Difficulties Women Research Articles

Sexual Function and Socio-Sexual Difficulties in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Introduction PCOS is the most common endocrine syndrome in women of the reproductive age that has manifold effects on the life of affected women. Little scientific attention has been devoted to these womenʼs sexual lives. Aim To investigate sexual quality of life in women with PCOS. Methods The sample size was n = 44. Measures employed were: An extended list of sexual dysfunctions and perceived distress based on DSM-IV-TR, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), German Questionnaire on Feelings of Inadequacy in Social and Sexual Situations (FUSS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) subscale depression. The relationships of these components were examined including further variables (body mass index, degree of hirsutism using the Ferriman-Gallwey Score, wish for a child). An open question about what participants see as the source of their sexual problems was presented. Results Only moderate impairment in sexual function was detected, but feelings of inadequacy in social and sexual situations were markedly elevated and positively correlated with the degree of hirsutism. Depression showed to be a major problem. Conclusion Patients with PCOS should be screened for socio-sexual difficulties and emotional problems. Specialized psychological and sexological counselling can complement patient care.

PS-02-009 FSFI as a screening tool for assessing women's sexual difficulties in Slovenia

PS-02-009 FSFI as a screening tool for assessing women's sexual difficulties in Slovenia

A Study on Sexual Functioning in Patients Who Have Undergone Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have more than twofold risk of sexual dysfunction compared with age-matched healthy persons. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery benefits in CAD populations are well established. Erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and arousal difficulties in women are highly prevalent in CAD, yet it is frequently under-recognized and under-diagnosed in clinical practice. A further study on the relation between CABG and sexual functioning is not much explored, hence the need for the study. Materials and Method: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in JSS Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka. A total of 54 consecutive patients who have undergone CABG were considered. Informed and written consent was taken. After stabilization and thorough checkup by the attending cardiologist, interview was conducted. The patients were assessed on a structured and validated pro forma, for males International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) and for females Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used. ANOVA and Student’s t test, statistical software SAS 9.2, SPSS 15.0, Stata 10.1, MedCalc 9.0.1, Systat 12.0, and R environment ver.2.11.1 were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 54 study subjects, in males, 69.4% had mild to moderate ED, 52.8% had mild orgasmic dysfunction, 44.4% had moderate desire dysfunction, 50% had mild to moderate dysfunction of intercourse satisfaction, and 44.4% had mild to moderate and moderate dysfunction in overall satisfaction. In females, one or the other forms of sexual dysfunction were present in all the female study subjects; among them, 66.7% had arousal difficulties, 44.4% had lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction problems and pain difficulties. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study showed an increased prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction in patients who have undergone CABG. Hence addressing the concerned issues during the stay in the hospital is necessary for the better outcomes.

Dimensions of decision difficulty in women's decision-making about abortion: A mixed methods longitudinal study.

Relatively little is known about the ease or difficulty with which women decide to have an abortion, and most research uses single-item measurements. We used a mixed methods approach to combine data from the Dutch Abortion and Mental Health Study (DAMHS, n = 325) with data from a qualitative study about the decision process with a small subsample (n = 69) of the DAMHS study. We used the findings from the qualitative study to develop the Dimensions of Abortion Decision Difficulty [DADD] scale, and tested this scale among a larger sample of women who took part in the second wave of the cohort study (n = 264). Qualitative analyses revealed six dimensions of decision difficulty. The DADD scale was based on these six dimensions. Results from the DADD scale at follow-up reduced these to four dimensions: (1) unrealistic fears about the abortion and fantasies about the pregnancy; (2) decision conflict; (3) negative abortion attitudes; and (4) general indecisiveness. Decision conflict was the only dimension related to previous mental disorders. The findings suggest that the concept of decision difficulty seems multidimensional, rather than unidimensional. On a clinical level, it could be important to separate the more general fears, attitudes, and indecisiveness from strong decision conflict, because the latter might involve pressure of others, lack of decision ownership, and might be related to previous mental health.

Understanding Decision-Making and Decision Difficulty in Women With an Unintended Pregnancy in the Netherlands.

Previous research indicates that a considerable number of women with an unintended pregnancy experience difficulty deciding about continuing or terminating the pregnancy. We examined the decision-making processes of women who experienced high decision difficulty and women who experienced little decision difficulty, to gain insight in the factors that contribute to experienced decision difficulty. Sixty-nine women who had an abortion, and 40 women who had decided to continue their unintended pregnancy, participated in qualitative interviews. We found that women’s decision processes varied on 11 relevant criteria. The decision-making processes of women who experienced little decision difficulty differed from that of women who experienced high decision difficulty, but the decision-making processes of women who carried their pregnancy to term and the high decision difficulty abortion group were strikingly similar. Implications of our findings for future research and for professional care for women who are in need of support during decision-making are discussed.

AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE OF PARENTS ABOUT FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS

Aim: The present study spotlight on psychosocial factors that play vital role in influencing Participation and lack of participate of females in sports. The study discusses various difficulties of women’s participation in sports. Methodology: A self administered questionnaire was used as a tool to study. 200 subjects who were selected randomly for study purpose both government and private girls degree colleges Hyderabad. The filled questionnaire was collected and evaluated to examine the parent’s attitude towards girl’s participation in sports. Statistical analysis through Percentile and Frequency methods were done to find the parent’s attitude towards Female’s Participation in sports. The observations of the study shows that bulk of the parents acquire encouraging attitude towards female participation in sports. Despite this several psycho-cultural restraints hinders parents in showing the encouraging attitude.

The Relational and Bodily Experiences Theory of Sexual Desire in Women.

We review the theory and research on women's sexual desire and present a theory that incorporates internalized representations of relational and bodily experiences into our understanding of the full range of desire in women. To this end, we move away from the current tendency to focus on low sexual desire in women and instead consider desire on a spectrum or continuum from absent or diminished to high desire across multiple sexual orientations, including heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian. We review definitions of sexual desire, as well as the epidemiology and etiology of hypoactive sexual desire, the most prevalent sexual complaint in women, including the biological, psychological, and relationship correlates of inhibited sexual desire. Subsequently, we examine the research on highly sexual women, who tend to experience high levels of sexual desire, sexual agency, and sexual esteem, and distinguish between high sexual desire and hypersexuality. We introduce two important constructs that are integrated into the Relational and Bodily Experiences Theory (RBET) of sexual desire in women: attachment and sexual body self-representations, suggesting that women's internalized representations of self and other that stem from childhood and their capacity to embody their sexual bodies are integral to our understanding of the phenomenology of sexual desire in women. RBET calls for further research into the links between attachment, sexual body self-representations, and desire, and suggests that clinical interventions for sexual desire difficulties in women should emphasize internalized working models of relationships (i.e., attachment) and integrate bodily based approaches.

Oocyte retrieval difficulties in women with ovarian endometriomas.

What are the frequency, characteristics and consequences of technical diffiiculties encountered by physicians when carrying out oocyte retrieval in women with ovarian endometriomas? We prospectively recruited women undergoing IVF and compared technical difficulties between women with (n = 56) and without (n = 227) endometriomas. In exposed women, the cyst had to be transfixed in eight cases (14%, 95% CI 7 to 25%) and accidental contamination of the follicular fluid with the endometrioma content was recorded in nine women (16%, 95% CI 8 to 27%). Moreover, follicular aspiration was more frequently incomplete (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4 to 9.6). In contrast, the retrievals were not deemed to be more technically difficult by the physicians and the rate of oocytes retrieved per developed follicle did not differ. No pelvic infections or cyst ruptures were recorded (0%, 95% CI 0 to 5%). Oocyte retrieval in women with ovarian endometriomas is more problematic but the magnitude of these increased difficulties is modest.

A brief psychoeducational intervention improves memory contentment in breast cancer survivors with cognitive concerns: results of a single-arm prospective study.

One in three breast cancer survivors experiences persistent cognitive changes that can negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life. In our cancer center, the largest tertiary cancer center in Canada, patients with self-reported cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) are offered psychoeducation intended to reduce distress about CRCD symptoms and improve everyday cognitive performance, but evidence regarding this intervention's impact is lacking. Here, we assess whether a 1-hour (h), individual psychoeducational intervention designed to promote self-management of CRCD symptoms can improve attitudes and coping with memory-related difficulties in women with breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors with self-reported CRCD (N = 100) were assessed immediately before, immediately after, and 6weeks following the intervention. Participants' memory contentment, knowledge of CRCD, symptom distress, and self-efficacy to cope with symptoms were measured. Participants showed improvements in memory contentment immediately after the intervention (Cohen's d effect size and 95% CI = 0.87 [0.58, 1.16]) and 6weeks later (d = 0.77 [0.48, 1.05]). Significant improvements in secondary study outcomes, including knowledge of CRCD (d = 1.32 [1.01, 1.63]), symptom distress (d = - 0.82 [- 1.11, - 0.53]), and self-efficacy to cope with cognitive symptoms (d = 1.45 [1.14, 1.76]), were also observed. A single, 1-hour psychoeducational intervention can achieve lasting and improved adjustment to memory symptoms in breast cancer survivors with self-reported CRCD. Further investigation using a randomized controlled study design is warranted. Comparisons with previously reported psychoeducational interventions for CRCD are made, and next steps for this research are discussed.

Factors associated with romantic relationship formation difficulties in women with breast cancer.

Many un-partnered women report difficulty in forming romantic relationships after breast cancer, characterized by high dating-related anxiety and low perceived interpersonal competence. This study examined the relationship between poor body image (appearance investment and body dissatisfaction) and self-compassion, and women's ability to form romantic relationships post-breast cancer. Women (N=152) diagnosed with breast cancer, who were either un-partnered and expressed interest in romantic dating, or who had commenced a relationship post-diagnosis, completed an online survey. Assessments included the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, Dating Anxiety Scale, Self-compassion Scale, Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised, Body Image Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Multiple regression analyses assessed the relationships between these variables. Partnered and un-partnered women differed in levels of dating anxiety, interpersonal competence, anxious attachment, and the self-evaluative salience facet of appearance investment. Analyses revealed a significant model for dating anxiety, with high self-evaluative salience, body image dissatisfaction, and attachment avoidance independently associated with this outcome. The model for interpersonal competence was also significant, with low attachment avoidance and high self-compassion independently associated with this outcome. Un-partnered women who place high importance on appearance for their self-worth and who report poor body image and low self-compassion are at risk of experiencing difficulties in forming new romantic relationships after breast cancer. Future interventions should target these variables to facilitate romantic dating during cancer survivorship.

A comparison of the PHQ-2 and MGMQ for screening for emotional health difficulties during pregnancy

BackgroundRoutine screening for emotional health difficulties in women during pregnancy is now advocated in several countries. There is a need therefore to compare the performance of different self-report measures to accomplish this. This study reports on the comparative performance of two such measures– the well-established PHQ-2, which aims to detect depression, and the more recent MGMQ, which aims to detect a wide array of negative emotions. MethodWomen (N = 2292) attending a public hospital antenatal clinic over a 14-month period completed the two measures, either on their own (72%), verbally administered by the midwife (25%), or with an interpreter (3%). ResultsSimilar rates of women screened positive on each instrument (PHQ-2: 11.6%; MGMQ: 12.3%), but the overlap between the two measures was low. The PHQ-2 only detected 58% of the MGMQ screen positive women, while the MGMQ detected 89.5% of the PHQ-2 screen positive women. No clinically meaningful difference in screen positive rates on either measure was evident for the administration method. LimitationsNo demographic data were available apart from gestational age, and only about half the women presenting to the clinic during the time period were screened with the measures. ConclusionThe MGMQ detected a greater proportion of women screening positive on the PHQ-2 than vice-versa. This is part due to the MGMQ's focus on a wider range of negative emotions than just depression. Accumulating evidence for this MGMQ indicates that clinical services can consider using this simple measure if they wish to screen for a broad range of negative emotions during pregnancy and postnatally.

Sexual Functioning in Experienced Meditators

ABSTRACTGiven evidence of the benefits of mindfulness for women's sexual difficulties, we investigated the relationship between meditation experience and women's sexual function. Women (N = 450) answered online survey questions about meditation experience, sexual function and desire, interoceptive awareness, health and mood. Women who meditated scored higher than nonmeditators on measures of sexual function and desire, however there was no significant correlation between frequency/length of meditation experience and either of these domains. Global mental health was a significant predictor of both increased sexual function and desire in women who meditate. These findings suggest that, compared to women with no meditation experience, women who meditate to any extent have, on average, improved sexual function associated with better overall mental health.

The buffer effect of body compassion on the association between shame and body and eating difficulties

Body compassion is a new construct which incorporates two multidimensional concepts: body image and self-compassion. Self-compassion has been revealed as a protective mechanism against body image and eating-related-related disturbances, including eating disorders. However, the study of this compassionate competence specifically focused on the domain of the body is still largely unexplored.This study aims to test whether body compassion moderate the impact of external shame on body image shame and disordered eating, in a sample of 354 women from the Portuguese general population.Correlation analyses showed that body compassion was negatively associated with experiences of shame and disordered eating. Path analysis results demonstrated the existence of a moderator effect of body compassion on the relationship between general feelings of shame and both body image shame and related behaviours, and disordered eating symptomatology. In fact, results suggested that body compassion buffered the impact of general feelings of shame on these psychopathological indices, with the tested model accounting for 46% and 39% of the variance of body image shame and disordered eating, respectively.This study contributes to a better understanding of the role of body compassion in body image and eating difficulties. Body compassion seems to be an important protector of these difficulties in women by buffering the effects of general shame on body image shame and related body concealment behaviours, as well as disordered eating. The findings from this study thus appear to offer important research and clinical implications, supporting the relevance of promoting body compassion in prevention and treatment programs for body image difficulties and disordered eating.

Sleep problems during the menopausal transition: prevalence, impact, and management challenges.

A substantial number of women experience sleep difficulties in the approach to menopause and beyond, with 26% experiencing severe symptoms that impact daytime functioning, qualifying them for a diagnosis of insomnia. Here, we review both self-report and polysomnographic evidence for sleep difficulties in the context of the menopausal transition, considering severity of sleep complaints and links between hot flashes (HFs) and depression with poor sleep. Longitudinal population-based studies show that sleep difficulties are uniquely linked with menopausal stage and changes in follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol, over and above the effects of age. A major contributor to sleep complaints in the context of the menopausal transition is HFs, and many, although not all, HFs are linked with polysomnographic-defined awakenings, with HF-associated wake time contributing significantly to overall wakefulness after sleep onset. Some sleep complaints may be comorbid with depressive disorders or attributed to sleep-related breathing or movement disorders, which increase in prevalence especially after menopause, and for some women, menopause, age, and environmental/behavioral factors may interact to disrupt sleep. Considering the unique and multifactorial basis for sleep difficulties in women transitioning menopause, we describe clinical assessment approaches and management options, including combination treatments, ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to hormonal and nonhormonal pharmacological options. Emerging studies suggest that the impact of severe insomnia symptoms could extend beyond immediate health care usage and quality of life issues to long-term mental and physical health, if left untreated in midlife women. Appropriate treatment, therefore, has immediate benefit as well as advantages for maintaining optimal health in the postmenopausal years.

Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to provide insight into female sexual difficulties

ABSTRACTSexual experiences and behaviour are particularly open to social and cultural influences; this is especially true within the area of female sexuality. While research into the social and cultural aspects of sexuality proliferated throughout the 1970s and 1980s, contemporary biomedical approaches to sexuality research have largely ignored the complex interplay of such dimensions. In this methodological paper, we reflect upon how Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) can be used by sexuality researchers to explore women's sexual experiences and difficulties and to locate these experiences within cultural and social contexts. By drawing on the authors’ experiences of using IPA to explore how women cope with the sexual side effects of antidepressant medication, we provide an overview of IPA as a research approach, briefly summarise studies which have used IPA to explore women's sexual experiences and difficulties and outline a series of steps on how to conduct an IPA study. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate debate, and encourage sexuality researchers to explore and consider the use of IPA to contribute to a research agenda based on women's individual needs and desires.

Determination of medical abortion eligibility by women and community health volunteers in Nepal: A toolkit evaluation.

ObjectiveTo determine if pregnant, literate women and female community health volunteers (FCHVs) in Nepal can accurately determine a woman’s eligibility for medical abortion (MA) using a toolkit, compared to comprehensive abortion care (CAC) trained providers.Study designWe conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study in which women presenting for first trimester abortion, and FCHVs, independently assessed each woman’s eligibility for MA using a modified gestational dating wheel to determine gestational age and a nine-point checklist of MA contraindications or cautions. Ability to determine MA eligibility was compared to experienced CAC-providers using Nepali standard of care.ResultsBoth women (n = 3131) and FCHVs (n = 165) accurately interpreted the wheel 96% of the time, and the eligibility checklist 72% and 95% of the time, respectively. Of the 649 women who reported potential contraindications or cautions on the checklist, 88% misidentified as eligible. Positive predictive value (PPV) of women’s assessment of eligibility based on gestational age was 93% (95% CI 92, 94) compared to CAC-providers’ (n = 47); PPV of the medical contraindications checklist and overall (90% [95% CI 88, 91] and 93% [95% CI 92, 94] respectively) must be interpreted with caution given women’s difficulty using the checklist. PPV of FCHVs’ determinations were 93% (95% CI 92, 94), 90% (95% CI 89,91), and 93% (95% CI 91, 94) respectively.ConclusionAlthough a promising strategy to assist women and FCHVs to assess MA eligibility, further refinement of the eligibility tools, particularly the checklist, is needed before their widespread use.

„Jestem bezsilna, mogę popłakać w ukryciu” – kobiety skazane na kary długoterminowe o dolegliwościach pobytu w więzieniu

Autorka omawia dolegliwości odczuwane przez kobiety skazane na kary długoterminowe oraz sytuacje trudne przez nie doświadczane. Pierwsza część artykułu to podbudowa teoretyczna. Omówiono w niej sytuacje trudne i dolegliwości doświadczane przez osoby pozbawione wolności wspólne dla obydwu płci. Jednakże odczuwane elementy opisanego zbioru dolegliwości, a także ich stopień, są indywidualne dla każdego skazanego, a ich aktywizacja jest zależna nie tylko od osobowości skazanego, jego sytuacji przed osadzeniem czy typu zakładu karnego, ale także płci jednostki inkarcerowanej. Podjęta problematyka wymagała więcodrębnego zaprezentowania kwestii związanych z odczuwaniem dolegliwości kary pozbawienia wolności przez kobiety. Druga część to analiza badań własnych autorki przeprowadzonych w Zakładzie Karnym nr 1 w Grudziądzu. Artykuł kończą wnioski dotyczące dolegliwości kary pozbawienia wolności odczuwane przez kobiety skazane na kary długoterminowe i wskazania dotyczące pracy penitencjarnej z badanymi kobietami.

Perceived Sexual Difficulties and Sexual Counseling in Men and Women Across Heart Diagnoses: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundIschemic heart disease and heart failure often lead to sexual difficulties in men, but little is known about the sexual difficulties in women and patients with other heart diagnoses or the level of information patients receive about the risk of sexual difficulties. AimTo investigate perceived sexual difficulties and associated factors in a mixed population of men and women newly diagnosed with heart disease and provide insight into sexual counseling and information given by health care professionals. MethodsThis article reports on a cross-sectional, questionnaire study sent to a randomly selected sample of men and women newly diagnosed with heart failure, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, or heart valve surgery. Eligible patients were identified by diagnosis using the Danish National Patient Register, which contains all diagnoses. OutcomesSexual difficulties were self-reported using single-item questions, and factors associated with sexual difficulties were collected from the survey and national registers. ResultsThe study population consisted of 1,549 men and 807 women (35–98 years old) with heart failure (n = 243), ischemic heart disease (n = 1,036), heart valve surgery (n = 375), and atrial fibrillation (n = 702). Sexual difficulties were reported by 55% of men and 29% of women. In a multiple regression analysis, difficulties in men were associated with being older (≥75 years old; odds ratio [OR] = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.13–3.43), having heart failure (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.16–3.71), diabetes (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.15–2.82), hypertension (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.06–1.93), receiving β-blockers (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.02–1.86), or having anxiety (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.34–3.80) or depression (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.38–5.43). In women, difficulties were significantly associated with anxiety (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.51–5.95). A total of 48.6% of men and 58.8% of women did not feel informed about sexuality, and 18.1% of men and 10.3% of women were offered sexual counseling. Clinical ImplicationsHeart disease increases the risk of sexual difficulties and there is a need for improved information and counseling about sex and relationships for patients. Strengths and LimitationsThis large nationwide survey of men and women combined a survey with administrative data from national registries. However, this study used non-validated single-item questions to assess sexual difficulties without addressing sexual distress. ConclusionMore than half the men and one fourth the women across common heart diagnoses had sexual difficulties. No difference was found among diagnoses, except heart failure in men. Despite guidelines recommending sexual counseling, sexual difficulties were not met by sufficient information and counseling.Rundblad L, Zwisler AD, Johansen PP, et al. Perceived Sexual Difficulties and Sexual Counseling in Men and Women Across Heart Diagnoses: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2017;14:785–796.

Body Awareness and Bodily Dissociation Among Those With and Without Sexual Difficulties: Differentiation Using the Scale of Body Connection

The goal of this study was to explore potential body awareness and bodily dissociation differences between men and women with and without sexual difficulties, using the Scale of Body Connection in a sample of 909 participants. In women, bodily dissociation scores were significantly higher across all reported sexual difficulties, except in sexual pain. Women with lack of sexual interest and sexual arousal had significantly lower body awareness when compared to women without these difficulties. These findings suggest the importance of targeting body awareness and bodily dissociation in the treatment of women's sexual difficulties.

가족의례가 가족건강성에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 가족의례의 종류에 따른 주요활동과 갈등요인들을 확인하고, 가족의례가 가족건강성에 미치는 영향을 살펴봄으로써 가족건강성을 높일 수 있는 실천적 함의를 제공하는 데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 성인남녀 216명에게 설문조사하였고, 결과를 확인하기 위해 빈도분석, MANOVA, 중다회귀분석을 실시하였다. 주요 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 가족식사의례의 주요활동은 '집에서 직접요리'가 가장 많았고, 갈등요인은 '일이 너무 바빠서'가 가장 많았다. 가족주말여가의례의 주요활동은 '근교나들이', 갈등요인은 '가족공동의 시간을 갖기 어려워서'가 제일 많았다. 가족생일의례의 주요활동은 '케익 준비하기', 갈등요인은 '내 생일을 가족이 잊어버려서'가 제일 많았다. 결혼기념일의례의 주요활동은 여성의 경우 '외식하기', 남성의 경우 '꽃이나 선물주기', 갈등요인은 여성의 경우 '배우자가 결혼기념일을 잊어버려서', 남성의 경우 '내가 원하는 축하방식이 아니어서'가 제일 많았다. 명절의례의 갈등요인은 여성의 경우 '배우자가 나의 어려움을 이해해주지 못하는 것 같아서', 남성의 경우 '친척들과의 인간관계 문제'가 제일 많았다. 둘째, 연령에 따라 가족의례에 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 가족의례는 가족건강성에 통계적으로 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. The purpose of this study is first to examine the tendency in what kind of activities and difficulties are carried out as family rituals. Second, the study was to investigate the effects of family rituals on family strengths. To accomplish study purpose, 216 married women/men were asked to fill out the survey questionnaires. For analysis of data, SPSS Win program was used to perform Frequency Analysis, MANOVA, Multiple Regression Analysis. (1)In the dinner rituals, it turned out that a main activity was 'serving homemade food' and a majority of subjects had a difficult time establishing a regular ritual due to 'their busy schedule at work'. In the weekend leisure rituals, a main activity was 'paying a visit to suburbs' and a main difficulty was 'lack of mutually available time for all family members'. In the birthday rituals, a main activity was 'preparing a birthday cake' and a main difficulty was 'because family members forget their birthday'. In the wedding anniversary rituals, women's main activity was 'eating out' and men's main activity was 'give a partner to a flower or gift', and a main difficulty was 'because family members forget their birthday' and 'because it was not a wanted celebration'. Finally, in the traditional rituals, women's main difficulty was 'partner doesn't understand my difficulties' and men's main difficulty was 'trouble human relationships with relatives'. (2)The family rituals were significantly different according to the age. (3)'Closeness of family members', 'task performance and problem solving skills' and 'sharing a value system of family members' were affected by the family rituals.