Dyadic Cohesion Research Articles

Development and validation of the Peer Interaction Macro-Coding System Scales (PIMS): a new tool for observational measurement of social competence in youth with spina bifida.

Many children with chronic health conditions encounter enduring difficulties in their peer interactions and friendships. This study aimed to create and validate scales derived from an observational coding system (i.e., Peer Interaction Macro-Coding System, or PIMS) in a sample of children with spina bifida and their peers. Participants were 106 target child-peer dyads who completed a battery of questionnaires and interviews and were videotaped performing 4 interaction tasks, which were then coded across multiple domains of social functioning. Five scales (i.e., Control, Prosocial Skills, Positive Affect, Conflict, and Dyadic Cohesion) were rationally derived based on a review of the literature and a panel of experts. Internal consistency and interrater reliability at the scale level were good to excellent for all 5 scales. Interscale correlations were in the low-to-moderate range for 4 of the scales, although the Dyadic Cohesion Scale was highly correlated with two other scales and was subsequently dropped. Convergent validity and discriminant validity were established by examining the 4 remaining scales in association with comparable questionnaire and interview data. The 4 PIMS scales appear to be reliable and valid measures of social competence and may enhance future multimethod research efforts aimed at learning more about peer interactions and overall social competence.

Study of marital adjustment, mechanisms of coping and psychopathology in couples seeking divorce in India

The divorce rate in India is increasing. In some cases, divorce could result from psychopathology in one of the partners or in other cases may lead to major psychopathology. Therefore it is important to identify problems in marital adjustments. This study aims to find probable reasons for divorce, how people cope with it and whether any psychopathology is associated with it. A total of 100 respondents undergoing divorce were selected after obtaining their consent and interviewed using a semi-structured pro-forma, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Mechanisms of Coping Scale and the Symptom Checklist-90-R. Around 57% of divorce cases in our study were filed by women, 31% by men and 12% by mutual understanding. The primary reason for divorce in our respondents was interpersonal problems (34%). Marital adjustment was poor in 91.6% respondents, with a minimum score for dyadic cohesion and affectional expression. Fatalism, expressive action and problem solving were the commonly used coping methods. In all, 64% had significant psychopathology, with depression being the most common. Poor marital adjustment and emotion-based coping were associated with higher psychopathology, whereas parental support and having children were protective factors for psychopathology. Being in a ‘Love marriage’ was associated with good marital adjustment. Women outnumbered men in filing for divorce and in overall psychopathology.

Does Our Humor Affect Us?: An Examination of a Dyad's Humor Orientation

In this article, researchers explain how individuals' similarities in humor orientation influence dyadic cohesion and satisfaction. The researchers in this study investigated the impact of communication appropriateness as a mediating variable in relationships. Relational partners (n = 151 dyads) completed measures of both self and other regarding humor orientation, cohesion, and satisfaction. A couple's humor orientation was positively correlated with both dyadic satisfaction and cohesion. Communication appropriateness was a mediating factor in both the relationship between a couple's humor orientation and dyadic cohesion, and humor orientation and satisfaction. The overall dyadic humor orientation was more important than a couple's humor discrepancy, or either partner's scores.

Explanatory factors of sexual function in sexual minority women breast cancer survivors

The sexual function of sexual minority women (women with female partners) who are breast cancer survivors is mostly unknown. Our objective is to identify explanatory factors of sexual function among sexual minority women with breast cancer and compare them with a control sample of sexual minority women without cancer. Using a conceptual framework that has previously been applied to heterosexual breast cancer survivors, we assessed the relationship of each explanatory factor to sexual function in sexual minority women. Using generalized estimating equations, we identified explanatory factors of sexual function and identified differences by case and control status. Self-perception of greater sexual attractiveness and worse urogenital menopausal symptoms explain 44% of sexual function, after controlling for case and control status. Focusing only on partnered women, 45% of sexual function was explained by greater sexual attractiveness, postmenopausal status, and greater dyadic cohesion. All of the relevant explanatory factors for sexual function among sexual minority survivors are modifiable as has been suggested for heterosexual survivors. Sexual minority survivors differ from heterosexual survivors in that health-related quality of life is less important as an explanatory factor. These findings can guide adaptation of interventions for sexual minority survivors.

Predictors of Relationship Adjustment in Female Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

The current study investigated: (1) the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and four relationship adjustment variables (consensus, cohesion, affection, and satisfaction); (2) whether finding meaning in CSA and using mature defenses would predict relationship adjustment; and (3) whether meaning and mature defenses would moderate the association between CSA severity and relationship adjustment. The sample consisted of 287 undergraduate women, 95 of whom reported a history of CSA. All participants were involved in a romantic relationship at the time of the study. Results indicated a significant relationship between CSA history and dyadic consensus, whereby abused women reported less agreement with their partners than nonabused women. In the abused sample, CSA severity significantly predicted affection and mature defenses significantly predicted both affection and consensus in relationships. Furthermore, mature defenses moderated the relationship between CSA severity and dyadic cohesion (i.e., joint activities with one's partner). Contrary to hypotheses, meaning was not related to relationship adjustment and did not moderate the association between CSA severity and relationship adjustment. These findings advance the CSA literature by elucidating factors that predict healthy adjustment to CSA.

기혼여성의 부적응적 성격과 부부간의 갈등행동이 부부적응에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of maladaptive personality (borderline personality, narcissistic personality, and dependent personality) and conflict behavior on marital adjustment(dyadic satisfaction, dyadic consensus, dyadic cohesion, and affectional expression) among married women. Subjects in this study were 725 married women who lived in Cheong-buk, in Gyeonggi province, Korea. Data were analyzed by the methods of frequency, percentage, Cronbach's <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, and factor analysis, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical regression using SPSS-WIN version 12.0. The results of this study were as follows: 1) the less borderline personality was perceived, the more narcissistic personality was perceived, In addition, a greater perceived amount of destructive conflict behavior of wives was linked to highdyadic satisfaction in the wives'. Wives' destructive conflict- behavior was the most important parameter to predict dyadic satisfaction. 2) The less borderline personality was perceived, the less dependent personality was perceived, while the more narcissistic personality was perceived, the more destructive conflict behavior of husbands was perceived, with the, wives' incidence of dyadic consensus appearing high. Husbands' destructive conflict behavior was the most important parameter to predict a dyadic consensus. 3) The less borderline personality was perceived, the more narcissistic personality was perceived, In addition, more destructive conflict behavior of the husbands was linked to highdyadic cohesion in the wives'. Husbands' destructive conflict behavior was the most important to predict dyadic cohesion relatively. 4) The more destructive conflict behavior of wives was perceived, the higher the wives' affectional expression appeared. The wives' destructive conflict behavior was the most important parameter to predict affectional expression.

원가족 분화경험이 기혼남녀의 결혼적응에 미치는 영향: 불안과 행복감을 매개로

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of family-of-origin differentiation, anxiety, and sense of well-being on marital adjustment among married men and women. The Participants of this study were 244 married men and 324 married women, who had preschooler children. The results were as follows: First, family-of-origin differentiation in both men and women had a direct effect on anxiety and sense of well-being. Second, family-of-origin differentiation for both men and women were indirectly influenced by marital adjustment through anxiety and sense of well-being. Third, anxiety of women influenced dyadic consensus at greater degree than men`s. Fourth, anxiety and sense of well-being in both men and women had a direct effect on dyadic consensus, dyadic satisfaction, dyadic cohesion and dyadic affection expression. Finally, in women`s cases, it was indicated that emotional cut-off from mother directly influences marital adjustment.

Predictors of relationship adjustment among couples coping with a high risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer

This study investigated the association between supportive and collaborative processes and dyadic adjustment in 94 women at increased risk of breast/ovarian cancer and their partners. Participants were recruited through two familial cancer clinics. They completed mailed, self-report questionnaires that included measures of psychological distress, dyadic adjustment (consensus, cohesion and satisfaction) and couple predictor variables (perceived support and team approach). Most couples reported average-to-high levels of consensus, cohesion and satisfaction, with a small proportion of couples (6.4%) reporting scores that reached clinically significant levels of dyadic distress. Greater perceived support was associated with better dyadic consensus and satisfaction, and dyadic cohesion and satisfaction were higher among couples who reported greater use of a team approach. General distress did not moderate the association between dyadic coping and relationship quality. There were no significant relationships between intra-couple congruence on support or team approach, and dyadic adjustment. Most couples had a functional relationship in the face of the current health stressor, although a subgroup may be at elevated risk of negative psychological consequences, including further relationship strain. The results highlight that dyadic coping strategies are important factors involved in the quality of couples’ relationship following genetic counselling for breast/ovarian cancer risk.

Gambaran Penyesuaian Diadik pada Pasangan Dewasa Muda di Awal Pernikahan

Marriage is one of young adulthood’s developmental task. The beginning phase of marriage is often beyond expectation of the newlyweds, it is a hard adjustment time for the couples. Therefore, adjustment in this phase is crucial for future marriage quality. The aim of this research is to describe the dyadic adjustment of young adult couples in the beginning phase of their marriage, using Spanier’s dimension of dyadic adjustment. This reasearch use qualitative approach with interview and observation as data collection method. This research found that in dyadic consensus, one couple see a disagreement because of different way of thinking. In dyadic cohesion, one couple feel that they are lack of intimacy. In dyadic satisfaction, the couples tend to feel satisfied. While in affectional expression, the couples tend to express affection thruouh physical contact and behaviour that accord with their couple’s preference. Areas that could be improved are couple’s communication to reach dyadic concensus and couple’s intimacy to increase dyadic cohession.

The Effects of Attachment Styles, Problem-Solving Skills, and Communication Skills on Relationship Satisfaction

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of being secure or insecure, being an effective or ineffective problem solver, and having effective or ineffective communication skills on different dimensions of relationship satisfaction. The participants of the present study were 142 undergraduate and graduate students with a mean of 21.8 years. Multivariate Analysis of Variance results revealed a significant Attachment Style main effect on dyadic cohesion and dyadic satisfaction, and a significant interaction effect for Effectiveness of Problem Solving Skills x Level of Conflict Tendency. The results were discussed in the light of the existing literature.

Predictors of Women's Sexual Desire: The Role of Psychopathology, Cognitive-Emotional Determinants, Relationship Dimensions, and Medical Factors

Deficient sexual desire is a common sexual difficulty among women, often related to medical and psychiatric problems, lack of adjustment in a relationship, or age. However, the relative contribution of each one of these dimensions is not yet well establish. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main predictive factors of female sexual desire. A total of 237 women from the general population answered to a set of questionnaires assessing psychopathology, cognitive-emotional factors, dyadic adjustment, presence of medical pathologies, and menopause. Psychopathology measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), dysfunctional sexual beliefs measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotions in sexual context measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, dyadic adjustment measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, medical condition measured by the Medical History Formulation, and sexual desire measured by the Sexual Desire subscale of the Female Sexual Function Index. Findings indicated that psychoticism was the only psychopathological dimension that significantly predicted sexual desire (beta = 0.37). Conservative beliefs (beta = -0.33) and age-related beliefs (beta = -0.25) were also significant predictors of desire. Additionally, lack of erotic thoughts (beta = -0.28), failure and disengagement sexual thoughts (beta = -0.64), and thoughts related to female passivity (beta = 0.31) during sexual activity were significant predictors of desire. Regarding relationship dimensions, dyadic cohesion (beta = 0.37), and dyadic affection (beta = 0.45) were the best predictors of sexual desire. Moreover, postmenopausal women and women with medical problems presented reduced sexual desire. A multiple regression analysis (enter method) including all these variables plus age, indicated that failure/disengagement thoughts during sexual activity was the only significant predictor of sexual desire in women (beta = -0.52). Results support the role of cognitive dimensions in the maintenance of women's sexual interest, and suggest implications for assessment and treatment of sexual desire difficulties.

Individual Self-Determination and Relationship Satisfaction of Athletes in Dyadic Sports: Examining the Moderating Role of Dyadic Self-Determination

The main goal of this study was to explore a multilayered hierarchical model of motivation in which the role of self-determination at the dyadic level is expected to moderate the relationship between individual self-determination and both cohesion and relationship quality of athletes in dyadic sports. The sample consisted of 66 athletes from 3 different sports: badminton, figure skating, and synchronized swimming. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing self-determination, relationship quality, and dyadic cohesion. Results indicated that dyadic self-determination moderated the relationship between individual self-determination and cohesion as well as the relationship between individual self-determined motivation and relationship quality. Results are discussed in line with self-determination theory and avenues for future research are proposed.

The Unifying Difference: Dyadic Coping With Spontaneous Abortion Among Religious Jewish Couples

In this study we examined the meaning of abortion in the religious Jewish sector on both the individual and the couple levels. In a qualitative, descriptive, interpretive-narrative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with five religious couples. Both members of each couple were interviewed separately. The findings show that although both members of the couple experienced spontaneous abortion as a loss, each expressed it in different ways and thus perceived it differently in the couple relationship. Men who demonstrated the ability to bypass their own pain and made an effort to respond to their partners' distress motivated the women's exit from the isolation cycle, and contributed to a sense of dyadic cohesion and to creating a meaning for their "togetherness." These findings are discussed in the context of research and theoretical literature that deal with bereavement and mourning processes, and with constructing meaning for a pregnancy-related loss.

Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale as a Reliable Tool for Assessment of Quality of Marital Relationship in Patients on Long-Term Hemodialysis

Although the revised dyadic adjustment scale (RDAS) has been widely used as an indicator of the quality of marital relationship, no report is available on the reliability of this measure in patients on hemodialysis. We examined the internal consistency of the RDAS in a group of Iranian patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. A translated Persian version of the RDAS was self-administered to 135 patients. The internal consistency of the RDAS was tested using the Chronbach alpha coefficient which was 0.898, 0.683, 0.779, 0.827, and 0.836 for the RDAS total score and the dyadic consensus, affective expression, dyadic satisfaction, and dyadic cohesion subdomains, respectively. All of the Chronbach alpha scores were higher in patients with higher income and education level. Using the RDAS to examine marital relationship quality in patients on hemodialysis, the total score and almost all subscores except for dyadic consensus had adequate internal consistency.

Factorial invariance of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale across gender.

The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; G. B. Spanier, 1976) is the most widely used inventory of relationship satisfaction in the social sciences, yet the question of whether it is measuring the same concept in men and women has never been addressed. In the current study, the authors examined the factor structure of the DAS in a sample of 900 currently married couples who participated in the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to a second-order factor solution with Spanier's four factors (Dyadic Consensus, Dyadic Satisfaction, Dyadic Cohesion, Affectional Expression) loading on one higher order factor (Relationship Adjustment), to test for measurement invariance across gender. The second-order solution was relatively invariant across gender, even when taking into account the nonindependent nature of the data. This suggests that the best conceptualization of the DAS is one of a gender-invariant measure of marital adjustment with four distinct subfactors and that differences between men and women on any of these constructs can be interpreted by both clinicians and researchers as true mean differences rather than measurement bias.

Path Analysis for Adherence to Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Among Women With Urinary Incontinence

This study developed and tested the accuracy of a model designed to predict adherence to a pelvic floor muscle exercise regimen by Taiwanese women with urinary incontinence. The sample was composed of 106 women treated for urinary incontinence at urban hospitals in central and northern Taiwan from April 2000 to March 2003. All participants had practiced prescribed pelvic floor muscle exercises for at least 6 weeks at the time they completed study measures, which included adherence to pelvic floor muscle exercise, self-efficacy for the exercise, knowledge of the exercise, attitudes toward the exercise, dyadic cohesion, perceived benefits of the exercise, and severity of urine loss. After stepwise multiple regression analysis, a path analysis was conducted, with significant paths retained as modifiers. Self-efficacy for pelvic floor muscle exercise strongly and directly affected adherence to the exercise regimen. Attitudes toward the exercise, dyadic cohesion, and perceived benefits of the exercise affected adherence when mediated by self-efficacy for pelvic floor muscle exercise. Severity of urine loss also directly affected adherence. Exercise knowledge affected neither self-efficacy nor adherence. The model fit the data and accounted for 40% of adherence variance. Findings affirm the significant role of self-efficacy in predicting adherence to pelvic floor muscle exercise. Thus, self-efficacy for exercise can be an indicator for nurses to tailor exercise-training programs for women with urinary incontinence. Nurses can use the study findings to develop interventions to increase women's adherence to the exercise.

Perception of Marital Quality by Parents with Small Children

Swedish couples' perceptions of their marital quality when their firstborn was 6 months old and then 4 years later were studied in 2002 and 2006, respectively. The results show that almost half of the 368 responding parents were satisfied with their marital relationship both in 2002 and 2006 as assessed by a modified Dyadic Adjustment Scale. However, a study of the various dimensions showed a significant decrease in marital quality. Housework and child care were perceived as having a greater strain on the relationship between couples who had had additional children during this period. Dyadic Sexuality and Dyadic Cohesion were the most significant predictors of marital quality. Covariates of marital quality in the group with additional children were "partner relation and parenthood perceived as a strain" and "perceived social support." The results emphasize the need for supportive interventions for parents with children aged 0 to 4 years.

La construcción del Apego, la cohesión Diádica y la Comunicación en pacientes con Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria

This paper presents a study comparing three samples of participants (30 patients with a restrictive eating disorder; 30 with a compulsive eating disorder; and 30 without eating disorders) in terms of their construction of attachment, dyadic cohesion, and communication. The three constructs were assessed by means of a form of Personal Construct Grid specifically designed to accommodate our research aims. None of the two eating disordered groups differed from the non-disordered eating group in their scoring of attachment. Howevcer, the mean scores of the compulsive eating disorder group were significantly lower than the ones of the non-eating disorder group in dyadic cohesion adn communication, but not in attachment. The paper duscusses these results in terms of likely differential patterns of conflict denial and avoidance between both subtypes of eating disorder.

Infertility Treatment and Marital Relationships: A 1-Year Prospective Study Among Successfully Treated ART Couples and Their Controls

Today many infertile couples become parents through assisted reproduction techniques (ART). A successful outcome improves emotional well-being in a majority of cases, but comparatively little is known about whether and how marital relations are affected during the transition to parenthood. The investigators studied the influence of ART on marital relations in 367 couples achieving singleton pregnancies by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection and 379 control couples who conceived spontaneously. The dyadic adjustment scale was used to assess parents' perceptions of their marriages when the child was 2 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) of age. Depression was rated during pregnancy using a short version of the Beck Depression Inventory. The ART and control couples did not differ significantly with regard to dyadic cohesion or marital satisfaction. Dyadic consensus deteriorated from T2 to T3 in control women but not those in the ART group. Men in the control group reported lower levels of sexual affection than did those in the ART group at T2, and stressful life events exaggerated this effect; no such difference was apparent at T3. Depression during pregnancy predicted worsened marital relations in control couples only. ART women experiencing several unsuccessful attempts at treatment exhibited good dyadic consensus and cohesion. Both spontaneous abortions and multiparity predicted relatively poor marital satisfaction in ART women. In ART men, a long duration of infertility and multiparity predicted poor marital relations. The investigators conclude from these findings that successful ART does not predispose to adverse marital adjustment. It is conceivable that the common stress of being infertile has the potential to stabilize marital relationships. This is only one example of how any life crisis may activate a couple's resources and strengthen their marriage.

Reproductive and Sexual Function After Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Long-Term Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor Survivors: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

To compare malignant ovarian germ cell tumor survivors with a matched control group of females on menstrual and reproductive outcomes, sexual functioning, and dyadic adjustment. Eligible patients met the following criteria: (1) history of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor; (2) treatment with surgery plus platinum-based chemotherapy; (3) age at least 18 years and continuously disease-free with minimum follow-up of 2 years; (4) capability of completing questionnaire and telephone interview; and (5) completion of written informed consent. The control group was drawn from acquaintances recommended by survivors and matched for age, race, and education. Scales with established reliability and validity were used to measure quality-of-life concepts of sexual functioning and social networks. One hundred thirty-two survivors and 137 controls completed the study. Of 132 survivors, 71 (53.8%) had fertility-sparing surgery. Of fertile survivors, 62 (87.3%) reported still having menstrual periods. Twenty-four survivors reported 37 offspring after cancer treatment. Compared with controls, survivors had significantly greater reproductive concerns (P < .0001), less sexual pleasure (P = .003), and lower scores on the total Sexual Activity Scale Score (P = .001). However, survivors had better dyadic consensus (P = .004), dyadic satisfaction (P = .005), and dyadic cohesion (P = .014). Women who had fertility-sparing surgery were very likely to retain menstrual function and fertility after chemotherapy. Although there is some increase in gynecologic symptoms and diminution in sexual pleasure, survivors tended to have stronger, more positive relationships with significant others.