal by partners is linked to better adjustment among couples affected by FSIAD.Rosen NO, Corsini-Munt S, Dubé JP, et al. Partner Responses to Low Desire: Associations With Sexual, Relational, and Psychological Well-Being Among Couples Coping With Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder. J Sex Med 2020;17:2168–2180.

Relationship Satisfaction in Homosexual and Heterosexual Couples: A Dyadic Model

Rooted in Huston's (2000) model of adjustment in romantic relationships, the present study examined differences in individual and relationship characteristics and the predictive value of those characteristics for relationship satisfaction, regarding four groups of participants, based on gender and sexual orientation. The sample included a total of 100 heterosexual couples and 50 male and female homosexual couples each. Of the individual characteristics, need for affect achieves significant both actor and partner effects on relationship satisfaction in all subsamples, except for heterosexual women. A personal expression of love achieves both actor and partner effects on relationship satisfaction for heterosexual and homosexual men. The partner's expression of love (actor effect) on relationship satisfaction was registered in all groups, except for homosexual men. The present study offers the possibility of integrating knowledge of the differences between heterosexual and homosexual couples in the context of the model of adjustment in romantic relationships.

Sexual Satisfaction in Older Heterosexual Couples From Four European Countries: Exploring the Roles of Actual and Perceived Discrepancy in Sexual Interest

ABSTRACT Even though sexual activity frequently takes place with another person, research rarely focuses on how partners influence each other’s sexual lives. This study used the sexual dyad to compare the concept of actual versus perceived discrepancy in sexual interest and explored how each is related to older partnered individuals’ sexual satisfaction. Further, the study assessed the robustness of the association between sexual interest discrepancy and sexual satisfaction, if any, by controlling for emotional intimacy. The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) using structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine 677 heterosexual couples ages 60 to 75 in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal. Although a couple’s actual discrepancy in sexual interest was not predictive of female and male partners’ sexual satisfaction, perceived discrepancy was negatively associated with sexual satisfaction in both partners after controlling for emotional intimacy. This indicates that the subjective feelings of being sexually dissimilar seem to be more important to sexual satisfaction than the actual mismatch among partners in older heterosexual couples. Moreover, the finding that emotional intimacy is linked with sexual satisfaction underscores the importance of a broader perspective on sexuality among older adults.

Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Young, Heterosexual Couples: The Role of Sexual Frequency and Sexual Communication

BackgroundAlthough their individual contributions to sexual and relational outcomes are well-established, there has been a lack of research on the importance of sexual frequency and sexual communication to sexual and relationship satisfaction. AimTo examine the contribution of sexual frequency and sexual communication to sexual and relationship satisfaction in the early stages of couple relationships. MethodsA sample of 126 young, heterosexual couples (mean age = 23.3 years, SD = 2.4; average relationship duration = 1.9 years, SD = 0.9) filled out questionnaires about sexual frequency, sexual communication, and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Analyses were guided by the actor-partner interdependence model. OutcomesMain outcome variables were sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, measured by the Quality of Sex Inventory and the Couple Satisfaction Index, respectively. ResultsAnalyses revealed a significant actor effect of both sexual communication and sexual frequency for sexual satisfaction. Only sexual communication, not sexual frequency, predicted relationship satisfaction. No significant partner or gender effects were found. Clinical TranslationThese findings lend support to the notion that couples could benefit from focusing on non-behavioral processes (eg, sexual communication), rather than sexual behavior per se, when pursuing a fulfilling partnership. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths of the study include the dyadic nature of the data and analyses, allowing for the evaluation of both individual- and couple-level processes. Also, to our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically examine the importance of sexual frequency and sexual communication to both sexual and relationship satisfaction. Limitations include the reliance on self-report measures and a relatively homogeneous sample. ConclusionAlthough both sexual frequency and sexual communication were relevant to the prediction of sexual satisfaction, only sexual communication predicted relationship satisfaction in this sample of young, heterosexual couples.Roels R, Janssen E. Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Young, Heterosexual Couples: The Role of Sexual Frequency and Sexual Communication. J Sex Med 2020;17:1643–1652.

Indicators of Marital Satisfaction in Married Couples

Understanding the factors which are essential for marital satisfaction can help not only married couples to improve their relationship but it is also beneficial for single individuals to get prepared for the future. The current study was conducted to explore the causes of marital satisfaction among couples living in Bahawalpur. A qualitative, cross-sectional research design was used. Only fertile married couples were included in the study using Snowball Sampling. Questions were generated in the light of Dynamic Goal Theory. Out of 12 couples, every participant was interviewed individually. Verbatim Transcription was applied on the audio recorded interviews. Thematic Analysis of the data explained that husbands and wives like each other because of trusting, respecting, praising and shopping for each other. In a good marital relation, husbands trust their wives leaving them alone at home or outside. They both respect each other in making decisions for practical matters. The most liked topic in a couple’s communication was planning the future of kids. Husbands consider marriage as a beautiful phase of life while most wives take marriage in Islamic perspective. Husbands reported that marriage had given them the quality of hard work as compared to wives who got protection. However, both genders reported improved self-confidence after marriage. The results of study are important for premarital counseling and family therapy.

PS-1-1 Sexual Satisfaction in Older Couples From Four European Countries: Exploring the Effects of Actual and Perceived Discrepancy in Sexual Interest, Physical Affection, and Emotional Intimacy

PS-1-1 Sexual Satisfaction in Older Couples From Four European Countries: Exploring the Effects of Actual and Perceived Discrepancy in Sexual Interest, Physical Affection, and Emotional Intimacy

Cumulative Childhood Trauma and Couple Satisfaction: Examining the Mediating Role of Mindfulness

ObjectivesCumulative childhood trauma (CCT) survivors are at a higher risk of suffering from interpersonal problems including couple dissatisfaction. Dispositional mindfulness is increasingly proposed as a potential explanatory mechanism of post-traumatic symptomatology and has been documented as a predictor of couple satisfaction. Most authors operationalize mindfulness as a multidimensional disposition comprised of five facets (i.e., Describing, Observing, Non-judgment of inner experiences, Non-reactivity, and Acting with awareness), but the role of these facets in the link between CCT and couple satisfaction has yet to be understood. This study aimed to assess mindfulness as a potential mediator in the relationship between CCT and couple satisfaction and to examine the distinctive contributions of mindfulness facets in this mediation.MethodsA sample of 330 participants from the community completed measures of couple satisfaction, mindfulness, and exposure to eight types of childhood maltreatment experiences.ResultsPath analysis results revealed that mindfulness mediated the relationship between CCT and couple satisfaction. More precisely, two mindfulness facets acted as specific mediators, namely, Describing and Non-judgment of inner experiences. The final integrative model explained 14% (p < .001) of the variance in couple satisfaction.ConclusionsFindings suggest that mindfulness may be a meaningful mechanism in the link between CCT and couple satisfaction. They also highlight that description of inner experiences and a non-judgmental attitude of these experiences may act as key components to understand the influence of CCT on adults’ lower couple satisfaction.

The Effectiveness of Affective-reconstructive Couple Therapy in Increasing the Trust and Marital Satisfaction of Couples With Remarriage

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of affective-reconstructive couple therapy in increasing the trust in close relationships and marital satisfaction of couples with remarriage and divorce experience. Methods: This is a single-case experimental study with a non-concurrent multiple baseline design. Three distressed couples were selected from among couples with remarriage and divorce experience referred to private and government counseling centers in Ahvaz, Iran, based on inclusion/exclusion criteria using purposive sampling method during September-December 2018, They participated at eight sessions of affective-reconstructive couple therapy, once a week each 90 minutes. They completed the Trust in Close Interpersonal Relationships Questionnaire and Marital Satisfaction Scale before and after treatment, and at the follow-up period. The data analysis was conducted by using visual analysis (graph drawing), reliable change index, recovery rate formula (increase rate), and normative comparison methods. Results: Affective-reconstructive couple therapy increased the trust in close relationships and marital satisfaction in couples after treatment and at the follow-up period. Conclusion: Affective-reconstructive couple therapy, due to special attention to the couples’ past relationships and increasing their insight into the causes of distress development in relationship can increase the trust in close relationships and marital satisfaction in remarried couples with divorce experience.

The Impact of Bisexual Identity on Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction of Mixed Sex Couples

Despite advances in research into minority sexual identities, bisexual identity research has been limited. Studies conducted to date suggest that bisexuality is often perceived as a ‘transitional’ identity and bisexual individuals in relationships are often perceived to be either straight, lesbian, or gay based on the gender of their relationship partner. The current couple-based study focuses on the experiences of bisexual individuals in mixed-sex relationships and how bisexual identity may impact sexual and relationship satisfaction of both members of the couple. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from both members of 142 mixed-sex couples (N = 284). Analyses indicated that feelings of illegitimacy of bisexuality and outness to family were negatively associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction of both partners whereas intimacy was positively associated with sexual satisfaction for both partners. The results highlight the importance of acknowledging bisexual identity even in the context of long-term relationships and addressing issues surrounding bisexual identity in its function for sexual and relationship satisfaction with couples.

Self-Compassion and Forgiveness: Major Predictors of Marital Satisfaction in Young Couples

This study examined self-compassion and forgiveness versus marital satisfaction in 200 couples aged 20-40 years, with a marriage history of 1-10 years. We collected the data, using the Enrich couple, self-compassion and family forgiveness scales. Pearson’s correlation and multiple regressions for women showed that marital satisfaction was associated with self-compassion; however, forgiveness predicted marital satisfaction in men. Self-compassion primarily and forgiveness, to a lesser extent, could predict marital satisfaction in the total samples. These variables were the predictors of marital satisfaction in the young couples. Family counselors should encourage couples to improve upon these attributes to enhance their marital relationships.

The Persian version of the revised dyadic adjustment scale (RDAS): a validation study in infertile patients

BackgroundInfertility can have a powerful impact on marital quality. The Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) is a widely used measure of marital quality. This scale has not been validated in infertile patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the RDAS in a sample of infertile patients.MethodsThe sample of this methodological study consisted of 254 infertile patients referring to a referral infertility clinic in Tehran, Iran. A battery of questionnaires was administered to the participants, including a demographic/fertility questionnaire, the RDAS, the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS), the Couples Satisfaction Index- 4 Item (CSI-4), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Perceived Stress Scale-4 Item (PSS-4). Internal consistency of the scale was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha, construct validity was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and convergent validity was examined by correlating the RDAS with RAS, KMSS, CSI-4, HADS, and PSS-4 instruments.ResultsThe mean total RDAS score was 49.26 ± 9.34, and 100 patients (39.4%) had marital distress based on the cut-off value of < 48. The second-order three-factor model of the RDAS exhibited an excellent fit to the data, as indicated by χ2/df = 2.26; CFI = 0.96; GFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.93; IFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.071 and SRMR = 0.050. The RDAS and its subscales revealed satisfactory internal consistency that ranged from 0.664 to 0.847. Convergent validity was confirmed by strong correlations between RDAS scores and scores on the RAS, KMSS, and CSI-4. These correlations also tended to be larger than correlations with measures of HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and PSS-4. Among demographic/fertility variables, only infertility duration was found to be correlated to the RDAS.ConclusionThe RDAS is a reliable and valid inventory for measuring marital quality in infertile patients. Further validation studies are needed to generalize the underlying structure of the scale in various populations.