Current Relationship Quality Research Articles

Emotional Invalidation and Relationship Quality: A Mediational Model Through a Social Learning Lens.

While we know childhood experiences are influential on a child's later socioemotional awareness and behavior, we are still searching for specific mechanisms that influence the transferability of childhood experiences and adult relationship functioning. In this study, we seek to further this area of investigation by examining the interpretation of ambiguous social interactions and perceptions of emotional invalidation as potential mediators of the relationship between perceptions of childhood emotional invalidation and current relationship quality. Participants completed online measures of hostile intent attributions, perceptions of childhood emotional invalidation, and current relationship quality with a significant other. They read emotionally provocative interpersonal scenarios and then reported likely emotionally invalidating reactions from their significant other to measure current perceptions of emotional invalidation. Results supported our hypotheses that perceptions of current emotional invalidation in a close, personal relationship would mediate the relationship between perceptions of childhood maternal emotional invalidation and both current relationship support and relationship conflict. Furthermore, the strength of this mediational pathway outweighed the influence of a more general hostile attribution bias. These findings have implications for prevention and intervention strategies designed to enhance interpersonal functioning.

Alone together: the role of existential concerns in symptoms of relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder

ABSTRACT Objective Emerging research has identified the relevance of existential concerns in various subtypes and dimensions of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, at present, no studies have examined these concerns in relation to relationship OCD (ROCD). Method The current study examined the association between ROCD symptoms and all five existential concerns (i.e., isolation, identity, meaninglessness, guilt, and death). Data was obtained from a sample of undergraduate university students in Sydney, Australia (N = 353), Mage = 20.95 years. Participants completed a number of scales including measures of ROCD symptoms, attitudes to relationships, and existential concerns. Results The results revealed significant positive correlations between all five existential concerns and ROCD symptoms. In particular, the correlations found for Isolation and Identity concerns were significantly larger than those found for Meaninglessness, Guilt, and Death. Notably, the relationships between ROCD symptoms and all five existential concerns remained significant after controlling for quality of current relationship, catastrophic beliefs about relationships, and neuroticism. Conclusions The current findings highlight the need to consider existential issues in conceptualising ROCD. Clinical implications are discussed.

(097) Psychosocial Factors in PGAD/GPD Patients Who Underwent Spine Surgery for Lumbosacral Annular Tear-Induced Sacral Radiculopathy

Abstract Introduction Persistent genital arousal disorder/genito-pelvic dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is characterized by persistent or recurrent, unwanted or intrusive, distressing sensations of genital arousal not associated with concomitant sexual interest, thoughts, or fantasies and/or other symptoms of GPD (e.g. itching, burning, throbbing, pain) that persist for ≥3 months. Multiple psychological and medical factors may contribute to the development and maintenance of PGAD/GPD. Concerning psychologic factors, women afflicted with PGAD experience more than double the rate of suicidal ideation (54%) compared to a control group, difficulty with mental health issues such as depression, high rates of negative emotions, and substantial difficulties with psychosocial adjustment. Objective This study focuses on psychosocial factors identified in a cohort of PGAD/GPD patients diagnosed with lumbosacral annular tear-induced sacral radiculopathy. Methods Using our multidisciplinary spine-sexual medicine management algorithm, 20 patients (15 cisgendered women, 5 cisgendered men, mean age 40.3 ± 16.8 years) diagnosed with PGAD/GPD fulfilled criteria for lumbosacral annular tear-induced sacral radiculopathy. A total of 22 lumbar endoscopic spine surgery (LESS) procedures were performed in these 20 patients. Validated instruments administered included the Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, Perceived Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The sex therapy evaluation performed on initial patient intake assessed psychosocial issues including effect of symptoms on quality of life, self-image, past trauma, and current relationship(s). Patients identified as having significant psychosocial issues were advised to undergo pre-op and/or post-op therapy. Results Ninety percent of patients were advised to undergo therapy. Our study cohort exhibited high levels of anxiety, depression, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as suicidal ideation. The Sexual Distress Scale–Revised revealed significant distress in 14 patients (82%). The Perceived Stress Scale showed 2 (12%) having high stress, 12 (70%) having moderate stress, and 3 patients (18%) having low stress. As assessed by item 1 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, 3 patients had a score consistent with warranting treatment for depression while an additional 10 had a score consistent with the possible need for treatment based on clinical judgment. As assessed by item 2 (“How difficult is it for you to do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people?”), 13 (65%) reported difficulties, with 3(15%) extremely difficult, 5 (25%) very, and 5 (25%) somewhat difficult. Overall, 7 (35%) showed improvement on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement after 3 months and by one year post-operatively, 80% (16/20) reported improvement. Conclusions There are many recognized triggers for PGAD/GPD. While this subgroup was diagnosed with lumbosacral annular tear-induced sacral radiculopathy and experienced long-term alleviation of symptoms by LESS, psychological factors likely contributed to the development, continuation, and consequences of PGAD/GPD. We believe that the significant mental health issues in this PGAD/GPD patient population made recovery from LESS more protracted than typically experienced after this surgery for sciatica alone. Psychological therapy would be beneficial in this population and should be continued postoperatively, as needed, to address psychological concerns and enhance quality of life. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Eliquence.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ELDER MISTREATMENT AMONG PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Persons living with dementia (PLWD) are at increased risk of experiencing elder mistreatment (EM), including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Because PLWD rely on Care Partners (CP) for varying degrees of support with ADLs/IADLs, factors contributing to EM occurrence may be present in the characteristics of the PLWD, CP, and the environment in which they interact. The present study sought to identify associated risk and protective factors of EM in PLWD-CP care groups. As part of a longitudinal study, survey administration interviews were conducted with 163 care groups consisting of a PLWD and their CP(s) (n=184) to gather data on participant characteristics, current and past relationship quality, current caregiving interactions, and EM occurrence. This analysis used baseline data with responses weighted to control for participation of multiple CPs. Bivariate logistic regression was used to model the likelihood of the PLWD experiencing EM. Nearly a quarter of PLWDs (23.9%; n=39) experienced EM, with emotional abuse (19.0%), neglect (7.4%), and financial exploitation (4.3%) occurring most frequently. Preliminary analyses reveal significant bivariate associations between EM and PLWD alcohol/substance abuse (OR=3.244;CI=1.020-10.320) and educational attainment (OR=1.495;CI=1.077-2.075), and CP symptoms of depression (OR=1.170;CI=1.046-1.308) or anxiety (OR=1.194;CI=1.085-1.315), high caregiving burden (OR=1.099;CI=1.042-1.159), expectations of themselves (OR=1.747;CI=1.064-2.867) and the PLWD (OR=1.730;CI=1.113-2.688), and alcohol/substance abuse (OR=2.163;CI=1.080-4.333). These associations provide a foundation for further evaluation of these characteristics as potential longitudinal risk factors for EM, and provide potential targets for the development of prevention and intervention strategies that are tailored to care groups’ characteristics and needs.

Parent-Child Attachment and Romantic Relationship: Is There a Relationship Between Parent-Child Attachment and Young Adults’ Romantic Relationships?

Many researchers have found that the key to future adaptations or maladaptations of children is the attachment they form with their parents (Davies & Sturge-Apple, 2007; Marvin & Britner, 2008). Early research on attachment has highlighted the impact of parent-child attachment continuing across life (Bowlby, 1982). Recent research has shown that insecure attachment during childhood impacts young adults’ attachment with their parents and in turn, impacts different aspects of their lives. However, no or limited studies have explored the direct relationship between attachment styles and young adults’ romantic relationships among Maldivian young adults. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing the relationship between young adult’s parent child attachment, and the quality of romantic relationships among young adults in Higher Education Institutions in the Maldives. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 463 students aged 18 to 28 in higher education institutions in the Maldives. The data were collected using the Perceived Relationship Quality Scale by Fletcher et al. (2000) and the Attachment to Parent/Caregiver Inventory by Hu (2009). The data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and PLS SEM software. The results showed high levels of avoidant attachment with both mother and father among the participants, which was negatively associated with their current romantic relationship quality. In addition, it also showed an association between mother child anxious attachment, father-child anxious attachment, and the romantic relationship quality of young adults. Hence, a direct connection between insecure attachment styles (avoidant attachment and anxious attachment) and low levels of relationship quality was established.

Sexual Desire Emerges from Subjective Sexual Arousal, but the Connection Depends on Desire Type and Relationship Satisfaction

According to models of responsive sexual desire, desire emerges from sexual arousal. This study examined how sexual desire type (dyadic-partner, dyadic-other, solitary) and relationship satisfaction affect the connection between subjective sexual arousal (SSA) and desire. Women (N = 100; 27% with sexual interest/arousal disorder symptoms) reported SSA while viewing a sexual film. Solitary and dyadic responsive sexual desire were assessed immediately before and following the film (immediate desire) and three days later (delayed desire). SSA predicted higher immediate solitary desire. SSA also predicted higher immediate dyadic desire, and this link was stronger for those with higher relationship satisfaction; for those with low relationship satisfaction, SSA was unrelated. For delayed desire, SSA predicted higher dyadic-partner desire, regardless of relationship satisfaction. SSA also predicted higher dyadic-other desire, yet this association was stronger for those with low relationship satisfaction; for those with high relationship satisfaction, SSA was unrelated to dyadic-other desire. Findings support the theoretical premise that desire emerges from arousal, but that this connection is dependent upon additional factors, specifically the target and timing of desire and participants’ current relationship quality. Relationship satisfaction may affect the motivational value of sex with (and without) a current partner.

History of pediatric TBI hospitalization and current child-parent relationship quality in China

ABSTRACT Background Long-term child-parent relationship quality following hospitalization for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains poorly understood. Objective We tested whether current child-parent conflict and closeness were related to the children’s history of TBI-related experiences and contemporary child/family characteristics. Methods The sample included 202 Chinese children (Boys: 60.4%) with a history of hospitalization for TBI. On average, the children were 11.2 years old (SD = 1.59) and sustained TBI at 8.5 years old (SD = 1.6). TBI-related data were obtained from hospital medical records. Parents provided data on child-parent closeness, child-parent conflict, and parental efficacy 2–4 years (M = 2.7, SD = 0.7) after discharge. Results Forty-nine children (24.3%) had mild TBI, 139 (68.8%) had moderate TBI, and 14 (6.9%) had severe TBI. Surgical intervention occurred among 128 (63.4%) of the 202 children. Contemporaneous child and family characteristics explained 19% of the variance, history of surgery, length of hospitalization, and recovery status explained another 7%, and the interaction between length of hospitalization and parental efficacy explained another 4% in child-parent conflict. Contemporaneous child and family characteristics explained 29% of the variance, and TBI-related variables explained another 2% in child-parent closeness. Conclusion Post-TBI child-parent relationship was more associated with child/family characteristics than with TBI variables. Practitioners and families should be aware of the long-term challenges to child-parent relationship following hospitalization for pediatric TBI.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTACHMENT, RELATIONSHIP QUALITY, AND DAILY STRESS AMONG DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

Abstract The current study assesses the relationship between attachment style, relationship quality, and daily stress among family caregivers of persons with dementia. The study incorporates a longitudinal burst design. In an initial meeting with the investigator, participants completed measures of attachment style (Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire Revised), past and current relationship quality (RQ), emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), and caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview). For the next 14 days, participants were sent a link to a brief survey that included the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule and the Perceived Stress Scale. They were also asked to estimate what proportion of their daily stress did they attribute to caregiving. There are significant positive correlations between caregiver burden and current negative RQ, r = 0.70, p = .008, as well as between attachment anxiety and current negative RQ, r = 0.60, p = .029. According to regression analyses, attachment anxiety predicts negative current RQ, R2 = .37, F(1, 11) = 6.32, p = .029. Current negative RQ predicts caregiver burden, R2 = .49, F(1, 11) = 10.55, p = .008. Additional analyses will explore the link between attachment style, emotion regulation, burden, relationship quality, and longitudinal assessments of daily stress and affect. Though preliminary, study results suggest that beyond caregiver burden, daily stress and well-being of caregivers is impacted by the relationship between attachment, relationship quality, and emotion regulation.

Romantic Unions and Mental Health: The Role of Relationship Churning.

The stress process perspective suggests that romantic relationship transitions can be stressors that impair mental health. Research on romantic relationships and mental health has ignored one common stressor, on-again/off-again relationships, or churning. Using five waves of data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,176), we examine associations between relationship churning and mothers' mental health. We find that mothers experiencing relationship churning have worse mental health than mothers in stably together relationships, net of characteristics associated with selection into relationship instability; these associations persist over four years. Mothers experiencing relationship churning have similar mental health as their counterparts who experience union dissolution (with or without repartnering). Current relationship status and quality explain some of the differences between churning and stably together mothers. Findings emphasize attending to multiple types of family stressors-even stressors and instability in ongoing relationships-and the micro-level ecological factors that shape mental health.

Dear old love: Effects of reflecting on nostalgic memories about ex‐partners on current romantic relationship

AbstractResearch on the impact of ex‐romantic partners on current romantic relationships is mainly focused on negative aspects. Here instead we focus on the potential positive influence of reflecting on nostalgic memories of one's ex‐partner. In three studies, we found that reflecting on nostalgic memories of one's ex‐partner increased the perception of current relationship quality (Studies 1– 3) and approach motivation towards the current relationship (Study 3), compared to a control condition. We also tested a potential underlying mechanism—perception of self‐growth. We found that perception of self‐growth mediated the positive effects of reflecting on nostalgic memories about an ex‐partner on perceived current relationship quality (Studies 2 and 3) and approach motivation in the current relationship (Study 3). Implications for research and therapy are discussed.

Quality and Quantity of Grandparent Contact: Associations with Late Adolescents’ Psychological Adjustment

This study explored how grandparents influence their late adolescent grandchildren’s psychological adjustment. Late adolescent participants ( N = 474, 60% female, 63% Caucasian) reported their current relationship quality and degree of contact during elementary school for each living grandparent. Hierarchical linear regressions, controlling for demographic characteristics and parental acceptance, found that grandparent relationship quality, but not grandparent contact, was linked to multiple late adolescent outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, self-worth, perceived competence in close friendships, and romantic relationships). Significant associations examining both maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather relationship quality were supported, but fewer associations were found for maternal grandfathers and paternal grandmothers. Moderation analyses found more contact during childhood strengthened some of the positive associations between grandparent relationship quality and grandchildren’s self-worth and perceived competence in close friendships. The need for more research examining how specific grandparent factors are linked to grandchildren’s outcomes across developmental periods and contexts is discussed.

Projecting current feelings into the past and future: Better current relationship quality reduces negative retrospective bias and increases positive forecasting bias

We examine bias in how people perceive their romantic relationship over time. Participants appraised their relationship 6 months and 1 year ago on average more negatively than they had done at the time (retrospective bias) but showed no significant mean-level forecasting bias. Higher relationship quality at the time of appraisal was linked to less negative retrospective bias but to more positive forecasting bias (Study 1). Similarly, participants who were experimentally manipulated to focus on the high relationship quality aspects in their relationship (vs. considering challenging aspects of their relationship) showed more forecasting bias and less retrospective bias (Study 2). This pattern occurred due to participants’ projecting positive current feelings onto predicted relationship quality in the future and remembered relationship quality in the past. This projection reduced the overall negative bias in recalled relationship quality for those currently perceiving higher relationship quality but increased positive bias in forecasted relationship quality.

Dark Triad traits, recalled and current quality of the parent-child relationship: A non-western replication and extension

Most of the existing evidence regarding the adverse effect of poor parenting on the development of Dark Triad traits comes from Western industrialized samples. In the present study, we replicate and extend these findings using a Muslim (i.e., non-WEIRD) sample. Our findings mirrored those of previous studies by revealing that Dark Triad traits were significantly associated with an insecure attachment style and low parental care. Beyond replicating these previous findings, we found that these dysfunctional parent–child bonds may continue at least to early adulthood, with the relationship between Dark Triad individuals and their parents being marked by greater conflict. Individuals with higher Machiavellianism reported having the worst quality of current relationship with their parents—relationships characterized by greater conflict and lower depth. These findings contribute to the literature by providing cross-cultural support for the potential mechanisms that influence the development of the Dark Triad traits and by adding new knowledge about the dysfunctional pattern of relationship with parents that may last into adulthood.

Self-Qualities and Self-Leadership as Pathways Linking Childhood Maltreatment to Depression and Relationship Quality

Among adults, childhood maltreatment is widely known to increase depressive symptoms and reduce quality of adult’s intimate relationships. Considering the association between childhood maltreatment and adult depression and relationship quality from systemic theories may help clinicians conceptualize and intervene with their clients. Internal Family Systems is an evidenced based psychotherapy and is a trauma-informed model. Self is one of the core concepts of the Internal Family Systems model and it is theorized to reduce mental health problems such as depression and strengthen adult romantic relationships. Despite this theoretical proposition there is no supporting empirical research. To address this gap, the current study examined Self, specifically the qualities of Self (e.g., compassion) and Self-Leadership (e.g., staying calm in face of distress) as pathways linking childhood maltreatment to depression and relationship quality. Using a sample of adults in a romantic relationship, the current study examined Self-Qualities and Self-Leadership as mediators linking retrospective reports of child maltreatment to current depressive symptoms and relationship quality. Results indicate that the indirect (mediating) effects from childhood maltreatment to depressive symptoms and relationship quality were significant through Self-Qualities, but not Self-Leadership. Findings suggest that childhood maltreatment is associated with less frequent access to the qualities of Self, such as compassion and confidence which, in turn, were associated with fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of relationship quality. For clinicians, the use of IFS and specifically helping clients increase the Self-Qualities may reduce depressive symptoms and strengthen romantic relationships.

Mothers' Self-focused Reflective Functioning Interacts with Childhood Experiences of Rejection to Predict Current Romantic Relationship Quality and Parenting Behavior.

Parents exposed to rejection in their childhood could experience bonding disturbances in their current relationships. Reflective functioning (RF), the capacity to understand one's own and others' behavior through the lens of underlying mental states (cognitions, emotions), has been identified as a potential protective process. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine whether RF moderates the effect of parents' experiences of rejection in childhood on later relationship functioning with partners and infants. Pregnant women with experiences of abuse and neglect were recruited and completed the Adult Attachment Interview, which was coded for RF and experiences of childhood rejection. During two follow-up assessments, when their infants were 5 and 17months old, the mothers in our sample who had partners reported on dyadic cohesion with these partners. Further, at 5months postnatal, mothers completed interaction tasks with their infants, which were later assessed using observational measures (i.e., CARE-Index). Results of mothers with partners (N=93) indicated that RF moderated the relationship between dyadic cohesion with partners at 17months only. Additionally, results with all mothers in the sample (N=108) indicated that RF moderated the relationship between retrospectively reported experiences of rejection and controlling and unresponsive behaviors with infants. Adequate-to-high RF was associated with lower unresponsiveness and higher relationship satisfaction in the context of rejection, while being associated with higher levels of control. These findings have important clinical implications, as RF is amenable to change and can therefore be more prominently implemented within various interventions.

Food Insecurity and Adolescent Psychosocial Adjustment: Indirect Pathways through Caregiver Adjustment and Caregiver-Adolescent Relationship Quality.

Household food insecurity is associated with youth behavioral problems, yet few studies have examined potential mechanisms that underline this association, particularly among adolescents. The Family Stress Model (FSM) states that food insecurity potentially impacts adolescent psychosocial adjustment indirectly through its effects on parental psychological functioning and parenting. The current study examined data from the Children, Welfare, and Families study (N = 687, 53% female, Mage of child at baseline = 11.74 years, SD = 1.39) to determine whether household food insecurity at the beginning of adolescence predicts later behavioral outcomes and whether that association is mediated through caregiver depression and caregiver–adolescent relationship quality. Caregivers completed measures of past-year household food insecurity, current self-reported depressive symptoms and adolescent behavior problems, while adolescents completed a measure of current caregiver–adolescent relationship quality. A serial multiple mediator model, controlling for baseline values of mediators, outcomes, and relevant demographic covariates, indicated a significant total indirect effect, whereas the total direct effect was not significant. Significant indirect effects through both caregiver depression and caregiver–adolescent relationship quality were also found. These results are the first to explicitly examine the FSM with respect to household food insecurity and to demonstrate the indirect effects of food insecurity on adolescent adjustment. The findings indicate the need to improve food security and address subsequent intra- and inter-personal difficulties among low-income families that contribute to behavioral problems among adolescents facing household food insecurity.

Reviewing interfirm relationship quality from a supply chain management perspective

With the overlap of the interfirm relationship quality and supply chain management research in mind, this paper reviewed 100 recent, scientific, English-language papers on interfirm relationship quality based on a categorisation schema derived from a conceptual framework of supply chain management. We aim to contribute to the existing supply chain management literature by providing an insight into the connections of supply chain performance with buyer–supplier relationship quality from the relationship quality scholars’ perspective. Through content analysis, frequency and contingency analysis, we evaluated how the three relationship quality dimensions—information, operational, and relational dimensions—and the three types of supply chain performance—financial and market, operational, and relational performance have been reflected in the current interfirm relationship quality papers and how the scholars have tended to link them to each other. The results reveal that relational dimension plays a key role in SC relationship management and influences performance significantly. Information dimension will affect performance indirectly through relational dimension. However, the impact of the operational dimension on performance varies. In addition, buyers’ and suppliers’ perspectives on the relational drivers of their financial performance may differ. Based on the findings, we suggest promising avenues for future investigation of supply chain relationship and performance.

The effect of childhood unpredictability on co-parenting relationships during the transition to parenthood: A life history approach

Recent extensions to life history theory posit that exposure to environmental unpredictability during childhood should forecast negative parental behaviors in adulthood. In the current research, this logic was extended to co-parental behaviors, which refer to how parents coordinate, share responsibility, and support each other’s parental efforts. The effects of early-life unpredictability on individual and dyadic co-parental functioning were examined in a sample of 109 families (two parents and their firstborn child) who were followed longitudinally from before the child’s birth until the age of two. Greater early-life unpredictability (family changes, residential changes, and parents’ occupational changes by age 8) experienced by mothers, but not fathers, predicted more negative co-parental behaviors in triadic observations 6 months post birth, and lower couple-reported co-parenting quality assessed 3, 9, 18, and 24 months post birth. These effects were not explained by parents’ childhood socioeconomic status or current relationship quality. These findings highlight the role of mothers in shaping co-parenting relationships and how these relationships might be influenced by mothers’ early-life experiences.

Extradyadic Behaviors and Gender: How Do They Relate With Sexual Desire, Relationship Quality, and Attractiveness.

Recent years have seen an increasing number of studies on relationship extradyadic behaviors (Pinto and Arantes, 2016; Pazhoohi et al., 2017; Silva et al., 2017; Fisher, 2018). However, much is still to learn about the impact of these extradyadic behaviors on subsequent relationships that an individual may have. Our main goal was to study the association between past extradyadic behaviors – inflicted and suffered – and current relationship quality, sexual desire and attractiveness. Specifically, we aimed to: (i) Understand if past extradyadic behaviors are related to current relationship quality, sexual desire, and self-perceived and partner’s attractiveness; (ii) Identify possible gender differences in these variables. For that, 364 participants (251 females and 113 males) were recruited through personal and institutional e-mails, online social networks (e.g., Facebook), and the website of the Evolutionary Psychology Group from the University of Minho. All participants completed a demographic and relationship questionnaire, followed by questions related to extradyadic behaviors and self-perceived attractiveness, the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory, the Sex Drive Scale (SDQ), and the Importance of Partner’s Physical Attractiveness Scale (IPPAS). For those currently involved in a relationship, results suggested that extradyadic behaviors (both suffered or inflicted) are linked with current low relationship quality and high sexual desire in the present. In addition, individuals who perceived themselves as being more attractive tended to have a higher sexual desire and higher relationship quality. Overall, men reported higher levels of extradyadic behaviors and sexual desire, gave more importance to physical attractiveness, and perceived their current relationship as having less quality than women. These results add to the literature by focusing on different variables that play an important role in romantic relationships, and have important implications.

Parental childhood maltreatment and the later-life relationship with parents.

The aims of the current study were to examine the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment on current relationships with parents and whether the quality of current relationships with parents mediates the associations between childhood maltreatment and psychological health in late adulthood. Using 2 decades of longitudinal data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, multilevel structural equation modeling was employed to examine the associations between reports of childhood maltreatment, aspects of current relationships with parents (i.e., perceived closeness, contact frequency, and exchange of social support), and psychological well-being/distress of adult children. Key results indicated that reports of maternal childhood abuse and neglect predicted lower levels of perceived closeness with aging mothers, which were subsequently associated with reduced psychological well-being of adult children. We did not find evidence of mediation between reports of paternal childhood abuse/neglect, current relationships with fathers, and psychological outcomes. Our findings suggest a significant linkage between childhood and later-life intergenerational relationships. Adults who were maltreated by their mother as children may continue to experience challenges in this relationship. Further research is needed to examine how these past and current relational dynamics affect caregiving experiences and outcomes. In addition, when intervening with adults with a history of childhood maltreatment, practitioners should evaluate contemporary relationship quality with the abusive mother and help address any unresolved emotional issues with the parent. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).