Levels Of Relationship Satisfaction Research Articles

Negative Partner Attributions Moderate the Association between Heart Rate Reactivity During Relationship Conflict and Relationship Satisfaction

Numerous theoretical models of relationship distress suggest that strong, negative reactions to conflict are directly associated with lower levels of relationship satisfaction. Consistent with this supposition, substantial evidence links higher levels of subjective negative emotion, more pronounced and frequent expressions of negative affect, and higher levels of negative communication behaviors to lower levels of relationship satisfaction (e.g., Bradbury, Fincham, & Beach, 2000, Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(4), 964). However, the evidence linking stress-related physiological responding during relationship conflict and relationship satisfaction is less compelling than would be anticipated based on theory. We propose that these theoretically unexpected but empirically well-replicated findings may be the result of different patterns in association between physiological reactivity and relationship satisfaction for couples with varying styles in how they typically perceive unwanted behavior in one another. The present study tests negative attributions for undesirable partner behaviors as a moderator of the association between heart rate reactivity (HRR) during relationship conflict and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 60 married couples. A significant interaction emerged between HRR and negative attributions of partner behavior in predicting relationship satisfaction such that higher levels of HRR were associated with lower levels of relationship satisfaction for individuals who typically made more negative attributions for undesirable partner behaviors, but with higher levels of relationship satisfaction for individuals who typically made fewer negative attributions for undesirable partner behaviors. Implications for conceptualizing reactivity during relationship conflict and couple interventions are discussed.

Is the quality or the frequency of communication? The communication on social networks sites moderates the association between attachment and relational satisfaction

Online social networks are very important in every-day life as they offer new possibilities for communication. Couples may benefit from new opportunities and thus achieve better levels of relationship satisfaction. Some psychological characteristics may interfere with online communication in predicting satisfaction. This study was designed to examine associations between attachment insecurity, communication on Social Network Sites (SNS), and relational satisfaction. SNS communication was postulated to be a moderator in the relationship between attachment and relational satisfaction among Romanian young couples. The participants were 73 couples (146 individuals). Structural equation modeling using the actor-partner interdependence moderated model demonstrated that attachment insecurities show strong associations with relational satisfaction (both actor and partner effects) and that both the quality and the frequency of the communication on social network sites shape in different ways these associations. The results emphasize the role of SNS communication and how it can determine different patterns of relational satisfaction based on the attachment orientation of partners.

Relationship satisfaction determines the association between Epstein-Barr virus latency and somatic symptoms after the loss of a spouse.

The loss of a spouse is associated with a host of negative health outcomes. While bereaved individuals commonly report somatic symptoms, no investigations exist of the association between reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and somatic symptoms among this population. Further, how an individual perceives the quality of their lost relationship in retrospect may impact loss outcomes. Among 99 bereaved spouses, elevated EBV antibody titers were associated with somatic symptoms for those who retrospectively reported high or mean levels of relationship satisfaction (RS), but not among those less satisfied. Further, higher RS was associated with greater grief symptoms. This study identifies higher retrospective RS as a possible risk factor for negative physical and mental health outcomes during bereavement.

Romantic Relationship and Partner Schemas: Concepts Associated with a Positive Valence

This study identifies concepts associated with positive valence of romantic relationship and partner, in order to characterize the schemas about these two phenomena. Participants (N = 158, 134 women) were asked to write about the positive aspects of their relationship and their partner. These reports were subjected to lexical and content analysis. Nineteen categories emerged, related to the concepts that compose the relationship schema, and 21 others related to the partner. Words and categories most frequently mentioned to characterize positive aspects of the relationship were companionship and trust, and to characterize positive aspects of the partner were caring and affectionate. There was recurrence in words and categories used among participants, indicating consensus about which aspects are positive in a relationship and a romantic partner. Differences in relationship satisfaction levels between those who mentioned and those who did not mention categories created from the reports were tested. Individuals who mentioned categories as companionship, affection, respect, and dialogue showed higher levels of satisfaction than those who did not mention these categories. The results suggest that the schemes can provide indicators of satisfaction with the relationship.

Prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence among Chinese immigrant women.

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence among Chinese immigrant women residing in the USA. A cross-sectional study using the online survey approach. A total of 475 Chinese immigrant women were recruited online between April-June 2019. We measured past year intimate partner violence, sociodemographic, relationship-related and immigration-related factors, religion, social support, acculturation, adverse childhood experiences, and gender role beliefs. Twenty-one percent of Chinese immigrant women experienced past year intimate partner violence. Younger age, cohabiting relationship, lower levels of relationship satisfaction and social support, older age at arrival, longer length of stay, religious belief, and adverse childhood experiences were associated with the occurrence of intimate partner violence. Chinese immigrant women experience higher rates of intimate partner violence compared with other populations of women. Future research is still needed to elucidate abused Chinese immigrant women's violence experiences, help-seeking behaviours, availability of resources and needs for services to tailor prevention and intervention programs culturally. The findings added to our understanding of intimate partner violence among this largest Asian immigrant group. Modifiable risk factors such as social support should be targeted in future preventions and interventions for abused Chinese immigrant women residing in the USA.

Having a Baby: Impact on Married and Cohabiting Parents' Relationships.

The current study evaluates the effects of having a baby on relationship quality and stability, contrasting married and unmarried cohabiting parents (N=179; 38% unmarried cohabiting). Participants provided several waves of data, including time points before, during, and after pregnancy. Results indicated that cohabiting parents broke up at a significantly higher rate after having a baby compared to married parents. In terms of relationship quality, interrupted time-series analyses indicated that negative communication significantly increased after baby regardless of marital status. In addition, married parents had significantly higher levels of relationship satisfaction and commitment before baby compared to cohabiting parents but experienced modest declines in relationship satisfaction after baby. Cohabiting parents did not show such declines but remained lower in satisfaction throughout the study. Gender moderated commitment trajectories, such that married and cohabiting women demonstrated decreased commitment after baby, but married and cohabiting men demonstrated no significant changes in commitment. This study adds to the literature by examining both relationship stability and relationship quality trajectories from before pregnancy to after the birth of a baby among married and cohabiting parents in the same sample. Implications of these findings for practice and future research are discussed.

Lesbian and Gay Relationship Satisfaction Among Italians: Adult Attachment, Social Support, and Internalized Stigma.

We examined adult attachment styles, perceived social support, internalized stigma, and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 305 lesbians (48.2%) and gay men (51.8%), ages 19-72years (M = 36.4; SD = 11.8), and in a same-sex relationship for at least 6months. Participants were recruited via the Internet and completed a web-based survey. We tested the hypotheses that attachment styles, perceived social support, and internalized stigma predicted relationship satisfaction, as well as that perceived social support would be correlated with internalized stigma. Results strongly supported the hypotheses, thus indicating that attachment styles, perceived support, and internalized stigma were negatively correlated with and predicted relationship satisfaction and that perceived social support was negatively correlated with internalized stigma. Furthermore, results indicated that lesbian participants had lower levels of anxious attachment style and reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction and lower levels of internalized stigma. Finally, results indicated that in the lesbian subsample, conservative political orientation and religious beliefs were correlated with higher levels of internalized stigma; participants coming from central Italy reported higher levels of perceived social support; and participants in civil unions reported higher levels of perceived social support and relationship satisfaction, and lower levels of internalized stigma. Implications for counselors and therapists working with lesbian and gay populations are discussed.

Daily Responsiveness, Expectations, and Self–disclosure: How the Average Levels and Within–person Variability of Three Relationship Components Mediate Personality–Relationship Transactions in Romantic Couples

The associations between couple members’ personality and their relationship satisfaction can be conceptualized as reciprocal transactions. To better understand these transactions, we focused on both partners’ interpersonal vulnerabilities (i.e. neuroticism, low self–esteem, and insecure attachment); daily emotional, cognitive, and behavioural relationship components (i.e. perceived responsiveness, positive expectations, and self–disclosure); and relationship satisfaction. Specifically, we examined whether the average levels and within–person variability of the relationship components mediated the transactions between interpersonal vulnerabilities and relationship satisfaction. Data came from 689 female–male couples aged 18 to 81 years who participated in three measurement occasions across 12 months, including a 14–day diary phase. We used mediated dyadic bivariate latent change score models to test the level–change and change–change transactions and mediations. The findings partly supported our hypotheses: Couple members with interpersonal vulnerabilities had lower average levels (but not higher within–person variability) of the relationship components, and less satisfied couple members had lower average levels and higher within–person variability of these components. The lower average levels but not the variability mediated between a lower level of relationship satisfaction and an increase in avoidant attachment. No other mediations were observed. We discuss the importance of studying daily relationship components for better understanding reciprocal transactions in couples. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology

Effect of marital satisfaction on self-regulation efforts in couples: Value of heart rate variability measurements.

This study explored self-regulatory efforts during the viewing of couple interactions and their association with relationship satisfaction. High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) was measured for each participant during a video recall of a recent couple interaction to quantify the self-regulatory processes governed by parasympathetic activity. Among 30 couples, HF-HRV was measured continuously during three specific periods to explore its change over time using a video-recall procedure: (1) resting state; (2) viewing of couple interactions (expressing daily life situations and conflictual interactions); and (3) recovery. Results of multilevel models revealed a u-shaped pattern of HF-HRV responses for men and women across the three periods with a nadir at the midway through the process. This pattern of physiological change (vagal suppression) reflects a flexible response to a stressful situation. Nevertheless, the pattern of physiological responses varied according to the level of relationship satisfaction. Men who were more satisfied in their couple relationship presented greater vagal suppression than dissatisfied men. In contrast, no significant HF-HRV changes were found in women over the different periods of the video-recall procedure and no moderating effect of relationship satisfaction. We discuss the different patterns of physiological responses observed both for men and women in terms of interindividual variability according to the level of their relationship satisfaction. The present study highlights the important role of relationship satisfaction in regulatory processes.

Influencing Factors on Happiness of Nurses in General Hospitals

Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to verify the effects of quality of life and stress on the happiness of nurses in general hospitals.Methods/Statistical analysis: The participants were 173 general hospital nurses. Data were collected from November 1 to 15, 2018, and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 program. The significance level was set at .05.Findings: The results showed a significant difference in happiness (p <.05) depending on the general characteristics of age, marital status, number of beds of the hospital, number of nurses of the hospital, job satisfaction level, colleague relationship satisfaction level, employment status, and subjective health. Further, stress and happiness displayed a significant negative correlation (r = -.27, p <.001). Job satisfaction level and subjective health were identified as significant influencing factors on happiness.Improvements/Applications: The implementation of a happiness promotion program that considers the influencing factors is needed to promote the happiness of nurses in general hospitals.

Partner–objectification in romantic relationships: A dyadic approach

AbstractThe present study investigated the relationship between the objectification of one's romantic partner (partner–objectification) and relationship quality using 221 heterosexual couples. Controlling for relevant covariates, actor–partner interdependence models revealed no partner effects but multiple actor effects. First, men who objectified their partners more had lower levels of relationship commitment and relationship satisfaction, and perceived higher quality alternatives to the relationship. Second, women who objectified their partners more had lower levels of relationship satisfaction themselves. Third, relationship duration marginally moderated the association between partner–objectification and relationship commitment, with partner–objectification negatively linked to one's own relationship commitment in relationships of shorter durations, but not when relationship durations were longer. Implications for an investment model and romantic relationship objectification are discussed.

The Influence of Prayer and Family Worship on Relationship Functioning among Married Adults in the Caribbean and Latin American

Religion and its practice have been found to significantly influence marital satisfaction and quality. However, there is a paucity of research that has explored these relationships among married adults living in the Caribbean and Latin America. This study examines the influence of prayer and family worship on relationship satisfaction, emotional attunement, conflict resolution and belief in traditional gender roles among Christian Caribbean and Latin American married adults. Data were gathered from 3997 Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) adults in the Caribbean and Latin America. Hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between religious practices (personal prayer, family worship, church attendance, and bible study) and relationship outcomes (relationship satisfaction, emotional attunement, conflict resolution, beliefs in traditional roles) independent of gender and level of education. The results suggest that married adults who spend more time in habitual prayer and at least weekly family worship experience higher levels of relationship satisfaction, emotional attunement and satisfaction with how conflicts were resolved. Additionally, married adults who were more likely to have a daily prayer life also reported having more egalitarian beliefs about roles and responsibilities in their relationships. These findings highlight the significant influence prayer and family worship have on relationship satisfaction and functioning.

Positive Communication and Partner Appraisals Among Mothers and Their Long-Term Male Partners: Impact on Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction

Parents in the USA struggle to maintain their sexual and relational health over time. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of positive communication and partner appraisals on sexual and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 93 mixed sex couples (N = 186) with children living in the home on a full-time basis. Results indicated that for men and women, positive communication scores predicted higher levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction and more positive partner appraisals predicted higher levels of relationship satisfaction. Significant results were also found at the couple-level. Findings have clinical and educational implications for parents.

Perception of Pranks on Social Media: Clout-Lighting

The development of the internet and social media has created new opportunities for using pranks as disguised means of generating clicks and social media engagement by social media users. As a means of humor, a prank has formed one of the major contents of social media landscape purposively designed to draw public attention to perpetrators’ walls and to generate comments in a social media driven economy of pay-per-click/view. This study aims to examine the reasons people carry out pranks against their intimate partners and to also find out if there is a relationship between self-esteem and the tendency to carry out pranks against ones intimate partner and to share such videos online. The study revealed that social media use, age, gender and the partners’ self-esteem predict the tendency for pranks among romantic partners in a relationship and that that pranks decrease the level of satisfaction in relationship among partners.

The Impact of Emotional Regulation Strategies on Pain Catastrophizing in the Context of Interpersonal Relationships.

The Communal Coping Model suggests that pain catastrophizing may serve to elicit support from others. What is not known is how emotional regulation, namely emotional inhibition, impacts pain catastrophizing within the context of an interpersonal relationship. Individuals who have a greater tendency to emotionally inhibit may have a greater likelihood to use catastrophizing as a means for seeking support, particularly in relationships characterized by satisfaction and emotional validation. Data were collected from 50 undergraduate couples at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Participants were videotaped during the completion of an acute pain cold pressor task and completed measures involving pain catastrophizing, emotional inhibition, and relationship dynamics (ie, Ambivalence Over Emotional Expressiveness Questionnaire, White Bear Suppression Inventory, Dyadic Adjustment Scale). In addition, the videotaped interactions were coded for both invalidation/validation and overt expressions of pain catastrophizing. Emotional inhibition, and both validation and invalidation were associated with pain catastrophizing. Observed validation and invalidation were not, however, directly associated with relationship satisfaction. Hierarchical linear regression showed a significant interaction between thought suppression and relationship satisfaction to predict pain catastrophizing. Results show relationship satisfaction moderates the association between pain catastrophizing and thought suppression in a manner in which couples with high levels of relationship satisfaction who also engage in thought suppression are more likely to use pain catastrophizing as a cognitive strategy to elicit support. This study offers direction into treatment and suggests that couples based cognitive-behavioral treatments that aim to utilize adaptive cognitive and behavioral coping strategies, as well as emotional exploration and validation, may be beneficial.

Sexual Function, Quality of Life, and Experiences of Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study.

IntroductionOvarian cancer impacts approximately 1 in 75 women. Sexual health is receiving increasing attention as a critical aspect of gynecologic cancer treatment and a component of quality of life. Therefore, investigating how women with ovarian cancer experience and express sexuality is an important area of inquiry.AimsTo evaluate how women with ovarian cancer experience and express sexuality, a major determinant of quality of life, in the context of their illness.MethodsIn a mixed-methods approach, 6 validated self-report questionnaires (n = 64) and an in-depth focus group (n = 3) were used to gather data.ResultsThe quantitative phase of the study showed that women with ovarian cancer have a poorer quality of life and higher rates of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress compared with published norms from the general population. They also have lower levels of relationship satisfaction and increased rates of depression. The qualitative phase of the study revealed 6 themes: (i) changes to relationship satisfaction; (ii) sexual difficulties; (iii) challenges with body image; (iv) gaps in communication with healthcare providers; (v) feelings of guilt, grief, resentment, anxiety, and fear; and (vi) strategies used for coping.ConclusionsOvarian cancer impacts women’s lives beyond mere survival, including their sexual function and quality of life. Healthcare providers are urged to prepare women with ovarian cancer for these challenges and offer information and resources to help improve their quality of life and sexuality.Fischer OJ, Marguerie M, Brotto LA. Sexual Function, Quality of Life, and Experiences of Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study. Sex Med 2019;7:530–539.

Romantik İlişki Becerileri Psikoeğitim Programının Etkinliğinin Sınanması: Bir Pilot Çalışma

<div><!--block-->The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a psychoeducation program of romantic relationship skills developed for young adults. The effectiveness of the psychoeducation program was tested using quantitative and qualitative methods. A pre-test post-test control group semi-experimental design was used in the study. Additionally, a focus group interview was conducted with the participants after the intervention to test the long-term effectiveness of the program. The study group consisted of 24 university students (12 in the experimental group and 12 in the control group) who were studying in a Mediterranean university and who had been in a romantic relationship for at least six months. In order to test the effectiveness of the psychoeducation program, the relationship satisfaction of the participants was examined and the relationship satisfaction subscale of the Relationship Stability Scale was used in the pre-test and post-test measurements. There was no significant difference between the total scores for relationship satisfaction levels obtained from the repeated measurements of the experimental and control groups. However, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test relationship satisfaction levels. The interaction effects of being in different treatment groups and the repeated measurement factors on relationship satisfaction were significant. Accordingly, it was determined that the participants in the experimental group experienced a significant increase in relationship satisfaction levels compared to the participants who did not receive this training in the control group. According to the findings of the focus group interview, it was observed that the positive development of the participants’ relationship satisfaction continued after the psychoeducation program. The participants stated that they saw a positive effect on their relationships thanks to the knowledge, skills and awareness they gained in areas such as communication, relationship beliefs, and expectations. The findings obtained in study showed that the psychoeducation program had achieved its aims.</div>

Psychosocial interventions for informal caregivers of people living with cancer.

Psychosocial interventions for informal caregivers of people living with cancer.

The Moderating Role of Maternal Supervision in the Relation of Social-Ecological Risk Factors to Children's Minor Injuries.

Although maternal supervision has been found to reduce injury riskin young children, it is not clear whether supervision moderates the impact of social-ecological risk variables on children's injury frequency. This study examined whether maternal supervision moderated the relation of child, maternal, and family risk factors to children's minor injuries. Mothers (N = 170) of toddlers were interviewed biweekly about their children's injuries and their supervision over a 6-month period, and mothers completed measures about child and family variables. Supervision moderated the effect of mothers' marital/partner relationship satisfaction on children's injury frequency; closer supervision was protective for mothers with lower relationship satisfaction. Findings suggest thathelping mothers with low levels of relationship satisfaction provide closer supervision for their children may mitigate the effects of low marital satisfaction on children's injury frequency.

Gay and lesbian couples’ relationship quality: Italian validation of the Gay and Lesbian Relationship Satisfaction Scale (GLRSS)

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Italian Gay and Lesbian Relationship Satisfaction Scale (GLRSS) in a sample of 305 Italian lesbians (48.2%) and gay men (51.8%), aged 19–72 yrs (M = 36.4, SD = 11.9). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis showed the expected bi-factorial structure and a close correlation between factors and scale. Internal consistency was satisfactory. Correlations with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and with the Measure for Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gay men (MISS-LG) were consistent with theoretical relationships within construct and between constructs. Lesbians, younger people, and participants in civil unions showed higher levels of relationship satisfaction, while participants in long-term relationships, as well as in civil unions, showed higher levels of perceived social support.