Current Romantic Partner Research Articles

Humor, Self-Esteem, and Spite: Unraveling the Dynamics in Romantic Relationships

The tendency to display transgression for individuals we consider close is higher than those we consider distant. And not always there is a "forgive and forget" in such interpersonal dynamics. This revenge-seeking may emerge as spitefulness in romantic relationships, in subtle forms of humor, and is linked with self-esteem. The present research aims to study whether humor and self-esteem increases or de-creases spitefulness among couples. A total of 100 participants (73 female, 27 male) from Mumbai and Bengaluru were asked to fill out a Google form consisting of the Humor Styles Questionnaire, Collective Self-Esteem Scale, and Spitefulness Scale respectively. The statistical tools used were – Pearson's product-moment correlation, two-way ANOVA, and one-way ANOVA. Highlights of the results section revealed there is a significant correlation between aggressive humor and spitefulness, and humor and self-esteem. Spitefulness was unrelated to other humor styles as well as self-esteem. Additional one-way ANOVA revealed difference in humor due to gender and relationship status, while self-esteem and spitefulness have little impact due to gender and relationship status. The study also high-lights the need for a new scale for measuring spitefulness and suggests future studies for a deeper understanding of the underplaying factors associated with spitefulness among couples. The study concludes by suggesting current romantic partners to develop higher self-esteem and benign humor styles to enhance romantic relationship.

Correlates of Spirituality among African American and Black Caribbean Emerging Adults.

Spirituality is a significant cultural strength and resource for Black emerging adults. Numerous studies show that increasing numbers of emerging adults tend to identify themselves as being spiritual but not religious. However, no studies to date have identified the demographic correlates of spirituality for Black emerging adults from different ethnic groups (i.e., African American vs. Black Caribbean). Data from the National Survey of American Life was used to identify the demographic correlates of 2 indicators of spirituality (e.g., self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality) for 802 African American and 428 Black Caribbean emerging adults using linear regression. For African Americans, being a woman predicted both greater self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality. However, among Black Caribbeans men rated spirituality higher in importance than women. African Americans who reported higher educational attainment tended to report higher levels of self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality. Romantic status for Black Caribbeans, whether they had no romantic involvement or a current romantic partner, was associated with lower self-ratings of spirituality. Unmarried cohabitating individuals in both ethnic groups tended to report lower levels of self-related spirituality. Unemployment for Black Caribbeans was associated with lower subjective spirituality. Findings are of interest to those who serve and work with Black emerging adults.

Road Blocks or Building Blocks? A Qualitative Study on Challenges and Resilience in Romantic Relationships of Youth Exposed to Family Violence

Romantic relationships are an important part of many people’s lives and at least partly shaped by experiences during childhood. Youth exposed to family violence during childhood are more likely to experience difficulties in their later romantic relationships. However, a more holistic perspective on the romantic relationships of youth with a history of family violence is lacking. Using both theoretical and inductive thematic analysis, this qualitative study explored challenges as well as positive experiences within romantic relationships of youth exposed to family violence during childhood. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 18 youth aged between 16 and 20 years, who were reported to child protection services. The narratives reflected that youth experienced challenges related to support, connection, trust, boundary setting, emotion regulation and conflict resolution. Furthermore, family violence during childhood seemed to be important in the emergence of these challenges, consistent with theoretical mechanisms described in observational learning theory and attachment theory. However, youth also described positive experiences in their romantic relationships and demonstrated an ability to learn from others (e.g., their current romantic partner) how to communicate effectively or solve problems. Therefore, with the right social or professional support, at-risk youth may be able to overcome these challenges.

Can a kiss conquer all? The predictive utility of idealized first kiss beliefs on reports of romantic love among U.S. adults.

Research indicates that idealized romantic expectations and the extent to which they are met, are important predictors of relationship outcomes (e.g., love). However, no studies have investigated the impact of idealized beliefs associated with specific behaviors (e.g., kissing) on reports of romantic love. Thus, the two studies comprising this research assessed the association between idealized beliefs related to one's first romantic kiss with their current partner, unmet first kiss expectations, and reports of romantic love. Romantic attachment was also examined as a moderator. In Study One, the First Kiss Beliefs Scale was created and the results from 208 adults revealed that increased endorsement of idealized first kiss beliefs was associated with greater romantic love (r = 0.25). Romantic attachment also moderated this relationship, such that idealized first kiss beliefs significantly predicted love for those high in attachment anxiety and low in avoidance (β = 0.68 and β = 0.18, respectively). In Study Two, the First Kiss Beliefs Scale was modified to assess outcomes and expectations to capture unmet expectations. The results from 234 adults indicated that idealized first kiss beliefs predicted a greater proportion of the variance in romantic love (sr2 = 0.10) than did unmet expectations (sr2 = 0.07). A three-way interaction was also detected such that, among those low in attachment anxiety, the relationship between kissing beliefs and love was positive for those high in attachment avoidance and negative for those low. These results indicate that idealized first kiss expectations with one's current romantic partner are important predictors of love (beyond whether these expectations were met), particularly for those high in attachment insecurity. Implications are discussed for practitioners and those in the primary stages of romantic relationships.

What should I say? Online dating and disclosure experiences of adults with mental illness in long‐term romantic relationships

AbstractThe present study examined accounts of online and in‐person dating experiences from adults with mental illness who are in long‐term romantic relationships (N = 23). In focus group discussions, participants described their views of advantages and disadvantages of online dating and in‐person dating, how they constructed online dating profiles, decisions about disclosure of their mental health conditions to current romantic partners, and advice about dating for other people coping with mental illness. Overall, participants reported feeling less comfortable with online dating than in‐person dating. A majority of the sample reported that they intentionally excluded information about their mental health status from their online dating profiles. Present findings identified themes from participant accounts about disclosure of their mental illness to their romantic partners that included spontaneous or intentional disclosure, situational or circumstantial disclosure, delayed disclosure due to lack of information, and avoided disclosure. Adults' advice to others with mental illness centred on how to maintain romantic relationships. The importance of research focused on the lived experience of adults with mental illness in long‐term romantic relationships and practical implications of present findings are discussed.

“Do You Go through Tough Times? Of Course. That’s Part of Relationships.” Associations Between Perceptions of Celebrity Couples’ Conflict and Conflict Tactics of Ordinary Couples

As individuals are continually exposed to media involving celebrity couples, how do these couples influence romantic relationship processes? The current study explores perceptions of celebrity couple engagement in relationship conflict and how this might predict the conflict tactics used in adult romantic relationships. Specifically, how celebrity couples’ conflict might predict individuals’ engagement in specific conflict tactics was examined. An exploratory survey was implemented and included several measures of relationship conflict, social comparison, conflict tactics, and several other variables. Results indicated associations between perceptions of celebrity couples’ relational conflict and participants’ reported engagement in certain conflict tactics with their current romantic partner. Social comparison moderated the relationship between perceptions of celebrity couples’ relational conflict and participants’ engagement in conflict. Discussion and future directions are further elaborated.

Partner Gender and Binegativity Uniquely Impact Relationship Quality among Bisexual Men

ABSTRACT Romantic relationships both buffer and exacerbate adverse health outcomes among bisexual individuals, so understanding determinants of their functioning may be key to correcting health inequities affecting this population. Binegativity (i.e., prejudiced attitudes about bisexuality) expressed from one’s intimate partner has the potential to be uniquely impactful for bisexuals, but it is presently unknown how this experience might impact the quality (and therefore potential health promotive effects) of their romantic relationships. In addition, gender of one’s current romantic partner may shape experiences of binegativity and relationship quality in important ways. The purpose of this report was to examine how binegativity from intimate partners impacts relationship functioning (i.e., relationship satisfaction and intimate partner aggression) among bisexual men (N = 113), and how the gender of one’s partner might moderate this effect. Results suggested that binegativity is detrimentally associated with relationship satisfaction, and that bisexual men in relationships with women report more frequent intimate partner aggression. Furthermore, partner gender and binegativity showed novel interactive associations with intimate partner aggression, such that bisexual men in relationships with women tended to perpetrate less intimate partner aggression when experiencing more binegativity. These results are discussed with regard to future avenues for research into the health promotive benefits of relationships for bisexual individuals.

Developing Sexual Self-Efficacy Beliefs During Adolescence: Do Health Teachers Really Matter?

Teacher attitudes and instructional strategies impact success of human sexuality programs. Limited prior research has examined the relations of teachers' attitudes and instruction to the development of adolescents' sexual self-efficacy beliefs. This study examined how adolescents' perceptions of their health teachers (i.e., teacher value of content, teacher affinity, teacher caring for students) predict changes in efficacy beliefs related to HIV/STD and pregnancy prevention, and if perceptions of mastery goal structure predicted adaptive efficacy beliefs. Data were collected in 4 Midwestern/Appalachian high schools in health class where the delivery of a 14-lesson sexual health curriculum occurred. Participants included 561 students (50.4% 9th graders, 43.5% female, 56.3% White, 53.7% did not have a current romantic partner, and 59.7% had previously not engaged in sexual activity). The findings indicate students' perceptions of teachers valuing the content predicted perceptions of mastery goal structure for all sexual self-efficacy beliefs: learning efficacy, condom negotiation efficacy, refusal self-efficacy, and situational self-efficacy. Students who perceive a mastery goal structure in health class, and who feel their teachers value learning about HIV/STD and pregnancy prevention, are likely to experience positive adaptive self-efficacy beliefs related to sexual health, ultimately leading to behaviors indicative of decreased STDs among teenagers and safe sexual practices, such as abstinence, the use of a condom, and saying "no" to having sex.

Attachments to Mother, Father, and Romantic Partner as Predictors of Life Satisfaction

Two correlational survey studies were conducted among adult samples (Ns = 205; 697) to test the effects on general life satisfaction of attachment to three close others: mother, father, and romantic partner. Results showed that attachment to mother and father also matter in adulthood, in that they are associated with adult life satisfaction. Secure attachments to mother and father were positively associated with life satisfaction, and anxious and avoidant attachments to mother and father were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Moreover, attachment to the romantic partner was also related to life satisfaction, so that secure attachment was positively related to life satisfaction, and anxious and avoidant attachments were negatively related to the outcome variable. Importantly, attachment to mother and father were still significant predictors of life satisfaction when effects of attachment to the current romantic partner were controlled for. The effects of parental attachments on life satisfaction were not mediated by attachment to the romantic partner. Theoretical and applied implications of the findings are discussed.

Pathological narcissism: An analysis of interpersonal dysfunction within intimate relationships.

Pathological narcissism is marked by deficits in psychosocial functioning. Difficulties in relationships include instances of aggression, devaluation and control; however, few studies have examined these relationships from the perspective of partners and family members. We studied participants who were in relationships with relatives high in narcissistic traits (N = 436; current romantic partners [57.3%]; former romantic partners [21.1%]; family members [15.4%]). Participant responses were analysed thematically, and their underlying mental health problems were also measured. Thematic analysis of participant responses indicated themes of abuse from the relative with narcissism (physical, verbal, emotional and sexual) as well as the relative imposing challenging financial and sexual behaviours. There were complex interpersonal themes of mutual idealization but also devaluation. In response, participants reported high levels of anxiety, depression, self‐aggression, sickness and somatic concerns. Further, participants expressed overt outward hostility towards their relative with narcissism, but also dependency strivings and frustrated dependency themes. Partners and their relative with narcissism appeared locked into interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamic conflicts. Clinical implications include specific attendance to alliance issues, dependency themes, and a focus on limit setting to establish personal safety.

Avoiding information about one’s romantic partner

Research links open communication and self-disclosure to a host of beneficial outcomes in romantic relationships, including better relationship quality, relationship satisfaction, feelings of closeness and commitment, and relationship longevity. However, learning some information about a partner may evoke negative consequences. In two studies, we examined the types of information people may wish to avoid learning about their past or current romantic partners (Study 1), and individual differences in avoidance of information about a current romantic partner (Study 2). Content-coding of data from Study 1 revealed that a majority (51%) of respondents wished to avoid information related to their partner’s history of sexual behavior and/or infidelity. In Study 2, participants who were older and who scored higher on measures of anxious and avoidant attachment were more likely to want to avoid information about their partner. Furthermore, replicating and extending Study 1, participants most wished to avoid information about their partners’ prior sexual behavior and/or infidelity, as well as their partners’ prejudices. We interpret our findings in terms of a threat-management framework for information avoidance, suggesting that threats to the self and relationship may influence the decision to avoid information about a romantic partner.

Living with pathological narcissism: a qualitative study

BackgroundResearch into the personality trait of narcissism have advanced further understanding of the pathological concomitants of grandiosity, vulnerability and interpersonal antagonism. Recent research has established some of the interpersonal impacts on others from being in a close relationship with someone having such traits of pathological narcissism, but no qualitative studies exist. Individuals with pathological narcissism express many of their difficulties of identity and emotion regulation within the context of significant interpersonal relationships thus studying these impacts on others is warranted.MethodWe asked the relatives of people high in narcissistic traits (indexed by scoring above a cut-off on a narcissism screening measure) to describe their relationships (N = 436; current romantic partners [56.2%]; former romantic partners [19.7%]; family members [21.3%]). Participants were asked to describe their relative and their interactions with them. Verbatim responses were thematically analysed.ResultsParticipants described ‘grandiosity’ in their relative: requiring admiration, showing arrogance, entitlement, envy, exploitativeness, grandiose fantasy, lack empathy, self-importance and interpersonal charm. Participants also described ‘vulnerability’ of the relative: contingent self-esteem, hypersensitivity and insecurity, affective instability, emptiness, rage, devaluation, hiding the self and victimhood. These grandiose and vulnerable characteristics were commonly reported together (69% of respondents). Participants also described perfectionistic (anankastic), vengeful (antisocial) and suspicious (paranoid) features. Instances of relatives childhood trauma, excessive religiosity and substance abuse were also described.ConclusionsThese findings lend support to the importance of assessing the whole dimension of the narcissistic personality, as well as associated personality patterns. On the findings reported here, the vulnerable aspect of pathological narcissism impacts others in an insidious way given the core deficits of feelings of emptiness and affective instability. These findings have clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment in that the initial spectrum of complaints may be misdiagnosed unless the complete picture is understood. Living with a person with pathological narcissism can be marked by experiencing a person who shows large fluctuations in affect, oscillating attitudes and contradictory needs.

Extra-dyadic sexual fantasies involving idealized figures and regard for current partners

People in committed relationships may have idealized extra-dyadic sexual fantasies which involve someone other, and with greater desired attributes, than their current romantic partner. Using data from a national sample of Americans in committed relationships (N = 1108), we explored how the presence of two such fantasies – those involving strangers and/or former romantic partners – affected regard for one’s actual partner. Idealized extra-dyadic fantasies preserved partner regard in the low-sexual satisfaction condition but eroded partner regard among respondents reporting higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Noting this conditional relationship, we consider therapeutic uses of idealized extra-dyadic fantasies within couples therapy that avoid inadvertently eroding partner regard. This approach mainly consists of reorienting couples to each other and to the partner attributes that initially brought them together.

Consistency between individuals' past and current romantic partners' own reports of their personalities

Do people have a "type" when it comes to their romantic partners' personalities? In the present research, we used data from a 9-y longitudinal study in Germany and examined the similarity between an individual's ex- and current partners using the partners' self-reported personality profiles. Based on the social accuracy model, our analyses distinguished similarity between partners that was attributable to similarity to an average person (normative similarity) and resemblance to the target participant himself/herself (self-partner similarity) to more precisely examine similarity from partner to partner (distinctive similarity). The results revealed a significant degree of distinctive partner similarity, suggesting that there may indeed be a unique type of person each individual ends up with. We also found that distinctive partner similarity was weaker for people high in extraversion or openness to experience, suggesting that these individuals may be less likely to be in a relationship with someone similar to their ex-partner (although the individual difference effects were not mirrored in an alternative analytic approach). These findings provide evidence for stability in distinctive partner personality and have important implications for predicting future partnering behaviors and actions in romantic relationships.

Replicating the relationships between Dark Triad traits and female mate-competition tactics in undergraduate women

The Dark Triad (DT) personality traits of Machiavellianism, sub-clinical narcissism, and sub-clinical psychopathy overlap with variation in women's interest in casual sex (sociosexuality), and heightened use of mate-competition tactics. The present study sought to replicate links between DT traits and female-typical mate competition tactics, such as appearance enhancement, gossiping, and indirect sabotage of rivals. It was predicted that all DT traits would have a positive relationship with sexual competitiveness beyond other relevant variables such as sociosexuality, age, relationship status, and sexual orientation. A large sample (n = 1474) of undergraduate women (Mage = 20.61 years, SD = 3.76) was recruited from two Midwestern Canadian universities. In linear regression, sexual competitiveness was positively predicted by having a current romantic partner, and high sociosexual desire, whereas age and sexual inexperience (i.e., virginity) were negative predictors. These variables accounted for 12% of the variance in the overall model. Each DT trait was positively related to sexual competitiveness, collectively accounting for an additional 13% of the total variance. Results illustrate the ways in which DT traits in women are related to mate-competition, adding to a body of research indicating that the “darker side” of female personality foments elevated competition in the mating market.

Using Instagram While “In a Relationship”

Abstract. Despite the continued attention on the distinct behavioral and relational outcomes of narcissism and self-esteem, limited academic research has been devoted to investigating the influences of those individual differences upon behaviors of seeking and retaining a romantic relationship concurrently in the digital environment. The present study aimed to test the role that narcissism and self-esteem play in predicting individuals’ attitudes toward behaviors in current and possible romantic relationships. The results demonstrated that individuals high in narcissism showed positive attitudes toward interacting with potential romantic partners on Instagram. Furthermore, they showed positive attitudes toward current relationship-related postings on Instagram. In contrast, individuals high in self-esteem exhibited negative attitudes toward interacting with potential romantic partners, whereas they showed positive attitudes toward posting photographs taken with their current romantic partners on Instagram. This study provides empirical evidence for the associations between individual differences and attitudes toward various behaviors on social networking sites (SNSs) in relation to both potential and current romantic relationships.

Maximizing Tendencies in Marriage: Accentuating the Implications of Readily Observable Partner Characteristics for Intimates' Satisfaction.

People differ in their tendencies to labor over decisions and to make choices that maximize their outcomes-a difference known as maximization. Here, we used two independent, 3-year longitudinal studies of newlywed couples to demonstrate that this individual difference in decision making has important implications for romantic relationships. Consistent with the idea that maximizers are more likely to compare their current romantic partners to potential alternative partners' readily observable qualities, such as their physical attractiveness and status, results demonstrated that intimates' maximization moderated the implications of these sex-differentiated variables for marital satisfaction. Specifically, maximizing men who had attractive (vs. unattractive) wives were more satisfied at the start of their marriages. Likewise, maximizing women who had high (vs. low) status husbands experienced less steep declines in satisfaction over time. These findings demonstrate that maximization has important implications for long-term romantic relationships by accentuating the effects of readily observable partner qualities on relationship outcomes.

Associations of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance With Male- and Female-Perpetrated Sexual Coercion in Romantic Relationships.

Few studies have investigated the associations between romantic attachment dimensions and sexual coercion perpetration. The present study aimed to address methodological limitations in previous studies, and to more accurately identify the associations between romantic attachment and sexual coercion perpetration in romantic relationships. Data from 284 individuals (56% men) were secured via an online self-report survey. Participants completed assessments of romantic attachment to their current romantic partner, and reported the frequency with which they perpetrated 34 acts of sexual coercion against their romantic partner. Attachment anxiety was a positive predictor of sexual coercion perpetration for men and women. Additionally, for men only, the association between attachment anxiety and sexual coercion perpetration was stronger for individuals with greater attachment avoidance. The results of the study present a clearer picture of the associations between attachment and sexual coercion, and accord with modern theoretical perspectives positing that romantic attachment regulates reactions to acute and ongoing relationship threats.

Parasocial romantic relationships, romantic beliefs, and relationship outcomes in USA adolescents: rehearsing love or setting oneself up to fail?

The study examines the associations between adolescents’ emotional and physical aspects of parasocial romantic relationships with media figures, idealized romantic beliefs, perceptions of a current dating partner, and relationship satisfaction. A two-study design included concurrent data from 153 adolescents ages 13–17 (55.6% female), and retrospective data from 274 college students ages 18–22 (79.8% female). Across both samples, emotional involvement in a PSRR was related to more idealized romantic beliefs. The intensity of emotional involvement with the media figure during adolescence was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and less favorable perceptions of a current romantic partner in college students. However, there were no significant associations between physical attraction to the media figure and relationship outcomes.

Borderline Personality Features, Anger, and Intimate Partner Violence: An Experimental Manipulation of Rejection.

Individuals with borderline personality features may be susceptible to react to situational stressors with negative and interpersonally maladaptive emotionality (e.g., anger) and aggression. The current study attempted to test two moderated mediation models to investigate dispositional risk factors associated with borderline personality features and intimate partner violence (IPV). Results from an experimental rejection induction paradigm were examined using moderated regression to observe contextual reactions to imagined romantic rejection from a current romantic partner among individuals with borderline personality features. An ethnically diverse sample of 218 undergraduates at a large public university in the southwestern United States was recruited. Participants responded to demographic questions and self-report measures, and engaged in an experimental rejection induction paradigm. Borderline personality features was positively associated with rejection sensitivity, physical assault, and psychological aggression. Contrary to initial hypotheses, rejection sensitivity did not serve as a mediator of the relations between borderline personality features and physical assault and psychological aggression. However, trait anger mediated the relation between borderline personality features and psychological aggression. As such, trait anger may be an important explanatory variable in the relation between borderline personality features and psychological aggression specifically. Results of the rejection induction paradigm indicated that, for individuals who were asked to imagine an ambiguous rejection, the relation between borderline personality features and state anger post-rejection was strengthened. For individuals who imagined a critical rejection, there was no significant relation between borderline personality features and state anger post-rejection. Findings suggest that trait anger may be an important dispositional factor in the link between borderline personality features and IPV. In addition, contextual factors, such as ambiguous rejection by an intimate partner, may be especially relevant in activating anger or aggression in individuals with borderline personality features.