Individuals In Romantic Relationships Research Articles

Internalized homonegativity and mental health among sexual minority couples and parents

AbstractThis study examined the indirect effect of relationship and parental status on mental health through internalized homonegativity among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Prior research suggested that being in a relationship and becoming a parent may improve the mental health of LGB individuals, acting as protective factors against stigma and discrimination. However, the role of internalized homonegativity in mental health disparities between LGB individuals in relationships/parents and those who are not remains unclear. Therefore, we surveyed 491 LGB cisgender Israelis aged 18–64 years (M = 33.51, SD = 9.09) assessing relationship status, parental status, internalized homonegativity, depressive symptomatology, and life satisfaction. Indirect effects were explored using the PROCESS macro. Results showed that LGB individuals in romantic relationships reported lower depressive symptomatology and higher life satisfaction compared to those not in relationships. Similarly, LGB individuals who were parents reported lower depressive symptomatology and higher life satisfaction compared to non-parents. Significant indirect effect was found for couplehood/parenthood on depressive symptomatology/life satisfaction through internalized homonegativity. This study deepens the understanding of the interplay between couplehood, parenthood, and internalized homonegativity and their contribution to mental health of LGB individuals. It provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, highlighting the potential role of couplehood and parenthood in the mental health of sexual minority groups facing legal restrictions on marriage and parenting.

Internalized homonegativity and mental health among sexual minority couples and parents

AbstractThis study examined the indirect effect of relationship and parental status on mental health through internalized homonegativity among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Prior research suggested that being in a relationship and becoming a parent may improve the mental health of LGB individuals, acting as protective factors against stigma and discrimination. However, the role of internalized homonegativity in mental health disparities between LGB individuals in relationships/parents and those who are not remains unclear. Therefore, we surveyed 491 LGB cisgender Israelis aged 18–64 years (M = 33.51, SD = 9.09) assessing relationship status, parental status, internalized homonegativity, depressive symptomatology, and life satisfaction. Indirect effects were explored using the PROCESS macro. Results showed that LGB individuals in romantic relationships reported lower depressive symptomatology and higher life satisfaction compared to those not in relationships. Similarly, LGB individuals who were parents reported lower depressive symptomatology and higher life satisfaction compared to non-parents. Significant indirect effect was found for couplehood/parenthood on depressive symptomatology/life satisfaction through internalized homonegativity. This study deepens the understanding of the interplay between couplehood, parenthood, and internalized homonegativity and their contribution to mental health of LGB individuals. It provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, highlighting the potential role of couplehood and parenthood in the mental health of sexual minority groups facing legal restrictions on marriage and parenting.

An Empirical Investigation of Dating Violence: Prevalence, Patterns, and Psychological Impacts

Dating violence is a pervasive issue with far-reaching consequences, yet it remains underexplored in many contexts. This empirical investigation delves into the prevalence, patterns, and psychological impacts of dating violence, shedding light on its multifaceted nature. Through comprehensive analysis of survey data and qualitative interviews, this study uncovers the various forms of abuse experienced by individuals in romantic relationships. It examines the underlying triggers and dynamics contributing to abusive behavior, while also exploring the profound psychological effects on victims. By elucidating the intricacies of dating violence, this research aims to raise awareness, inform intervention strategies, and pave the way for greater support and advocacy in addressing this critical societal concern. Keywords: Dating Violence, Abuse Patterns, Psychological Impact, Intervention Strategies, Societal Awareness

On Creating Deeper Relationship Bonds: Felt Understanding Enhances Relationship Identification.

Relational experiences play a critical role in shaping how individuals see themselves. In four studies (N=945) using person-perception, longitudinal, and experimental designs, we demonstrate that feeling understood changes individuals' self-concept by increasing the centrality of a specific relationship (relationship identification). Study 1 showed that participants perceived an individual to be more identified with their relationship when their partner was high (vs. low) in understanding. Study 2 extended these results by examining individuals in romantic relationships longitudinally. The results of Studies 1 and 2 were distinct for understanding compared to acceptance and caring. Studies 3 and 4 manipulated felt understanding. Recalling many versus few understanding instances (Study 3) and imagining a close other being low versus high in understanding (Study 4) led individuals to feel less understood, which reduced identification in their friendships and romantic relationships. Furthermore, Study 4 suggests that coherence may be one mechanism through which felt understanding increases relationship identification.

Attachment anxiety and the dark triad increase stalking after breakups of romantic relationships through psychological maltreatment of romantic partners and reactions to breakups.

This study examined whether two personality traits, attachment anxiety, and the Dark Triad, longitudinally promote stalking behaviors after romantic breakups through psychological maltreatment of partners during relationships and maladjusted reactions to breakups. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study across four waves of assessment for 1 year of individuals in romantic relationships in Japan. They completed measures of attachment anxiety, the Dark Triad, need for control, and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration at Wave 1, and measures of maladjusted reactions to breakups (i.e., anger and rumination) and stalking behaviors at a wave after breakups. The final sample consisted of 356 participants who were involved in romantic relationships at Wave 1 and left by their partners during the survey period. Correlational analysis showed that the Dark Triad at Wave 1 was significantly positively associated with future stalking behaviors, but attachment anxiety was not. Structural equation modeling showed that attachment anxiety and the Dark Triad increased future stalking behaviors after breakups through psychological IPV perpetration during relationships. Additionally, attachment anxiety increased future stalking behaviors through higher levels of postbreakup anger and rumination. Conversely, we did not find any indirect effects of the Dark Triad on stalking behaviors through these reactions toward breakups. Overall, these results suggest that it is necessary to consider personality traits that could damage intimate relationships and to focus on the quality of romantic relationships to prevent stalking after romantic breakups. These results also indicate that emotion regulation may be useful in preventing stalking caused by attachment anxiety.

Executive Functions and Lifestyle in the Elderly: Study in a Portuguese Sample

Abstract Background: The global elderly population has been increasing, with aging often causing declines in cognitive abilities, notably executive functions. Objective: Analyze the relationship between executive functions and lifestyle in the aging process and to verify whether the relationship between executive functions and lifestyle is influenced by sociodemographic variables (gender, age, marital status, education and professional situation). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 276 participants (205 female), aged between 55 and 99 years old (M=75.28 and SD=10.359). Results: Advancing age and low education level affect the performance of executive functions, and marital status (in this case, being in a romantic relationship) can work as a protective factor as it increases this performance. Women and individuals in romantic relationships have a healthier lifestyle, and individuals with a low level of education have a less healthy lifestyle. Conclusions: These results have important implications in terms of public policy. Providing an environment that promotes health and a healthy lifestyle is essential to preserve good cognitive performance. Keywords: Cognitive aging, Executive functions, Lifestyle, Aging, Older adult.

Dominance and prestige in romantic relationships: Actor and partner links to relationship quality

Dominance and prestige reflect different forms of power and can affect relationship outcomes. Whereas dominance is a conflict-oriented way of dealing with people and grabbing status, prestige is derived from respect and esteem that is granted by others due to superior skills and knowledge. In this research, we tested three partially competing perspectives on potential associations of dominance and prestige with relationship quality (RQ). Sociobiological perspectives suggest that both concepts ensure the provision of valuable resources, and thus predict that both dominance and prestige would be positively linked to RQ. From a sociocultural perspective, men are expected to be dominant and prestigious whereas being dominant (and perhaps being prestigious) would violate the feminine gender-role stereotype; thus, both variables should relate positively to RQ only for men. From a personality perspective, dominance is characterized by undesirable attributes, whereas prestige is characterized by more desirable attributes; as such, only prestige should be positively related to RQ. We conducted four studies with individuals in romantic relationships in three different countries (Germany, Israel, and the US; Ntotal = 2,010 participants). The participants completed measures of dominance-prestige (as general attributes, as relationship-specific attributes, or in comparison with their partner) and measures of RQ. Although not entirely consistent across studies, our results were most consistent with the personality-based perspective. Prestige seems to benefit a relationship for both actors and partners whereas dominance is detrimental to relationship happiness. Yet, as some results showed that the negative link between dominance and RQ was stronger for women than for men, and the positive link between prestige and RQ was weaker for women than for men; thus some weak support for the sociocultural perspective was also found.

Effects of the need fulfillment given by opposite-sex friends on breakup considerations: A moderated mediation model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of need fulfillment given by opposite-sex friends (NFOF) on breakup considerations, the mediating role of love commitment in this relationship, and the moderating role of need fulfillment given by romantic partners (NFRP). A total of 334 unmarried individuals in romantic relationships from Northwest China were invited to participate in the study. The findings revealed the following: (1) NFOF significantly and positively predicted breakup considerations. (2) This relationship is mediated by love commitment (3) The association between NFOF and breakup considerations was moderated by NFRP (in terms of the first mediation path). Specifically, those who hold higher levels of NFRP are appreciably buffered against the negative impact of NFOF on love commitment. These findings emphasize the crucial role of NFOF and NFRP in shaping love commitment and breakup considerations. Moreover, our research has important realistic implications: NFOF, as a trigger, has a negative effects the quality of romantic relationships and leads to breakup considerations. And, the key to maintaining a romantic relationship is to focus on their partners' need fulfillment as much as possible and increasing the level of their love commitment.

Context of pornography consumption and sexual desire in romantic relationships

In society, pornography consumption is generally associated mostly with negative outcomes in relationships. Several studies also draw attention to the positive outcomes that pornography consumption can have. The current study investigated associations between the context of internet pornography use and sexual desire in a sample of 1742 individuals in romantic relationships. Having used an online questionnaire, we compared shared pornography consumption, concordant solitary consumption, discordant consumption, and no consumption. The study centred on the frequency of intercourse in relationships and partner-focused dyadic sexual desire. Results showed that shared pornography consumers and non-consumers had the highest frequency of intercourse per month compared to discordant consumers and solitary concordant consumers. In terms of sexual desire, shared consumers and discordant consumers had the highest sexual desire. However, the effect is caused more by the influence of gender than by the context of pornography consumption, as males showed higher sexual desire than females. Implications, significance, and limitations of obtained results in the present study are also discussed in relation to moderating variables included. It is suggested that the associations of these factors are investigated in future studies. Several directions for further research are discussed in light of these findings.

When Modes Collide: A Daily Diary Study of Mixed-Media Use and Conflict Behavior in Romantic Relationships

ABSTRACT A 5-day diary study examined if and how conflict behavior moderates the association between mode integration and relational and conflict outcomes among individuals in romantic relationships. Participants recorded daily conflict, conflict behavior, mode integration, relational satisfaction, and conflict resolution. In line with the communication interdependence perspective, the more mode integration individuals reported in constructive conflict, the more relational satisfaction they experienced. The data also revealed that the less mode integration individuals reported in low destructive conflict, the more conflict resolution they experienced. The results highlight the importance of examining conflict behavior and media use in tandem when studying romantic conflict.

Abusive behaviours in relationships, need satisfaction, conflict styles and relationship satisfaction: mediation and moderation roles

BackgroundThe current study focuses on the mediator role of abusive behaviour in romantic relationships (ABRR) in the relationship between subordination, retreat, and relationship satisfaction and the moderation role of relatedness and autonomy in the relationships between ABRR and relationship satisfaction.Methods333 (91 men, 242 women) Turkish emerging adults in relationships participated in this research. These participants completed a measure of abusive behaviour in romantic relationship, conflict resolution styles, relationship satisfaction and need satisfaction in romantic relationship. Models 1 and 4 of Process Hayes were used in SPSS 22 to investigate moderation and mediation roles.ResultsAccording to the results, ABRR has a full mediator role in the relationship between subordination and relationship satisfaction and has a partial mediator role in the relationship between retreat and relationship satisfaction. Another result of the study showed that ABRR negatively affected relationship satisfaction and that relatedness and autonomy moderated this relationship. Moderator roles are strong when the level of relatedness and autonomy are high.ConclusionsIn conclusion, subordination and retreat as well as ABRR are risk factors for relationship satisfaction for individuals in romantic relationships. Our results suggest that relatedness and autonomy present an adaptive approach and protection method associated with improved relationship satisfaction. Therefore, subordination, withdrawal, ABRR, autonomy, and relatedness should be considered in relationship satisfaction assessment and couple therapies.

Echoes of Slavery: Reflections on Contemporary Racial Discrimination in Black Americans’ Romantic Relationships

Informed by ecological and intersectional perspectives, this study examined how Black Americans’ reflections on the historical context of slavery and experiences with discrimination shaped their understandings of and experiences within their own relationships. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 individuals in romantic relationships. Findings of the thematic analysis covered five themes: comparing social climates, assumptions about Black relationships, the discrimination triad, an opportunity to respond, and valuing and celebrating Black love. Contemporary experiences of discrimination were a filter that echoed the historical devaluing and mistreatment of Black individuals and their relationships. Partners’ interactions around discrimination were critical opportunities to offer support to their romantic partner.

Relationship quality and mental health among sexual and gender minorities.

Sexual and gender minorities assigned female at birth (i.e., sexual minority women, transgender men, and gender diverse [SMW TGD] individuals) experience disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use problems. Romantic relationship involvement has been shown to be beneficial to mental health and substance use among sexual and gender minorities. However, few studies have explored the impact of relationship quality on mental health, or if high relationship quality can reduce the negative impact of minority stress on well-being in this population. The present study examined within-persons associations of romantic relationship quality with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and alcohol and cannabis use problems among SMW TGD individuals in romantic relationships, and tested relationship quality as a moderator of associations of minority stress with mental health and substance use. Participants were 213 SMW TGD individuals (mean age: 20.63; 70.9% cisgender women, 7.5% transgender men, and 19.2% gender diverse). Within-persons, higher relationship quality was associated with better mental health and substance use outcomes. Relationship quality at the between-persons level moderated the within-persons association of internalized heterosexism with depression, and of microaggressions with cannabis use problems. No other interaction effects were significant. The within-persons associations found in this study lend important support to relationship interventions based on theories that improvements in romantic relationship quality will result in improved well-being over time. Results can inform relationship education interventions to reduce mental health and substance use disparities in SMW TGD communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Operationalizing relational construal level to test relational turbulence theory: Linking relational turbulence in romantic relationships to interpersonal processes

Drawing upon construal level theory (CLT) and relational turbulence theory (RTT), two studies developed and assessed three operationalizations of relational construal level, defined as how concretely or abstractly people conceptualize their romantic relationship, and evaluated relational construal level as a mediator of the associations between relational turbulence and supportiveness, collaborative planning, and social network engagement using data reported by individuals in romantic relationships. In Study 1 ( N = 405), preference for abstract versus concrete descriptions of relational activities and tendency to make extreme versus neutral judgments about a partner demonstrated desirable measurement properties and negative associations with relational turbulence, as predicted. A third measure indexing the accessibility of relational judgments was associated with neither relational turbulence nor the other measures of relational construal level. Study 2 used a more ethnically diverse sample ( N = 414; Asian: n = 103, Black: n = 105, Hispanic: n = 102, White: n = 104) and identified preference for abstract versus concrete descriptions of relational activities as the most robust operationalization of relational construal level. Specifically, this measure was negatively associated with relational turbulence and mediated the associations between relational turbulence and supportiveness, collaborative planning, and social network engagement, as predicted by RTT.

Effects of Social Control on Eating and Relational Behaviors in Romantic Relationships.

Prior research has shown that social control strategies can have either positive or negative effects on individuals' health behaviors. However, no research has examined the degree to which social control attempts enacted by romantic partners are associated with individuals' relational behaviors or whether perceptions of a partner's motivation to engage in social control moderate links between the use of social control and either health or relational behaviors. This study investigated (a) the degree to which two classes of social control strategies that romantic partners can use to improve their partners' eating behavior (autonomy-supportive and autonomy-limiting strategies) are associated with eating and relational behaviors, and (b) whether perceptions of the partner's motivation for using social control moderate associations between its use and an individual's eating and relational behavior. This study had a daily diary design. One hundred and forty-seven individuals in romantic relationships completed surveys for 14 consecutive days. On days when individuals reported that their partner used autonomy-supportive social control strategies, individuals reported healthier eating and more constructive relational behaviors. There were no effects of autonomy-limiting strategies on eating or relational behavior. Perceptions of a partner's motives did not moderate associations between reported social control and any behavioral outcomes. Moreover, there were no effects of either reported social control strategies or partner motive perceptions across time. Romantic partners' perceived use of autonomy-supportive-but not autonomy-limiting-social control has benefits for individuals' health behaviors without incurring notable costs to their romantic relationship.

Single and Partnered Individuals' Sexual Satisfaction as a Function of Sexual Desire and Activities: Results Using a Sexual Satisfaction Scale Demonstrating Measurement Invariance Across Partnership Status.

Although some evidence exists to suggest that single (i.e., unpartnered) individuals are less sexually satisfied on average than are partnered individuals, it is unclear whether the variables correlating with each group’s sexual satisfaction are similar or different. This research sought to examine how desire for and actual engagement in solitary and partnered sexual activities are associated with both groups’ sexual satisfaction. We first conducted a preliminary study (n = 572) to test and refine existing measures of sexual satisfaction for applicability across relationship status. In two follow-up studies (N = 1,238), measurement invariance (across relationship status and gender) of the resulting 4-item sexual satisfaction scale was established. Further, results across the studies showed that for singles dyadic sexual desire was negatively related to sexual satisfaction, whereas no significant link was found with solitary desire. For individuals in romantic relationships, having higher sexual desire involving a partner and lower solitary desire were both associated with greater sexual satisfaction. When analyzing participants’ responses on the desired and actual frequency of engaging in specific sexual acts, we found that for both single and partnered individuals, frequent engagement in partnered acts was associated with greater sexual satisfaction. Wanting frequent engagement in partnered acts was associated with lower sexual satisfaction for both groups, but only if the current frequency of engaging in these acts was low. These findings suggest that at least during the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting desires for partnered sex plays an important role in maintaining a sexually satisfying life, regardless of one’s relationship status.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10508-021-02153-y.

Romantic relationships and the built environment: a case study of a U.S. college town

ABSTRACT Romantic relationships are a special type of relationship that affect happiness and wellbeing, but little is known about how romantic couples use the built environment to perpetuate their bond. We conducted a survey of 124 geolocated individuals in romantic relationships in State College, Pennsylvania, and used a mixed-method geographic information systems (GIS)/qualitative research framework to show how couples use the built environment. We illustrate their favorite places, the characteristics of these places, and how the town’s amenities and design helps their bond. Our results show that pedestrian and transportation infrastructure and a variety of proximal, affordable activities, (primarily restaurants and nature/outdoor spaces) are important for couples. We also find that on-campus attractions, not just those of the town, play an important role for romantic outings. We use these findings to encourage and recommend infrastructure for supporting romantic relationships in the future.

Asexuality and relationship investment: visible differences in relationship investment for an invisible minority

ABSTRACT Sexual attraction is a component of most romantic relationships, making it difficult to disentangle from other motives to invest in relationships. Despite the lack of sexual attraction that characterises asexuality, many self-identified asexual individuals report the desire to enter a romantic relationship. These understudied individuals provide a unique opportunity to study relationship investment in the absence of sexual attraction. We compared relationship investment, a well-established aspect of interpersonal relationships, between asexual (n = 139) and allosexual (n = 224) individuals. Participants completed a modified Investment Model Scale, which examined satisfaction, quality of alternatives, investment size, and commitment in romantic relationships and friendships. Contrary to our prediction that asexual individuals would invest less than allosexual individuals in romantic relationships, but not in friendships, they reported lower satisfaction, investment size, and commitment, and higher quality of alternatives than did allosexual individuals across both types of relationships. Although lack of sexual attraction could explain lower investment scores in romantic relationships for asexual individuals, some other effect may be responsible for reported differential investment in friendships.

Childhood Emotional Maltreatment and Romantic Relationships: The Role of Compassionate Goals.

Past research indicates that childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) undermines the quality of adult romantic relationships by fostering negative characteristics in survivors. Two longitudinal studies investigated the hypothesis that decreased compassionate goals toward partners over time explain the association between CEM and declining relationship quality. In Study 1, CEM predicted decreased compassionate goals over time, which in turn predicted decreased relationship quality in individuals in romantic relationships. Study 2 replicated this effect in romantically involved couples and showed that partners’ high compassionate goals attenuated the decline in compassionate goals associated with reported CEM. These results point to the importance of examining how CEM may affect positive relationship processes and the protective roles of partners’ compassionate goals.

Traditional gender roles attitude and romantic partner conflict among males: A Correlational study

Social norms and roles can affect our behavior and intrude on our alternatives. On the flip, that has an impact on and strain to comply may be constraining, specifically for individuals and personal goals for individuals who are much less aligned with the norms and roles of the one. Throughout the college years, a person socializing will increase to plenty volume. Chances of having a romantic relationship increase in those years of lifestyle. Exploring and being curious approximately the opposite genders and the eagerness to be in a courting with the alternative gender boom at its height So, conventional roles can also make it more difficult for a few individuals to proportion their precise characteristics, live true to their personal socio-sexual preferences, and self-decide their conduct in relationships. Provided that those man or woman possibilities and behaviors are crit for enjoyable relationships is usually uncertain as to whether or not following conventional norms and roles of masculinity and femininity ultimately helps or hurts a relationship. Gender role attitude here refers to the beliefs held by individuals towards any specific gender as measured by the Gender Role Attitude Scale (GRAS). The instrument was developed by Prof. Dr. Simge Zeyneloölu to determine attitudes towards gender roles. Another scale used was Romantic partner conflict which refers to the everyday conflicts faced by individuals in relationships and how they handle the conflict. The scale was introduced by Tammy L. Zacchill, purpose of this scale is to measure conflict experienced by individuals in romantic relationships. The study aims at seeing the relationship between gender role attitudes and romantic partner conflict among males.