Intimacy In Romantic Relationships Research Articles

How remembering positive and negative events affects intimacy in romantic relationships

Previous studies provide some evidence that recalling positive autobiographical memories can foster feelings of intimacy in social relationships. The present research aimed to extend this finding by examining the effects of negative relationship memories on current feelings of intimacy. In Study 1, 71 adults recalled either two positive or two negative events experienced with their partner. Intimacy (feelings of warmth, relationship closeness) was measured before and after remembering. Relationship closeness increased after recalling positive relationship memories, whereas feelings of warmth were reduced after the recall of negative relationship memories. In Study 2, 187 adults recalled two relationship conflicts and rated intimacy toward their partner (feelings of warmth, relationship closeness) before and after remembering. Replicating the findings of Study 1, we found feelings of warmth to be reduced after the recall of relationship conflicts. Relationship closeness was likely to decrease the more conflicts were considered personally significant and the more a person had used self-distraction to regulate their emotions during the conflict. Future research may identify personal characteristics that could explain why, for some people, the recall of negative relationship memories is hurtful, whereas it brings others closer to their partner.

Rights or Obligations: The Extent to Which Sexual Desire and Gender Roles Determine Sexual Intimacy in Romantic Relationships

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between traditional gender roles and the frequency of sexual intimacy within romantic relationships, considering sexual desire and societal norms and expectations. The study was conducted among a convenience sample of men and women in Israel. The survey included measures of sociodemographic information, traditional gender roles, sexual desire, perceived partner’s sexual desire, and frequency of engaging in sex. Findings suggest that men who embraced less traditional gender roles exhibit a greater synchronization between their own sexual desire and their perceived partner’s sexual desire, whereas women who embraced more traditional gender roles tend to rely more on their partners’ sexual desire in their frequency of sex. These results imply that men’s sexual desire plays a significant role in determining the frequency of sexual activity in romantic relationships, especially in relationships where traditional gender roles are more strongly embraced. Findings from the current study underscore the idea that the decision to engage in intimate acts may not solely hinge on individual sexual desire; rather, it operates within a broader context influenced by societal and cultural expectations. It is important to challenge societal norms to promote more balanced and equitable sexual dynamics in committed relationships.

Belonging to the Ace Spectrum: Correlates of Cognitions, Feelings, and Desires of Ace Individuals

Abstract Introduction Asexuality is typically defined as a lack of sexual attraction, and yet this definition fails to include the multitude of experiences within the ace community. We explored the correlates of different cognitions, feelings, and desires reported by ace individuals. Methods Data for a cross-sectional study with 456 individuals from online ace communities (61.8% women; Mage = 24.62, SD = 6.98) were collected in 2019. Results Higher scores on the Asexuality Identification Scale (AIS) were associated with fewer experiences with romantic partners, more experiences with intimate affective relationships, and higher avoidant attachment. In contrast, sexual and romantic attractions were associated with more experiences with romantic partners. However, sexual attraction was associated with fewer experiences with non-sexual romantic relationships and lower AIS scores, whereas romantic attraction was associated with lower avoidant attachment and higher anxious attachment. The desire to have physically intimate romantic relationships was associated with more experiences with romantic partners, lower avoidant attachment, higher anxious attachment, and lower AIS scores. Lastly, the desire to have intimate affective relationships was associated with more experiences with solely affective relationships and higher anxiety attachment. Conclusions These findings show the importance of past experiences and individual differences in shaping the way ace individuals construe their identity, and experience feelings and desires. Policy Implications By highlighting the need to acknowledge diversity within the ace community, this study offers insights into how to increase awareness and develop more inclusive social policies.

Overcoming Challenges of Intimacy: Male Child Sexual Abuse Survivors’ Experiences of Achieving Healthy Romantic Relationships in Sweden

Abstract Purpose Studies on sexual health following male child sexual abuse (CSA) have identified the negative effects of such experiences on body functioning, but little is known about male CSA survivors’ ability to create emotional and physical closeness in romantic relationships. The purpose of this article is to explore how male CSA survivors perceive, experience and develop intimacy in romantic relationships, including both the challenges they face and the positive changes that enable them to grow and achieve healthy relationships. Method The study has employed a qualitative research approach and is based on in-depth interviews conducted among adult male CSA survivors residing in Sweden. Participants were recruited through civil society organizations and an ad in a daily newspaper. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the results are presented in relation to two themes: (a) challenges of intimacy; and (b) building trust and close relationships. Results The results show that participants desired couple relationships that included both sexual and emotional intimacy. The challenges of intimacy were related to compromised sexual identity, sexual dysfunctions and compulsions, emotional dysregulation, and body shame. Efforts to achieve intimacy were facilitated by disclosing abuse experiences, developing emotional bonds or awareness, embracing sensitivity, and having an empathetic and supportive partner. Conclusions Reconstructions of abuse histories were both challenged and facilitated by the accessibility of various and shifting ideas about masculinities that co-exist in Sweden, which were important sources for meaning making and assisted the men in developing positive valuations of themselves as men.

Love and affectionate touch toward romantic partners all over the world

Touch is the primary way people communicate intimacy in romantic relationships, and affectionate touch behaviors such as stroking, hugging and kissing are universally observed in partnerships all over the world. Here, we explored the association of love and affectionate touch behaviors in romantic partnerships in two studies comprising 7880 participants. In the first study, we used a cross-cultural survey conducted in 37 countries to test whether love was universally associated with affectionate touch behaviors. In the second study, using a more fine-tuned touch behavior scale, we tested whether the frequency of affectionate touch behaviors was related to love in romantic partnerships. As hypothesized, love was significantly and positively associated with affectionate touch behaviors in both studies and this result was replicated regardless of the inclusion of potentially relevant factors as controls. Altogether, our data strongly suggest that affectionate touch is a relatively stable characteristic of human romantic relationships that is robustly and reliably related to the degree of reported love between partners.

PERCEIVED PARTNER RESPONSIVENESS AND INTIMATE PARTNER CYBERSTALKING: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEED SATISFACTION AND FRUSTRATION

Cyberstalking in romantic relationships can have psychological consequences for victims, suggesting that there is a need to understand the factors behind such behaviors. Hence, the present study explored the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and cyberstalking. It also investigated the mediating role of basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration in this relationship. The final sample consisted of 212 Turkish individuals (Mage = 27.31, SD = 8.14, Min-Max = 18-58 years) who were in a romantic relationship for over one month. They completed an online questionnaire package to measure perceived partner responsiveness, cyberstalking in intimate romantic relationships, and basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration. The results of current study showed that perceived partner responsiveness and basic psychological need frustration were significantly correlated with cyberstalking in intimate romantic relationships. In addition, perceived partner responsiveness was indirectly related to cyberstalking through need frustration. In conclusion, these findings provide insight into the negative relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and cyberstalking and the mediating role of basic need frustration on this relationship Keywords Cyberstalking, romantic relationships, basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration, perceived partner responsiveness

Particular body odors matter: Disgust sensitivity differs across attachment groups

Extensive research has highlighted how one's attachment style influences the development and maintenance of romantic relationships. Disgust is a construct that conceptually overlaps with attachment style given both include elements of behavioral avoidance. However, no previous study has examined how one's attachment style may influence disgust-based avoidance of intimacy in romantic relationships. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine if adult attachment style is associated with olfactory disgust ratings towards eight body odor (BO) sources from their partner, previous partner, or others. The results revealed that disgust ratings of a partner's BO differed depending on attachment style. Specifically, the participants with a dismissing-avoidant attachment style rated their partner's BO as more disgusting than the secure, fearful-avoidant, or preoccupied styles. Moreover, participants with a dismissing-avoidant attachment style rated their partner's and strangers' BO equally disgusting whereas those in the other attachment groups rated strangers' BO as more disgusting than their partner's.

The Influence of Erotic Stimulation on Brand Preference of Male and Female Consumers: From the Perspective of Human Reproductive Motives.

Based on the theory of human reproductive motives, this study discusses how erotic stimulation can help activate male and female consumers’ reproductive motives (i.e., mate-attraction and mate-retention motives), influencing product purchase intention and brand personality perception. Specifically, the results of four experiments reveal that when a man receives erotic stimulation from women, his mate-attraction motive is activated. Consequently, he perceives that the brand personality of his possessions is more rugged, and his preference for products with a rugged brand personality is stronger. Unlike male consumers, when a heterosexual woman in an intimate romantic relationship receives erotic stimulation from other women, her mate-retention motive is activated. As a result, she perceives that the brand personality of her partner’s possessions is sincerer and prefers to purchase products with a sincere brand personality for her partner. This effect will not occur when a product is owned by her male colleague than her partner.

Links between Best Friendship, Romantic Relationship, and Psychological Well-Being in Emerging Adulthood

Best friendships and romantic relationships are linked to psychological well-being in emerging adulthood, but few studies have assessed their contribution simultaneously. This research (n = 190; 64.4% women) examined the links between intimacy and conflict with the best friend and the romantic partner on psychological well-being (self-esteem, depression, loneliness). Results showed that both relationships were independently linked to well-being, while also interacting with one another. Among participants reporting a less intimate or conflictual romantic relationship, an intimate best friendship was linked to higher self-esteem. Moreover, a conflictual best friendship was related to higher depressive symptoms only among those having a conflictual romantic relationship. Thus, best friendships and romantic relationships show distinct and combined contributions to well-being in emerging adulthood.

Examining the Impact of Turkish Couples’ Intimacy Levels in Romantic Relationship on Children’s Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Intimacy refers to closeness and an expressive and personal romantic relationship between couples/partners. More importantly, intimacy in romantic relationships is known to influence children’s well-being and mental health. Couples who suffer from a lack of intimacy in their relationship are more vulnerable to psychophysiological disorders, depression and other non-psychiatric disorders and these disorders may have an impact on the children living with them. Under today’s circumstances, little is known about the link of intimacy in romantic relationships with children’s anxiety particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between intimacy in romantic and children’s anxiety levels during COVID-19 disease. Participants were 12,126 Turkish couples (mean age=35.27±5.37) who completed the intimacy in romantic relationship scale and state-trait anxiety inventory for children online. Socio-demographic data form was created to measures variables such as age, gender, and the COVID-19 experiences. The results suggest that single couples were found to have a better romantic relationship than married couples. Self-disclosure, physical attraction, support, and trust were found to be related to anxiety levels of children. This pattern of results highlights the importance of intimacy in a romantic relationship on children anxiety levels in the face of adversity which have important implications for research and practice.

Neural Representations of the Committed Romantic Partner in the Nucleus Accumbens

Having an intimate romantic relationship is an important aspect of life. Dopamine-rich reward regions, including the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), have been identified as neural correlates for both emotional bonding with the partner and interest in unfamiliar attractive nonpartners. Here, we aimed to disentangle the overlapping functions of the NAcc using multivoxel pattern analysis, which can decode the cognitive processes encoded in particular neural activity. During functional MRI scanning, 46 romantically involved men performed the social-incentive-delay task, in which a successful response resulted in the presentation of a dynamic and positive facial expression from their partner and unfamiliar women. Multivoxel pattern analysis revealed that the spatial patterns of NAcc activity could successfully discriminate between romantic partners and unfamiliar women during the period in which participants anticipated the target presentation. We speculate that neural activity patterns within the NAcc represent the relationship partner, which might be a key neural mechanism for committed romantic relationships.

Testing the reliability and validity of the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale–Short Form with Chinese college students

Currently, there is no instrument to quickly measure adult attachment in the Chinese cultural context. In this study the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale–Short Form (ECR-S) was translated and tested in terms of reliability and validity with Chinese college students. All items of the Chinese-version ECR-S showed high discriminability and the scale had a two-dimensional structure in both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The internal consistency coefficients of the two subscales of the ECR-S showed excellent reliability, and scores were modestly to highly correlated with the criteria of state adult attachment, self-esteem, anxiety, pressure, depression, and satisfaction with intimate (romantic) relationships. It can be concluded that the Chinese version of the ECR-S has high reliability and validity; thus, it meets the requirements for psychometric tools and can be used to assess Chinese adults' attachment.

The potential origins and consequences of Chinese youths’ faith in love: filial piety, implicit theories of romantic relationships, and intimacy

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between beliefs about filial piety, implicit theories of romantic relationships, and relational intimacy in romantic relationships among Chinese youth. We surveyed 205 youths in Taiwan who were in romantic relationships to learn their beliefs about filial piety, implicit beliefs about romantic relationships, and relational intimacy. The results of our structural equation modeling showed that beliefs about reciprocal filial piety are positively associated with relational intimacy and beliefs about the growth of romantic relationships are negatively associated with beliefs about destiny. In addition, authoritarian parenting can lessen relational intimacy by instilling stronger beliefs about destiny in romantic relationships. However, beliefs about growth in romantic relationships are not associated with relational intimacy.

Dancing with the Daunting: An Analysis of the Challenges in Dating and Maintaining Heterosexual Dyadic Relationships in Older Adulthood

The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the challenges and difficulties associated in the process of dating for older heterosexual adults in dyadic relationships. A number of unique barriers are explored, including particular attitudes towards aging which shaped older adults’ self-presentation in online dating as well as characteristics older adults identified in prospective partners; barriers to dating due to the aging process, which manifested into smaller networks of social support; gender imbalance; and expressions of sexuality and intimacy. Moreover, gendered differences between men and women were also discussed, broadening into difference between presentation in online dating as well as relationship attitudes and outlook. Finally, some gaps within previous literature and research were presented in an attempt to promote more diverse and inclusive research on older adults, dating, and intimate romantic relationships.

‘Direct’ and ‘instant’: the role of digital technology and social media in young Filipinos’ intimate relationships

Young people today grow up in a social landscape in which digital technology and social media are ubiquitous in daily life and interpersonal relations, including intimate (romantic and sexual) relationships. This study sought to study Filipino young people’s relationship motivations and contexts in the digital age. We found that digital technology and social media are transforming the way Filipino young people approach and behave in intimate relationships. Digital technology and social media are making it easier for young people to engage in social comparison with their peers and role models, expanding possibilities for social interaction, facilitating rapid relationship progression, and enabling digital togetherness and self-expression in a context where conservative religious and sociocultural norms and sexual double standards remain dominant. This social environment brings opportunities to engage in relationships in new ways but also exposure to risks that may lead to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Our findings underscore the importance of comprehensive sexuality education in schools and at home, and highlight the need for critical dialogue about the social norms and stereotypes that perpetuate gender-based violence and inequality in online and offline spaces.

“It tingled as if we had gone through an anthill.” Young People with Intellectual Disability and Their Experiences with Relationship, Sexuality and Contraception

In summary, literature shows that people with intellectual disability tend to have less and later sexual experience than persons without disability. They have limited opportunities to meet potential partners but the same human need for intimate romantic relationships. The sample included 42 people with mild to moderate intellectual disability between 14 and 25 years. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in schools and sheltered workshops. The interview guide was translated in easy to read language. The interviews were evaluated with the qualitative content analysis. Most of the respondents have had a relationship and met their partners in professional and school context. Their contacts are reduced to the encounters there. One third have had intercourse experience. Difficulty existed in the search for an undisturbed place and partner selection. A large part of women take hormonal long-acting reversible contraception. The sexual lives of young people with intellectual disability are still partly restricted due to a lack of access. More inclusive activities should be offered and provided with an appropriate retreat for togetherness. Applicable graphic informational material and sex education on sexuality, relationship and contraception is required in easy language.

Romantic Intimacy in Autism: A Qualitative Analysis

Although autistic people have difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity, most still desire intimate romantic relationships. This study sought to identify enablers and barriers to emotional and physical intimacy for Autistic (n = 31) and non-autistic (n = 26) individuals. All participants completed an online survey including demographic information, the Autism Spectrum Quotient and questions on intimacy which were subject to thematic analysis. Enablers of intimacy for both groups included communication, sharing and similarity, respect and safety for self and other, and working on the relationship. Barriers for both groups included intra- and interpersonal conflicts; autistic people specifically highlighted uncertainty about relationships and communication. These findings suggest autistic and non-autistic people have similar notions of intimacy, yet have different challenges in experiencing it.

The Friendship Questionnaire, autism, and gender differences: a study revisited

BackgroundThe Friendship Questionnaire (FQ) is a widely used measure of friendships in autism research and beyond. This study sought to revisit the original paper where the measure was presented, using a larger sample of both autistic and non-autistic participants to examine gender differences in scoring. It also sought to expand upon the original paper by comparing FQ results to those of the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale (URCS), to examine whether there are differences in how autistic people report on their general friendships in contrast to their most significant relationships.MethodsParticipants were recruited for an online study, and 949 people (532 autistic, 417 non-autistic) aged between 18 and 81 took part. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Autism Quotient-28, the Friendship Questionnaire, and the Unidimensional Relationship Closeness Scale.ResultsWe used robust regressions and Pearson’s correlational analyses, conducted in R. Autistic people scored lower than non-autistic people on the FQ, and similar gender differences in the pattern of FQ scores were seen in both groups. There was a significant negative correlation between AQ and FQ scores in both groups. On the URCS, we took the data from those who rated specific close relationships and found that autistic people scored this relationship more highly than non-autistic adults did. There was a significant negative correlation between AQ and URCS scores in both groups. Also, in both groups, there was a significant positive correlation between FQ and URCS scores.LimitationsThe data is entirely self-report, and diagnoses could not be verified with a clinician, although AQ scores support self-identification as autistic. Also, the groups were not evenly matched on age and other demographic variables, although this was controlled for in analyses. It is also the case that more autistic than non-autistic people were unable to specify a close relationship to score on the URCS, meaning that a certain set of experiences are not represented in this data.ConclusionsWe conclude that our data replicates the core finding of the original FQ paper that autistic people score lower on the FQ. In contrast to that paper, however, we found that there were gender differences among the autistic population. Also, our inclusion of the URCS suggests that the intimate romantic relationships and best-friendships of autistic people can be of similar quality to those of non-autistic people, suggesting that there may be important differences in autistic people’s relations with friends in general versus close friends and romantic partners.

Coupling Processes and Experiences of Never Married Heterosexual Black Men and Women: A Phenomenological Study.

Over the past decades, the decline in Black marriages and the upsurge of never-married Blacks have stimulated much theoretical focus, but researchers conducted few studies on never-married heterosexual Black adults' coupling unions. Guided by an integrated framework of Africana womanism and symbolic interactionism, this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study used comprehensive individual interviews to explore the experiences of 26 never-married heterosexual Black men and women between the ages 25 and 35 about their attempts to cultivate and maintain intimate romantic relationships as well as their desire for marriage. Findings revealed mixed emotions from participants' lived experiences in developing and sustaining romantic relationships. Clinical implications highlighted the need to effectively attend to Black romantic relationships and experiences in their sociohistorical and sociocultural contexts.

Mobile phone use in intimate relationships: The case of youth in Botswana

Drawing upon qualitative research data of a study I carried out in Gaborone and Francistown, this article attempts to demonstrate that the mobile phone is ubiquitous and cultural technology which has become central to young people’s intimate relationships. In particular, the use of mobile phones in romantic relationships among urban youth in Botswana is evinced in two ways, both of which are clearly local and distinct. First, the mobile phone is useful to facilitate emotional intimacy through voice calls, text messages and social networking, thus serving as a substantial link between intimate partners. Second, through its cost value, the mobile phone is recognised as a perfect gift to express practical intimacy in romantic relationships. This study therefore suggests that, in the way it is used, the mobile phone influences youth to create or recreate mobile cultures, which are to some extent predicated on their traditional lifestyles.