Dyadic Relationships Research Articles

Shaping the future of work: how labour market intermediaries (LMIs) use institutional work to transition to triadic, project-based employment relationships

PurposeThis paper identifies how the operations of labour market intermediaries (LMIs) transform dyadic employment relationships into triadic ones. It reveals the change dynamics that LMIs engage in to bring about this transformation and that contribute to the projectification of work.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on an institutional-work lens and using interview data from both TempX, a German-based staffing service provider, and its client organizations, the analytical framework details the dynamics by which LMIs appropriate various HR tasks and different labour-market-organizing roles and thus create these triadic employment relationships.FindingsTempX assumes a powerful position between its client organizations and workers by increasingly taking over HR tasks from its client organizations, alternating between profiting from market transactions and engaging as a buyer and seller of labour. This powerful position, gradually created through four distinct, sequential, institutional work dynamics, allows it to transform dyadic employment relationships into triadic ones and to promote project-based work.Originality/valueBy showing how LMIs capitalize on the multiple services they offer, and how they use these services to establish a powerful position in both the labour market and in their relations with client organizations, this paper contributes to research on how LMIs change their institutional environment. Second, by showing that LMIs switch between different labour-market organizing roles and HR tasks, this paper reveals how essential this switching is for LMIs to establish triadic employment relationships and to drive the projectification of work, and thus it also contributes to research on LMIs’ role in the projectification of work.

Along the way: Pilot study of a perinatal interpersonal psychotherapy group on distressed women

ObjectiveThis is the first perinatal interpersonal psychotherapy group (P-IPTG) implemented for distressed women from pregnancy to postpartum. The aim is to explore the changes in postpartum adjustment for women who receive/do not receive P-IPTG and compare the changes of the two groups. MethodsA quasi-experimental longitudinal design was applied to Taiwan community women. The sample sizes of the intervention and control groups were 25 and 233, respectively. Participants replied to measures four waves from their third trimester to one year postpartum. The intervention group participants received an eight-session P-IPTG, which consisted of four sessions in pregnancy and four in postpartum. Within-group changes were examined by repeated measure ANOVA, and between-group changes were compared by generalized estimating equations (GEE). ResultsANOVA results showed that depression decreased from baseline to four months postpartum in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In the general dyadic relationship, no change was noted in the intervention group, while there was a reduction in the control group (F = 13.52, p < 0.001, eta2 = 0.055). GEE comparison indicated favorable changes in the intervention group: greater reduction in depression at four months postpartum (β = -3.35, Wald χ2 = 6.17, p = 0.013), greater improvements in perceived partner support at four and eight months postpartum (βs = 3.18, 3.12, Wald χ2s = 4.59, 3.95, ps = 0.032, 0.047), and greater enhancement in relationship satisfaction with mothers-in-law at eight months postpartum (β = 0.59, Wald χ2 = 4.81, p = 0.028). ConclusionP-IPTG can make favorable trends of change in postpartum depression and partner/in-law relationships. This pilot study lays a foundation for further research in longitudinal perinatal interventions.

The phenomenon of online infidelity in dyadic relationships

The article considers such a phenomenon of modern partnerships as online infidelity. The problems and relevance of online infidelity research in foreign and domestic literature are described. An attempt to operationalise and separate the concepts of microchange and online infidelity (cyber infidelity) is presented. The results of the aerobatic study with the help of an unstructured interview and a survey on the topic of online infidelity in partnerships between men and women are presented.

Supervisor-worker relationships and the work environment: Development and validation of a construction specific measure

The costs of work-related mental health place a considerable burden on employees, organisations, and communities; effective, evidence-based interventions addressing this issue are urgently needed. The influence of the work environment, particularly psychosocial hazards, on employees’ mental and physical health and safety is well-established within the broader health and wellbeing literature and is increasingly being recognised as an important issue within the Building and Construction Industry (BCI). In particular, the role of supervisors in shaping work conditions that contribute to, or ameliorate, psychosocial hazards has been emphasised in BCI contexts. While the quality of supervisor-worker relationships are important in their own right, there are a multitude of ways in which supervisors exert influence on the work environment that extend beyond the dynamics of the dyadic relationships, including clarifying role expectations and allocating resources to balance workloads. The dearth of valid and reliable measures to assess aspects of the work environment that influence (and are influenced by) the quality of supervisor-worker relationships is a critical barrier to implementing effective mental health interventions in the workplace. This research presents a two-part study outlining the development and validation of an 11-dimension measure of work characteristics, which are influenced by supervisor-worker relationships, for use in BCI contexts. Study 1A outlines the iterative approach taken to assess the suitability of existing published measures for adaptation within the BCI, employing interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders. This approach resulted in a preliminary People at Work – Construction (PAW-CON) pilot measure of 44-items. In Study 1B, the validity and reliability of the PAW-CON was assessed via a quantitative survey completed by 406 Australian BCI employees. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a final 36-item measure consisting of 11 aspects of work directly relevant to supervisor-worker relationships. These findings support using the PAW-CON measure in academic and applied BCI settings.

Dyadic relationships between informal caregivers and older adults with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-synthesis.

To synthesise the qualitative evidence on dyadic relationships between informal caregivers (ICs) and older adults with chronic heart failure (HF). A systematic review and meta-synthesis were conducted. Eight databases were searched for English peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published from inception to 27 February 2024. Qualitative and mixed-method studies involving older adults ≥ 55 years old with chronic HF and discussing patient-caregiver relationships in community settings were included. Data were synthesised using Sandelowski and Barroso's 2-step framework. A meta-summary was developed using thematic analysis, and findings were synthesised using the Theory of Dyadic Illness Management. Twenty-four studies from 2008 to 2024 were included (n = 580 participants). The meta-summary consisted of four themes and nine subthemes: (1) Characteristics of dyad relationships, (2) How both parts of the dyad care for each other, (3) Chronic HF and dyad relationships, (4) Knowledge of managing chronic HF. These were reorganised into the meta-synthesis: dyadic appraisal, dyadic management behaviours, dyadic health, contextual factors affecting dyadic relationships and management behaviours, and illness management as a dyadic phenomenon. Investigating relationship dynamics and their impact on dyads and chronic HF self-care is vital. Where possible, healthcare providers should prioritise dyadic care when caregivers are involved and deliver individualised care to improve patient and caregiver outcomes. Assessing and optimising dyadic relations, addressing individual perceptions and needs as part of clinical care, and before implementing self-care interventions in research may help ensure that self-care is appropriately tailored and would not be hindered by relationship conflicts.

Activation of androgen receptor-expressing neurons in the posterior medial amygdala is associated with stress resistance in dominant male hamsters

Social stress is a negative emotional experience that can increase fear and anxiety. Dominance status can alter the way individuals react to and cope with stressful events. The underlying neurobiology of how social dominance produces stress resistance remains elusive, although experience-dependent changes in androgen receptor (AR) expression is thought to play an essential role. Using a Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) model, we investigated whether dominant individuals activate more AR-expressing neurons in the posterior dorsal and posterior ventral regions of the medial amygdala (MePD, MePV), and display less social anxiety-like behavior following social defeat stress compared to subordinate counterparts. We allowed male hamsters to form and maintain a dyadic dominance relationship for 12 days, exposed them to social defeat stress, and then tested their approach-avoidance behavior using a social avoidance test. During social defeat stress, dominant subjects showed a longer latency to submit and greater c-Fos expression in AR+ cells in the MePD/MePV compared to subordinates. We found that social defeat exposure reduced the amount of time animals spent interacting with a novel conspecific 24 h later, although there was no effect of dominance status. The amount of social vigilance shown by dominants during social avoidance testing was positively correlated with c-Fos expression in AR+ cells in the MePV. These findings indicate that dominant hamsters show greater neural activity in AR+ cells in the MePV during social defeat compared to their subordinate counterparts, and this pattern of neural activity correlates with their proactive coping response. Consistent with the central role of androgens in experience-dependent changes in aggression, activation of AR+ cells in the MePD/MePV contributes to experience-dependent changes in stress-related behavior.

Facilitating Interfirm Collaboration by Using Social Media

ABSTRACT Purpose Using social media (SM) in the workplace is controversial. Managers are concerned about boundary spanners’ heavy use of SM for unproductive activities, while boundary spanners need task-focused SM usage to enhance cooperative intention, share mutual knowledge, and build long-term relations. To clarify the effects of SM usage, the authors draw on task–technology fit (TTF) theory to examine how task-focused SM usage (TSM) and relationship-focused SM usage (RSM) influence the efficacy of interpersonal guanxi in China’s emerging economy. Methodology/approach The authors test the proposed theoretical model by collecting 550 valid questionnaires of survey data from manufacturers in China. Ordinary least squares regression is used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. Findings The results of the statistical analysis show that interpersonal guanxi improves interfirm coordination and exchange performance. Furthermore, TSM usage strengthens the positive impact of interpersonal guanxi on interfirm coordination but weakens the positive effect of interpersonal guanxi on exchange performance, while RSM usage enhances its positive impact on exchange performance but weakens the positive effect of interpersonal guanxi on interfirm coordination. Research implications This study contributes to the literature by developing and testing the TTF-based framework of interpersonal guanxi and SM usage. The finding enriches our knowledge on the roles of interpersonal guanxi in the business-to-business (B2B) context. Practical implications This study offers the guidance for firms using SM in the B2B context. SM usage should be fited with firms’ and boundary spanners’ tasks, considering the complementary and supplementary nature of SM usage. Originality/value/contribution This study tests the different roles of SM usage, i.e., TSM versus RSM, in fostering the efficacy of interpersonal guanxi, providing a meaningful perspective on firms’ knowledge activities. Moreover, by proposing a TTF-based framework of interpersonal guanxi and SM usage, it explores the informational roles of boundary spanners’ SM usage in promoting dyadic relationships.

Mutual communication intervention for colorectal cancer patient-spousal caregiver dyads: A randomized controlled trial.

Gender could impact the psychosocial outcomes and coping strategies of cancer patients and their spousal caregivers (SCs). This study aims to develop a gender-concerned program for colorectal cancer (CRC) couple-based mutual communication intervention (MCI) and to assess its effectiveness on the intra-couple relationship and the individual functions of the partners. A randomized clinical trial with two study groups was utilized. A total of 144 CRC patients and their SCs were randomly assigned to either MCI or usual care (UC) groups, and all of them were required to complete the measurements at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome was for mutual communication, and the secondary outcomes included dyadic coping, relationship satisfaction, anxiety, depression, benefit finding and quality of life. The data were analysed by multi-level modelling. The MCI program was feasible and acceptable for Chinese CRC couples and was effective for the improvement of the intra-couple relationship and the individual functions of each partner. CRC patients showed more improvement in mutual communication and dyadic coping than their SCs in the MCI group. Also, this intervention effectiveness was found to be independent of gender. The MCI program is beneficial for Chinese CRC couple's adaptation outcomes. This suggests that clinical medical staff should consider the gender tendency during the implementation of interventions. More researches are needed to extend the application of the MCI program to different participants (e.g. patients with the diagnosis of other types of cancer and their SCs).

Biopsychosocial risk factors for intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization in adolescents and adults reported after the COVID-19 pandemic onset: a scoping review protocol.

This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the biological, psychological, and sociological risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and perpetration reported after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. IPV is a significant public health concern, characterized by various forms of violence inflicted by intimate partners. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the global prevalence of IPV. While prior research has identified factors linked to IPV, the risk factors reported in the literature during this period have not been systematically mapped. Additionally, the similarities and differences in risk factors between perpetration and victimization have not been well delineated. This review will focus on individuals aged 12 years or older involved in dyadic romantic relationships. Primary studies and systematic reviews published from the year 2020 will be included. Full-text papers, preprints, theses, and dissertations published in English will be included. Studies focusing on factors unrelated to IPV risk will be excluded. Non-systematic reviews, opinion pieces, and protocols will also be excluded. Following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, systematic searches will be conducted for both peer-reviewed and gray literature. Independent reviewers will screen records, select eligible studies, and extract data using a standardized form. Key risk factors will be mapped to explore their interplay. Open Science Framework https://osf.io/c2hkm.

Algorithmic Decision-Making, Agency Costs, and Institution-Based Trust

Algorithm Decision Making (ADM) systems designed to augment or automate human decision-making have the potential to produce better decisions while also freeing up human time and attention for other pursuits. For this potential to be realised, however, algorithmic decisions must be sufficiently aligned with human goals and interests. We take a Principal-Agent (P-A) approach to the questions of ADM alignment and trust. In a broad sense, ADM is beneficial if and only if human principals can trust algorithmic agents to act faithfully on their behalf. This mirrors the challenge of facilitating P-A relationships among humans, but the peculiar nature of human-machine interaction also raises unique issues. The problem of asymmetric information is omnipresent but takes a different form in the context of ADM. Although the decision-making machinery of an algorithmic agent can in principle be laid bare for all to see, the sheer complexity of ADM systems based on deep learning models prevents straightforward monitoring. We draw on literature from economics and political science to argue that the problem of trust in ADM systems should be addressed at the level of institutions. Although the dyadic relationship between human principals and algorithmic agents is our ultimate concern, cooperation at this level must rest against an institutional environment which allows humans to effectively evaluate and choose among algorithmic alternatives.

Effectiveness of a Patient-Family Carer Partnership Intervention on Blood Pressure Control for People with Hypertension in Rural Communities: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Objectives. To examine the effectiveness of a patient-family (carer) partnership intervention on the BP control, self-care and self-efficacy for hypertensive people, and dyadic-relationship quality, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and health-related quality of life for the family dyads (hypertensive people and family carers) in rural communities of mainland China. Design. A randomised controlled trial. Methods. A total of 110 family dyads were randomly recruited from village clinics and randomly allocated to the intervention group (n = 55) or control group (n = 55). Family dyads in the control group received usual care. In addition to the usual care, family dyads in the intervention group received the individual-based, five-session patient-family (carer) partnership intervention. The primary outcomes included SBP, DBP, and the proportion of people with normal controlled BP. EuroQol five-dimensional-five-level (EQ-5D-5L) was adopted to evaluate participants’ health-related quality of life. Data were collected at the baseline (T0), one-month (T1), and three-month postintervention (T2). Generalised estimating equation model was adopted to test the study hypotheses on all study outcomes. Results. Compared with the control group, hypertensive people in the intervention group had a greater reduction in SBP by 10.10 mmHg and DBP by 4.66 mmHg and a larger proportion of people with normal BP at T2, as well as statistically significant improvements at T1 and T2 in dyadic relationship, self-care, antihypertensive drug-titration rate, anxiety symptoms, and health-related quality of life. The intervention also had statistically significant positive effects on family carer’s dyadic relationship and health-related quality of life at T1 and T2. Conclusion. The patient-family (carer) partnership intervention has the potential to improve hypertensive people’s BP control and family dyad’s dyadic-relationship quality and mental health at short-to-medium term follow-ups. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care. This study provided evidence and direction to support healthcare providers in developing and implementing patient-family (carer) partnership intervention for hypertension care in rural areas. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900027087.

How dyadic emotional transmission shapes teacher-student relationship: effects of emotional convergence on cohesion in teacher-student interaction

How dyadic emotional transmission shapes teacher-student relationship: effects of emotional convergence on cohesion in teacher-student interaction

Evolutionary sensemaking: a managerial metacognitive dynamic capability to reduce information asymmetry

PurposeHow can managers reduce information asymmetry in dyadic manager-external stakeholder relationships in a complex and evolving environment? Addressing this question has significant implications for firm survival, growth, and competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachWe have adopted a multiparadigm approach to theory building, known as metatriangulation. We integrate the dynamic capabilities, sensemaking, and evolutionary theory literatures to theorize how managers can relate to stakeholders in a complex and evolving environment.FindingsWe propose, via a conceptual framework and three propositions, “evolutionary sensemaking” as the managerial metacognitive dynamic capability that helps managers hone their understanding based on the evolutionary changes in the stakeholder’s interpretations of information quality preferences. The framework unfolds across three evolutionary stages: sensing preferences' variation of the stakeholder, seizing preferences, and transforming for complexity alignment and retention. The propositions focus on managing complexity in stakeholder information quality preference, employing cognitive capabilities to simplify, interpret, and align interpretations for effective information asymmetry reduction.Practical implicationsTo develop the metacognitive dynamic capability of evolutionary sensemaking, managers need to train for and foster the underlying complex cognitive capabilities by enhancing their (1) perception and attention skills, (2) problem-solving and reasoning skills, and (3) language, communication, and social cognition skills, focusing specifically on reducing the complexity embedded in stakeholder cognition and diverse stakeholder preferences for information quality. Contrary to the current advice to “keep things simple” and provide “more” information to the stakeholders for opportunism reduction, trust-building, and superior governance, our framework suggests that managers hone their cognitive capabilities by learning to deal with the underlying complexity.Originality/valueThe proposed framework and propositions address research gaps in reducing information asymmetry. It enriches the dynamic capabilities literature by recognizing complexity (as opposed to opportunism) as an alternative source of information asymmetry, which needs to be addressed in this stream of research. It extends the sensemaking literature by identifying the complexity sources – i.e. stakeholder preferences for diverse information quality attributes and the associated cognitive preference interpretation processes. The article enhances evolutionary theory by delving into microprocesses related to information asymmetry reduction, which the existing literature does not thoroughly investigate.

Antecedents and outcomes of firm internet-interactive capability in interfirm relationships

PurposeThis study aims to explore whether and how the two potential antecedents (i.e. relationship quality at the dyadic level and network density at the network level) affect firms’ internet-interactive capability (FIIC), referring to the capability of a specific firm to communicate and interact with the relevant partner firms on the basis of internet-interactive technologies in the internet environment and, at the same time, the following influence of FIIC on collaborative activities (i.e. joint planning and joint problem-solving).Design/methodology/approachThis study designed a questionnaire and collected data on-site from 400 manufacturers. SmartPLS is used to validate the research model.FindingsThe results suggest that the dyadic relationship quality and network density of the partner group are both positively connected with a firm’s FIIC. Besides, FIIC is positively related to collaborative activities with its partners.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the nature of our data (i.e. cross-sectional), the authors can collect longitudinal or experimental data to retest the hypotheses.Practical implicationsThis study gives certain guidance for firms to be aware of the factors that motivate FIIC and use their FIIC to influence their employees’ collaborative activities in their relationships with partners, thereby promoting cooperation performance.Originality/valueThis study attempts to extend the resource-based theory based on the logic of motivation-capability by exploring the potential antecedents of FIIC and makes contributions to the current studies on the antecedents of FIIC, which provides actionable insights for firms to play the role of FIIC in interfirm interactions.

Friendship dimensions in diverse Greek primary education classrooms: Roma students and their non-Roma peers

ABSTRACT For children, friends play an important role in their socio-emotional development and psychological well-being. Friendships may hold additional value for students who come from minoritized backgrounds. This study aimed to examine representations and themes of friendship in diverse Greek classrooms in which Roma and non-Roma elementary-age students interact daily as an attempt to examine how dyadic relationships may help minoritized students better cope and overcome barriers and adversity. For this qualitative survey, Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the answers of a sample of 57 upper elementary students, 25 Roma, and 32 non-Roma counterparts, that came from similar low socioeconomic status backgrounds, had a permanent residence, systematically attended school, and according to their school grades and teacher, information demonstrated low language achievement. Identified themes revealed that students across groups reported similar information. Children highlighted the perceived similarity between their closest friend and themselves in terms of physical and personality characteristics, emphasised their shared lived experiences expanding through space and time while reflecting the stability and richness, and brought forth aspects of high-quality friendships, such as intimacy and support. The significance and implications for researchers and practitioners of this study are presented.

Benefits of a collaborative liquidity management approach: a simulation study for the Indian auto value chain

Purpose Liquidity is a primary concern for businesses. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of the collaborative liquidity management within the supply chain. Larger firms prescribe favorable trade terms in the transactions and do not engage in value chain vision sharing with their smaller counterparts. Smaller firms encounter challenges with liquidity and often face the risk of bankruptcy. Such practice can threaten the entire supply chain. Instead, collaborative liquidity management can offer a win–win scenario to both parties. In that case, what are the benefits of implementing a collaborative liquidity management approach across the value chain, and what is the reward? Design/methodology/approach The authors selected key liquidity metrics that matter most to the organizations from a cohort of 307 firms from the Indian automobile industry for 10 years (2012–2021). The authors classified the businesses into five distinct revenue-based categories. They emphasized the importance of expanded supply chain finance adoption and demonstrated how collaborative liquidity management strategies boosted return on assets. Findings The research confirms the tangible benefits of greater adoption of supply chain finance in realizing supply chain members’ shared vision. The authors challenged the age-old practice of power-based relationships in the supply chain. They recommended a win–win scenario through practical cooperation and increased adoption of SCF by value chain members. Originality/value Existing research predominantly focuses on dyadic relationships and is restricted to Europe and China. According to the authors, no comprehensive investigation has been conducted in India. This application of simulation techniques to improve the liquidity performance of companies in developing economies is innovative.

Cross-over Effects of Job Autonomy and Working Time on Mental Distress among Dual-earner Couples: A Longitudinal Dyadic Analysis

Objectives: Autonomy over job tasks, timing, and methods has become increasingly crucial for worker health and wellbeing. Despite extensive research on job autonomy's impact on individual mental distress, its spousal crossover effect in dual-earner couples, a growing workforce demographic, remains less understood. Methods:Using longitudinal dyadic data from the United Kingdom, we examine the dyadic relationship between job autonomy and mental distress among couples, and how it depends on job demands, such as working time. Results: Findings indicate that job autonomy can significantly reduce both spouses' own mental distress but indicate notable gender disparities in spousal crossover effects with husbands' job autonomy exerting a more substantial impact on their wives' mental distress than vice versa. Furthermore, a wife's job autonomy can more significantly reduce her mental distress, as well as her husband's, particularly when she works overtime. In contrast, the benefits of a husband's job autonomy for his own mental health persist regardless of his working time but are more evident for his wife when he works part-time. Conclusions: Overall, these insights highlight the gender-related interplay of job autonomy, working time, and mental distress, emphasizing the value of devising workplace health policies to satisfy the diverse needs among dual-earner couples.

“Seeing Eye to Eye” About Our Relationship Is Good for Us and Everyone Else: An Examination of LMX Agreement and Views of Fair Treatment

Research across a wide array of fields has established the organizational importance of fair treatment and why it should be a primary consideration of supervisors. As such, scholars have begun to unpack characteristics of organizations, supervisors, and employees that may promote fair treatment. Although this literature has been informative and is growing, we know little about how the dyadic interplay between leaders and followers—and, in particular, how both parties’ perceptions of that joint interplay—may facilitate or hinder views of fairness. The lack of clarity on this phenomenon is particularly problematic when one considers that there are several features of dyadic relationships within work units that—by their nature—work against the facilitation of fair treatment (e.g., supervisors inevitably provide some employees more/less information, support, and attention than others because they cannot establish high-quality exchange relationships with every employee). Drawing from common threads found in theories of fairness and role theory surrounding expectation alignment, we posit that the key to facilitating views of fair treatment at any level of relationship quality is for supervisors and employees to “see eye to eye” on LMX quality-LMX agreement. We further theorize that each party’s views of fair treatment flowing from LMX agreement (within the dyad) will ultimately result in leaders being more efficacious about their fairness-related abilities and employees performing at higher levels (beyond the dyad). Results of three field studies (and two supplemental preregistered experiments) largely support our theorizing and further show that fair treatment can result in a self-reinforcing positive fairness-efficacy spiral for supervisors. Funding: This research was partially funded by the University of Georgia's Institute for Leadership Advancement Research Scholar Award. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15475 .

Dyadic coping, resilience, and quality of life in young and middle-aged couples after gynecologic cancer: An actor-partner interdependence mediation model

PurposeTo examine the effects of dyadic coping on quality of life (QoL) and the mediating role of resilience in these effects among young and middle-aged couples after gynecologic cancer (GC). MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and June 2023 from one tertiary hospital in Wuhan, China. 240 pairs of young and middle-aged GC couples were recruited. The demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey were used to collect data. The process of dyadic analysis was based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. ResultsGC patients' dyadic coping had an actor effect on both their own physical and mental QoL, while spouses' dyadic coping only exerted an actor effect on their own mental QoL. The mediating effects of resilience on the relationship between dyadic coping and QoL were identified in dyads. Moreover, spouses' dyadic coping could indirectly influence patients' QoL through their own and patients' resilience. ConclusionThe findings confirm the dyadic relationships between dyadic coping, resilience, and QoL among young and middle-aged couples facing GC. These results suggest that it is necessary to develop couple-based interventions to improve dyadic coping and resilience, thus enhancing the QoL of both members.

From Nagorno-Karabakh to Taiwan: measuring patron-client relations of de facto states

ABSTRACT Seeking to add a comparative element to the study of patron-client relations, this article introduces a multidimensional measurement tool for analysing de facto-patron state relations. The tool is used to measure military, political, societal and cultural resource exchange sustaining de facto state patron-client relationships, focusing on the client side of this dyadic relationship as this is where the defining features of patron-client relationships are most evident due to the asymmetry of resources. The study uses original data on Abkhazia, Kosovo, Nagorno-Karabakh, Northern Cyprus, Taiwan, Transnistria and their respective patron states. Comparing their degrees of dependence and differences based on the type of patronage, the article also discusses the merits and shortcomings of the tool, inviting further development.