Couple Intimacy Research Articles

Comparing the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Based on the Approach of Muslim Scientists on Marital Intimacy and Resilience in Couples

Background: The satisfaction and quality of family life play a crucial role in the growth and development of family members. The present research aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) based on the approach of Muslim scientists on marital intimacy and resilience in couples. Methods: This research was a semi-experimental design with pretest-posttest in the experimental group (ACT) and the comparison group (CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists), along with a control group. The statistical population included all couples referring to dispute resolution councils in the city of Kerman in the first half of 2023. The sample size consisted of 45 people selected purposefully, with 15 people randomly assigned to each group. The experimental group received ACT-based intervention and the comparison group received CBT-based intervention based on the approach of Muslim scientists, both for twelve 75-minute sessions, and the control group did not receive any intervention. The research tools included the Walker and Thompson’s Marital Intimacy Scale (1983) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) (2003). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 software. Results: The results of the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences in the scores of intimacy and resilience among the ACT, the CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists, and control groups. The comparison of training effectiveness indicated that the ACT group was 17% effective in improving marital intimacy and 17.7% effective in enhancing resilience. In contrast, the comparison of training effectiveness showed that the CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists group showed 0.22% effectiveness in marital intimacy and 29.2% effectiveness in resilience. Conclusion: According to the results, CBT based on the approach of Muslim scientists can be used to promote marital intimacy and resilience in couples experiencing marital conflicts.

(078) Double Pause: Understanding Couple Intimacy – A Quantitative Survey

Abstract Introduction Midlife physical, psychological, and relational changes, untreated diseases [erectile dysfunction, (ED) in men and vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in women) affect the sexual health in both the partners in relationship. Couples with sexual intimacy concerns only seldom approach a health care professional (HCP) to seek help. This quantitative study was designed to identify the issues in couple intimacy among middle and old-aged participants. Objective To gain a deeper understanding in the following areas: explore the perceptions and attitudes towards intimacy later in life, understand issues relating to intimacy, including menopause and andropause, and identify the role and comfort levels of communication with partners and HCPs. Methods This prospective cross-sectional observational study was done on people who were in relationship and aged between 40 to 75 years. Participants across six countries the United states (USA), the United kingdom (UK), Italy, France, Germany, and Spain (approximately 1,000 per country in addition to 100 men with ED per country) were included in this survey. The questionnaire included questions about perceptions towards intimacy and how this has changed and might change in the future, symptoms they may have relating to intimacy issues, and whom they speak to when they have concerns in these areas. This online survey was conducted between 2nd June and 13th June 2023. Results A total of 6,091 people completed the survey. Additionally, a total of 630 men suffering from ED also participated in the survey. Overall, across all the six countries, couples aged 65 to 75 years (n=1977, 33%) participated the highest, followed by 55 to 64 years (n=1716, 28%) and 45 to 54 years (n=1662, 27%). Couple intimacy was defined by trust (73%) and mutual respect (71%) by most in Central Europe, compared to physical touch in the UK (74%) and USA (73%). Women put more emphasis on trust (77%) and mutual respect (74%) when defining intimacy, whilst men cite sexual intimacy more (65%). In their current relationship, participants reported that emotional intimacy was deemed more important (93%) and more satisfying (80%), than physical intimacy. 50% of the respondents felt that physical intimacy worsens with age. Though the majority believe there are ways and need help to improve their sexual lives (58%). Physical health issues (32%), work stress (36%), and lack of time (22%) were the few of the issues that impacted couple intimacy. A third of men (39%) and women (34%) reported that they wouldn’t speak to a HCP about andropause or menopause symptoms. Most (68% in 55–64 years) of the men were not aware of andropause or its symptoms. 43% of respondents agreed to consult HCPs for more information on couple intimacy. Conclusions Physical health issues, age and the lack of awareness about menopause and andropause are the key factors impacting couples' sexual intimacy. HCPs should strengthen their relationship with patients to help them un-pause their sex life and to open conversation spaces and a trustworthy tool to empower couples facing hormonal changes and finally to improve their sexual health. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Viatris Inc. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Viatris Inc.

Development and Psychometric Properties for Scale of Marital Intimacy in Couples

The aims of the present study are the development and evaluation of the psychometric properties of Scale of Marital Intimacy (SMI) in married couples. The study methodology has used cross sectional research design and couples were selected with the purposive sampling technique. The development of the scale was based on deductive approach. Sixty items were selected after expert evaluation. In try-out phase, 50 couples were selected by purposive sampling technique. The items were found to be comprehendible by the couples and 54 items showed acceptable ? 0.30 item total correlation coefficient and 0.96 Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient. In pilot study, 150 couples were selected by purposive sampling technique and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. A total of 52 items were retained after EFA. These items were administered on another sample of 125 couples selected by purposive sampling technique. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) yielded 16 items for SMI and five subscales. The results in try-out of 54 items showed item-total correlation coefficient from 0.303 to 0.812 in acceptable range. EFA on 54 items yielded acceptable Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity with factor loading ?0.40 of 52 items. CFA showed model fit p<0.001 that established the structure validity and significant loading of the items in its subscales after eliminating 36 items. Final version of Scale of Marital Intimacy retained 16 items with acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient. Conclusively, SMI is a reliable indigenous scale for measuring levels of marital closeness in couples with five sub-scales in Pakistan.

Comparison the Effectiveness of Schema Couple Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Marital Intimacy in Couples Exposed to Divorce

Comparison the Effectiveness of Schema Couple Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Marital Intimacy in Couples Exposed to Divorce

Comparing the Dimensions of Marital Intimacy, Commitment, and Satisfaction in Couples With and Without Pre-Marriage Counseling Experience

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the dimensions of intimacy, commitment, and marital satisfaction in couples with and without pre-marrital counseling. Methods: The present study is a causal-comparative study, and the statistical population includes two groups of married people in Tehran between 2018-2019, one of which had experienced premarital counseling while the other group did not have this experience. The sample consisted of two groups of married people using available and convenient sampling method which consisted of total of 60 couples. Three questionnaires of intimacy, commitment and marital satisfaction were applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics indices and the mixed variance analysis method using SPSS software. Results: Findings showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the dimensions of marital intimacy in the dimension of psychological intimacy. And comparing the dimensions of marital commitment in the two groups showed that there is a significant difference in the dimension of personal commitment. Comparison of the dimensions of marital satisfaction showed that the counseling group in the dimension of children and parenting was significantly higher than in the counseling group. Conclusion: Therefore, it seems that pre-marital counseling programs need training and interventions in order to promote intimacy, commitment, and marital satisfaction.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy on Intimacy and Family Functioning in Divorce-seeking Couples

Background: Dysfunctional families suffer from poor communication, negative relationships, and countless conflicts. Achieving goals is challenging in such families and requires significant energy. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and integrated behavioral couples therapy (IBCT) in improving intimacy and family functioning in divorce-seeking couples in Bushehr City, Iran in 2020. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study based on a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The study population consisted of all married couples applying for a divorce in Bushehr City, Iran. A total of 45 couples were selected as the sample through convenience sampling and were randomly and equally assigned to three groups. The research instruments included, Walker and Thompson intimacy scale, and the McMaster family assessment device. The data were statistically analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance via SPSS software. The Bonferroni post hoc test was used to determine the mean difference between the groups. Results: The results showed a significant difference between ACT and IBCT groups with the control group in the posttest scores for intimacy and family functioning (P<0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference between ACT and IBCT in improving intimacy and family functioning in divorce-seeking couples. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, both ACT and IBCT can be used for improving intimacy and family functioning between divorce-seeking couples.

Physical Intimacy in Older Couples’ Everyday Lives: Its Frequency and Links With Affect and Salivary Cortisol

ObjectivesPhysical intimacy is important for communicating affection in romantic relationships. Theoretical and empirical work highlights linkages between physical intimacy, affect, and physiological stress among young and middle-aged adults, but not older adults. We examine physical intimacy and its associations with positive and negative affect and cortisol levels in the daily lives of older couples.MethodsWe applied actor–partner multilevel models to repeated daily-life assessments of physical intimacy (experienced and wished) and affect obtained 6 times a day over 7 consecutive days from 120 older heterosexual German couples (Mage = 71.6, SDage = 5.94). Physiological stress was indexed as total daily cortisol output, the area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg).ResultsPhysical intimacy experienced and wished were reported at the vast majority of occasions, but to different degrees at different times. Within persons, in moments when participants experienced more physical intimacy, older women reported less negative affect, whereas older men reported more positive affect. Between persons, higher overall levels of physical intimacy experienced were associated with higher positive affect and less negative affect among women and with lower daily cortisol output among men. A stronger wish for intimacy was related to more negative affect among both women and men, and to higher daily cortisol output among men.DiscussionPhysical intimacy is linked with mood and stress hormones in the daily life of older couples. We consider routes for future inquiry on physical intimacy among older adults.

Open Communication and Physical Intimacy in Young and Midlife Couples Surviving Cancer Beyond the First Year of Diagnosis.

To assess the association between levels of dyadic coping (e.g., collaboration, communication) and sexual satisfaction in young and midlife couples surviving cancer beyond the first year of diagnosis. This cross-sectional study included 49 young and midlife couples (aged 21-57 years) beyond the first year of diagnosis. Couples were from rural and urban areas. A mailed survey was used to gather data from cancer survivors and their partners. Controlling for cancer survivor sex and age, open communication was significantly associated with greater involvement in affectionate and sexual behaviors of the couple. Protective buffering behaviors (i.e., concealing worries and avoiding communication) were not significantly associated with engagement in physical intimacy. Perception of how much a partner openly communicates was more salient for engaging in physical intimacy than one's own open communication. Nurses should include partners in planned care, assess the concerns of the partner, and treat the couple as the unit of care.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Couple Training Based on Approach Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and Imago therapy on sexual intimacy in Couples

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Couple Training Based on Approach Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and Imago therapy on sexual intimacy in Couples

맞벌이 부부의 역할갈등이 갈등해결전략에 미치는 영향 - 성역할태도와 부부친밀감의 매개효과 -

맞벌이 부부의 역할갈등이 갈등해결전략에 미치는 영향 - 성역할태도와 부부친밀감의 매개효과 -

초기성인기 남녀의 관계성 욕구 및 거부민감성이 커플친밀감에 미치는 영향 : 자기개방과 지각된 반응성의 매개효과를 중심으로

초기성인기 남녀의 관계성 욕구 및 거부민감성이 커플친밀감에 미치는 영향 : 자기개방과 지각된 반응성의 매개효과를 중심으로

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Education and Emotional Focused Therapy on Couple Intimacy, Commitment and Happiness Women with Couple Burnout

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Education and Emotional Focused Therapy on Couple Intimacy, Commitment and Happiness Women with Couple Burnout

The Effectiveness of Narrative Therapy on Reducing the Fear of Intimacy in Couples

The Effectiveness of Narrative Therapy on Reducing the Fear of Intimacy in Couples

Effects of the Climacteric Symptoms, Social Support and Couple Intimacy on the Health-related Quality of Life of Married Middle-aged Women

Effects of the Climacteric Symptoms, Social Support and Couple Intimacy on the Health-related Quality of Life of Married Middle-aged Women

Comparison of the effectiveness of the schema therapy training and mindfulness on intimacy, commitment, and happiness of women with couple burnout

Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of schema therapy education and mindfulness on couple intimacy, commitment, and happiness of women with couple burnout. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed as pretest-posttest with a control group. The population included all women with couple burnout who were referred to the charity of association Baghiyato Allah Al-Azam of Khomeini Shahr in 2018. From this population, 36 people were selected by available sampling method and were randomly assigned to three groups, namely schema therapy (12 individuals), mindfulness (12 individuals), and control (12 individuals). Both experimental groups received eight 90-min training sessions. The study instruments were Couple Intimacy Scale, Couple Commitment Scale, Couple Happiness Scale, and Couple Burnout Scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using multivariate covariance analysis and one-way covariance analysis. Results: The findings showed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in intimacy (P = 0.001, F = 20.84), commitment (P = 0.001, F = 30.52), and couple happiness (P = 0.001, F = 47.85) in the posttest phase. In addition, there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of two schema and mindfulness therapies on intimacy, there was a significant difference in commitment and couple happiness. Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be concluded that the schema and mindfulness therapies can increase the level of intimacy, commitment, and couple happiness. Therefore, it is recommended that therapists use these approaches as an effective treatment for enhancing intimacy, commitment, and couple happiness.

A Study on the Effect on Successful Aging Perception of Middle-aged Couple Intimacy: :Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Self-Reflection

A Study on the Effect on Successful Aging Perception of Middle-aged Couple Intimacy: :Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Self-Reflection

Developing the Model of Family Functioning based on the Components of Hope, Intimacy and Marital Conflicts in Couples

Developing the Model of Family Functioning based on the Components of Hope, Intimacy and Marital Conflicts in Couples

Intimacy in Romanian Couples. Implications for the Psychological Health of the Family

In the variety of processes that shape a healthy couple relationship, intimacy plays a leading role as a determiner of commitment. The issue of understanding intimacy is even more up to date considering the increased number of separations during the past years and also the increased interest for therapy. The present study aims at investigating intimacy in 32 Romanian couples, the connection it has to positive emotions, dyadic satisfaction and commitment to the relationship. The main method used in the present study is a daily electronic diary, completed by each partner of the couple in the course of a week. The diary was developed on the basis of validated instruments and transformed in an electronic, user-friendly variant. The collected data encapsulates information relevant for the understanding of the dynamics of Romanian couples. The daily discussion subjects and other fill-in data that have been gathered on a daily basis, portrait the map of discussions and interests in Romanian couples, very important details regarding intimacy, self-disclosure and emotions within the couple that lead to the strong, positive bond of a healthy family. How to cite : Apostu, M. N. & Turliuc, M. N. (2017). Intimacy in Romanian Couples. Implications for the Psychological Health of the Family. Logos Universality Mentality Education Novelty, Section: Social Sciences , VI(1), 63-72. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18662/lumenss.2017.0601.06

Moderating Effects of Hope, Couple Intimacy and Utilization of Family Support Service on the Relationships of Stress and Depression or Conflict Response Behavior among the Multicultural Couples

Moderating Effects of Hope, Couple Intimacy and Utilization of Family Support Service on the Relationships of Stress and Depression or Conflict Response Behavior among the Multicultural Couples

The Division of Child Care, Sexual Intimacy, and Relationship Quality in Couples

Increasingly, both mothers and fathers are expected to play an equal role in child rearing. Nonetheless, we know little about how child care arrangements affect couples’ sexual intimacy and relationship quality. Research has focused on the effect of the division of paid labor and housework on couples’ relationships, finding that egalitarianism is problematic for sexual intimacy, relationship quality, and relationship stability. These findings, however, come almost universally from studies utilizing decades-old data that fail to examine the division of child care. In this study, we update this work by utilizing data from the 2006 Marital and Relationship Study (N = 974) to examine how the division of child care affects the relationship quality and sexual intimacy of heterosexual couples in the United States. Results indicate that men’s performance of child care is generally associated with more satisfaction with the division of child care, more satisfying sexual relationships, and higher quality relationships. Importantly, we find that egalitarian child care arrangements have positive consequences for both men and women. These findings contribute to a growing body of research that challenges the costs of egalitarianism and indicates instead that egalitarianism is associated with higher quality, more intimate relationships than gender traditional arrangements.