Long-term Romantic Relationships Research Articles

Strengths, Struggles, and Strategies: How Adults with Serious Mental Illness Navigate Long-Term Romantic Relationships.

Married individuals and those in committed romantic relationships generally report having better mental health outcomes than their single or divorced counterparts. However, studies of romantic relationships for adults with mental illness have often ignored rewarding aspects of romantic relationships and have focused primarily on relationship difficulties. In this study, 23 adults with serious mental illness in long-term romantic relationships described their relationship strengths and struggles in small focus group discussions. Content analysis was used to characterize themes from participant accounts. Overall, participants described deep emotional bonds with their partners, a mutual willingness to work on their relationship, and good communication skills as relationship strengths. Mental health symptoms and internalized stigma were identified as major contributors to relationship struggles. Participants spontaneously identified intentional strategies that they used to navigate mental health challenges in their relationship that included self-directed, partner-directed, and couple-directed actions. Implications of findings for research and practice are discussed.

(087) Sexual Milestones among Asexual Women and Men in the Czech Population

Abstract Introduction Although the definition of asexuality varies across previous studies, asexuality is usually defined as a lack of sexual attraction to others. Recent surveys of general populations report that 0.4–1 % of the population identifies as asexual. Previous studies on asexuality mainly focused on differences between asexual and allosexual individuals. Not surprisingly asexual individuals report fewer sexual fantasies, desire, arousal, masturbation, sex, and fewer sexual partners compared to allosexuals. But information about asexuality is still scattered. Objective The main aim of this study was to map the prevalence of asexuality and diversity in the field of sexual milestones among asexual women and men. Methods Participants were recruited in 2020 via sociodemographic agency using computer-assisted web interviewing software. Stratified random sampling with quotas on Czech nationality, region, size of the place of residence, sex, age, and education was applied. A representative sample of 1,616 adult men (n = 806; 21–85 years; mage = 50.65; SD = 15.52) and women (n = 810; 20–91 years; mage = 50,62; SD = 16.15) answered questions about selected dimensions of sexual and romantic relationship milestones. Results Approximately 2.1 % (n = 17) of men and 1.6 % (n = 13) of women indicated they were asexual. Results also showed that 64.7 % of asexual men and 84.6 % of asexual women were in long-term romantic relationship and compared to sexual men and women had less sexual partners (7.1 vs. 15.2 and 3.5 vs. 9.6, respectively). Preliminary results showed that asexual women had a later onset of first desire to have a romantic relationship (17.2 vs. 16.2 years old), first masturbation (21.1 vs. 18.4), first falling in love (21.1 vs. 15.8), first interest in pornographic materials (22.4 vs. 18.4), an earlier onset of menarche (12.5 vs. 13.7), and first occurrences of sexual fantasies (17.5 vs. 18.3), compared to sexual women, respectively. Sexual women and asexual women were in same age of first passionate kissing (16.7 vs. 16.2), first sex (17.3 vs. 17.4), and first petting (16.1 vs. 16.6). Asexual men had an earlier onset of first masturbation (13.1 vs. 14.9 years old), first interest in pornographic materials (13.3 vs. 14.2), first occurrences of sexual fantasies (14.8 vs. 15.8), first falling in love (15.8 vs. 16.6), first sex (16.7 vs. 18.2 years old), compared to sexual men, respectively. Sexual and asexual men were in same age of first pollution (13.2 vs. 13.8), first passionate kissing (16.1 vs. 16.4 years old), first petting (16.1 vs. 16.6), and first desire to have a romantic relationship (16.9 vs. 17.2). Conclusions Consistent with previous research, we found some biological and psychosocial markers that have been associated with asexuality. Asexual women experienced most of their sexual milestones later compared to sexual women. Interestingly, the opposite was found for asexual men. They experienced most of their sexual milestones earlier. Thus, our results suggest that the development of sexuality differs between asexual men and women. Disclosure No.

Navigating Love in a Post-Pandemic World: Understanding Young Adults' Views on Short- and Long-Term Romantic Relationships.

The uncertain future due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the technological advancements may have altered young adults' experiences of romantic relationships. It is unclear whether individuals will continue to prefer traditional long-term romantic relationships (LTRR) or opt for short-term ones (STRR). This research describes how young adults in Malaysia perceive LTRR and STRR. Using the structured approach of the theory of social representations, data were collected from 512 participants; 238 (46.48%) male; Mage 21.75; majority were heterosexual and students, and analyzed using prototypical analysis to reveal high consensus elements. Five observations were made: (1) females prioritize "love" in both STRR and LTRR, while males prioritize "love" only in LTRR; (2) females prioritize "marriage" in LTRR, while males prioritize "trust," "comfort," and "stability." Males do not consider "marriage" as part of a LTRR; (3) both males and females view STRR positively, while LTRR are viewed more practically; (4) "sex" is a core element in STRR but is absent in LTRR; (5) males differentiate between STRR and LTRR with no overlapping elements. These findings provide insight into the social representations of romantic relationships among young adults in Malaysia and suggest future directions for research in the field.

Strategies for meeting prospective mates: An explorative analysis in the Greek cultural context.

Most people strive toward establishing long-term romantic relationships, and the majority eventually succeed in doing so, which raises the question of how people meet prospective mates. In the current research, we used in-depth interviews and open-ended questionnaires in a sample of 218 Greek-speaking participants, and we identified 44 acts that people perform in order to meet prospective mates, and 17 categories indicating where people met their current or previous mates. In addition, we used quantitative research methods in a sample of 821 Greek-speaking participants, and we classified these acts into eight broader strategies. The most frequently adopted ones, included demonstrating active interest to prospective mates, going out to bars, clubs and cafés, improving one's looks and asking friends to introduce one to available individuals. For several strategies, we found significant sex and age effects. Furthermore, most participants indicated that they met their current and previous partners from friends and acquaintances, in school or university, on social media, and on a night out.

Intimate Partner Violence and Inflammaging: Conflict Tactics Predict Inflammation Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

In long-term relationships, conflict is inevitable, but physical and psychological aggression is not. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a known risk factor for age-related disease onset, and inflammation likely links the two. This study explores relationships between frequency of constructive (i.e., negotiation) and destructive (i.e., aggression) conflict tactics with inflammation in both younger and older adulthood. Based on the theory of inflammaging, the study investigates whether these associations were stronger in mid-to-late adulthood. At one visit, 214 participants in long-term romantic relationships had their blood drawn to assess six inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, IL-6; tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-α; c-reactive protein, CRP; serum amyloid A, SAA; soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, sICAM; soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, sVCAM) and reported frequency of destructive and constructive conflict tactics with their partner in the past year on the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale short form. Age interacted with number of destructive conflicts per year to predict serum IL-6 (F(1, 200) = 5.3, p = .022), TNF-α (F(1, 180) = 4.2, p = .043), sICAM (F(1, 193) = 7.0, p = .008), and marginally SAA (F(1, 199) = 3.7, p = .055), such that middle-aged and older adults who reported more destructive tactics had higher inflammation. Also, the relationship between constructive conflict frequency and TNF-α also depended on age (F(1, 177) = 4.9, p = .029), in that older adults who reported a greater number of constructive tactics had lower TNF-α. Couples' conflict tactics may influence levels of inflammation, and, therefore, aging rate, in mid-to-late life. Middle-aged and older adults may disproportionately benefit from a healthy partnership and suffer from an unhealthy partnership.

Sexuality and fertility desire in a large cohort of individuals with 46, XY differences in sex development

ObjectiveTo analyze aspects of sexual life and fertility desire among 46, XY DSD people, including those who changed their gender. MethodsIt is a cross-sectional study including 127 adults (> 16 years of age) with 46, XY DSD (83 females; 44 males) from a Single Brazilian Tertiary-Care Medical Center. ResultsSexual fantasies and masturbation were more frequent in 46, XY DSD males, whereas orgasm and sexual life satisfaction were similar in both genders. More 46, XY DSD men than women had a long-term romantic relationship. 46, XY DSD women with prenatal androgen exposure reported more fear of being romantically rejected. External genitalia appearance at birth did not impact the sexuality of 46, XY DSD women after surgical genital treatment had been completed. Overall, the sexual life was similar between 46, XY men assigned as males and those who changed to the male gender. Regarding sexual orientation, most self-reported as heterosexual (91% and 92% of women and men, respectively). The desire for fertility had a similar prevalence in both genders, but more women than men considered infertility a barrier to a long-term romantic relationship. Twelve individuals (7 males) had children; 10 out of 12 have adopted children. ConclusionFertility desire was shared among 46, XY DSD people, regardless of gender. Prenatal androgen exposure reduced the desire for motherhood in 46, XY women. 46, XY DSD people who changed from female to male gender presented similar sexual parameters as those assigned as males. Among females, virilized genitalia at birth did not affect sexuality once the surgical treatment is completed.

Experiences of romantic relationships among early adults who do not turn to their long-term partner when in need of love and support.

As most early adults in long-term romantic relationships rely on their partner to fulfill their relational needs, relationships with romantic partners are very important to many people at this time of life. However, there is a group of individuals for whom their long-term partner is not the most important person when they need love and support. This study explored experiences of romantic relationships among early adults who do not turn to their long-term partner to meet these needs. Twelve individuals in early adulthood (Mage =33.3 years; SD =0.54) were selected from a larger community sample (N =124) based on their answers on a questionnaire about who they turn to when in need of love and support. A thematic analysis of their answers in interviews about romantic relationships resulted in three main themes: Distancing attitudes toward romantic relationships, Desirable aspects of romantic relationships, and Not thinking about romantic relationships. The results show that these early adults' reflections on romantic relationships were characterized by ambivalence, striving toward independence, and relating to their partner as a person to have fun with rather than someone to share a deep connection with. Participants also expressed disagreement with what they perceived as norms concerning romantic relationships. Taken together, this study illustrates that the experiences of early adults who do not turn to their long-term partner to meet needs of love and support are characterized by a complex interaction between contradictory feelings, values, and behaviors.

“Do they fit together like the Joker and Harley Quinn?”: Joking, laughing, humor styles, and dyadic adjustment among people in long-term romantic relationships

While people value a good sense of humor in their potential romantic partners, we know comparatively less about the function of humor in long-term relationships. Using the survey method, we measured the production, appreciation, and quality of humor along with humor styles and dyadic adjustment in long-term relationships among 149 heterosexual couples. Men produced more jokes than women, but the sexes responded to their partners' jokes at the same frequency. Men also rated their jokes as funnier than the jokes of their partners. Partners were matched in aggressive and self-defeating humor styles. Laughing and humor quality ratings as well as humor styles had effects for men's and women's dyadic adjustment. We conclude that in long-term, romantic relationships, a sense of humor is part of the mechanisms involved in building relationships.

Polyamory: definition, forms, motives for engaging

The article examines the issue of polyamory in sociological and psychological discourse. It is emphasized that the phenomenon of polyamory is one of the consequences of the transformation of marital and family relations in the 20th century. It is noted that the relevance of the article is related to the revitalization of the discussion of polyamory both at the level of everyday discourse and among foreign scientists; discussions around polyamory as an alternative to monogamy in translated publications on sexological education for teenagers. Polyamory is considered by the author as one of the forms of consensual non-monogamy, that is, such relationships and sexual practices when people have more than one sexual/romantic partner with the mutual informed consent of all participants. The differences of such forms of consensual non-monogamy as polyamory and open relationships, "swing", "relationship anarchy" are discussed. It is noted that, in addition to the informed consent of all participants, polyamory is characterized by a characteristic focus on building long-term romantic relationships. The author considers the forms of polyamory according to K. Labriola: the primary/secondary model and multiple primary partners model. The study of the motives for engaging in polyamory by Slovak authors Hnatkovičová D., Bianchi G. is analyzed in detail. Motives for engaging in polyamory are discussed, such as meeting needs that were not met in monogamous relationships, personal growth and maintaining autonomy, identity development, expression of political values, exploration of LGBTIQ+ identities, desire for sexual diversity, need to belong to a community, and psychodynamic reasons. A conclusion is made about the need for further research on this issue, taking into account the liberalization of sexual morality and the further probable spread of polyamory practices in Western Europe and the USA.

Understanding the Roles of Romantic Partners and Parents in the Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Emerging Adults.

During the emerging adulthood of people with type 1 diabetes, long-term romantic partners may be involved in diabetes management in ways that supplant parental involvement. We examined the perspectives of involvement in diabetes management of the parents and romantic partners of 29 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes, using qualitative interviews and an online survey. When the individuals with diabetes were in long-term romantic relationships, their partners were heavily involved in managing diabetes and providing support; however, when the individuals with diabetes were in short-term relationships or not in a relationship, their parents were described as having the biggest positive impact on their diabetes management. Emerging adults described the involvement of their parents and romantic partners in both positive and negative ways. Romantic relationship status is an important but understudied variable in understanding social involvement and its effects on type 1 diabetes management during emerging adulthood.

You Mean the World to Me: The Role of Residential Mobility in Centrality of Romantic Relationships

Integrating the suffocation model of marriage with research on residential mobility, the current studies examined for the first time whether long-term romantic relationships are more central for residentially mobile (vs. stable) individuals (total N across three studies = 5,366; age range = 18–95). In Study 1, individuals who moved away from their place of birth (vs. not) were more likely to first confide in their spouse over other network members on important matters. In Study 2, history of frequent residential moves was associated with greater importance ascribed to romantic partners in the attachment hierarchy. In Study 3, the slope of perceived partner responsiveness predicting eudaimonic well-being got steeper as residential mobility increased. By showing the role of residential mobility in romantic relationships, our findings highlight the importance of studying socioecological factors to gain a deeper understanding of how relationship processes unfold.

Cyberintimacy Involvement on Building Emotional Intimacy in Close Relationship on Indonesian Tinder Users

Tinder, as one of the most popular online dating applications, is nicknamed as the hookup app. The negative perceptions inherent among the public were born because of how users in western countries operate the application, which does not follow the norms adopted in Indonesia. Many people assume that most Tinder users are those who are not looking for a long-term romantic relationship. The possibility of getting a partner who will commit to the relationship is not a common idea. This research aims to understand the development process of emotional intimacy and the initiation of a close relationship between Tinder users who have managed to find their partner through the Tinder application and communication mediated by computers (internet). This research uses a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews and Netnographic observations were used as the primary and secondary data collection techniques. This study indicates that although many Tinder users in Indonesia use Tinder similar to how people in western countries do, many users have finally succeeded in building long-term close relationships. Therefore, the perception about small numbers of Tinder users looking for long-term romantic relationships is not accurate.

Mononormativity and Related Normative Bias in the UK Immigration System: The Experience of LGBTIQ+ Asylum Seekers

This article examines the impact that different normative understandings of sexuality and relationships have on LGBTIQ+ people’s experience of the UK Immigration System, with a particular focus on mononormative conceptions that privilege forms of coupledom. By examining legal regulations and case judgments, the mononormative bias is shown to disadvantage LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and make it difficult for those not seen to be in long-term romantic relationships to have their sexuality acknowledged and their claims for asylum upheld. The article considers how mononormativity intersects with heteronormative stereotypes and narrow homonormative prescriptions of gay identity such as “coming out” or expressing particular lifestyle choices. Taken together these normativities combine in a culture of disbelief in the immigration system that negates the self-identification of LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees by requiring them conform to norms that do not reflect the diversity of queer lives and experiences.

Newlywed Couples' Own and Partner Sexual Disgust Sensitivities Interact to Predict Their Marital Satisfaction Through Their Sexual Satisfaction.

Sex is integral to maintaining a satisfying long-term romantic relationship such as marriage. It is thus important to identify the factors that promote sexual satisfaction in these relationships. To this end, we examined the extent to which a crucial evolved individual difference-sexual disgust sensitivity-impacts people's sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction. Using a two-year longitudinal study of 102 newlywed couples (204 individuals), we demonstrated that, rather than exerting main effects, the interaction of both couple members' sexual disgust sensitivities was indirectly associated with marital satisfaction through sexual satisfaction. People whose partners' sexual disgust sensitivities were relatively similar (versus dissimilar) to their own maintained higher levels of sexual satisfaction across the first two years of marriage, which was associated with similarly elevated marital satisfaction. Not only do these findings highlight the importance of integrating evolutionary perspectives and relationship science, they underscore the value of conducting dyadic research to examine the unique intersection of both couple members' characteristics for people's relationship outcomes.

Pathology in Relationships.

Committed, long-term romantic relationships are ubiquitous among modern society. They are one of the most important contexts for the development, maintenance, and treatment of psychopathology. In this review, I first place psychopathology within the most commonly cited theoretical model of marital satisfaction and stability and then discuss how relationship satisfaction is conceptualized and assessed in this literature. In the second half of the review, I describe the theories regarding how romantic relationships may be connected to psychopathology. Relationship distress is easily incorporated into a diathesis-stress model as an important trigger for psychopathology. Next, I review cross-sectional research, longitudinal research, and treatment efficacy research linking relationship quality and psychopathology. I provide evidence for the robustness of these effects and areas where research must expand. I finish with a summary section that synthesizes what is known about the mechanisms linking relationship distress and psychopathology.

Стратегии помощи взрослым с РАС. Построение романтических, интимных отношений и семейной жизни

This paper further examines unique aspects of emotional life of adults with ASD and challenges and rewards of building long-term romantic and family relationships. Psychotherapeutic methods of choice, DIRFloortime and mentalization, are aimed at forming, maintenance and flexible repair of the interpersonal relationship: DIRFloortime offers play- and affect-based strategies and helps to build interpersonal relationship, while mentalization techniques provide metacognitive intervention and serve as scaffolding for emotional thinking and higher-level cognition. Techniques of Floortime play, Socratic questions and collateral work proved to be effective. Clinical vignettes illustrate moving the entire family up towards more effective and harmonious co-regulated interaction with corrections to sensory triggers, elements of psychoeducation about self-regulation, and direct self-regulation individual coaching. Coregulating affect, raising self-awareness, demonstrating relationship building and repair, as well as interest in the other in the course of playful interaction; waiting and gently prodding into the emotionally meaningful subjects helps the therapist to help adult autists to erect the societal support system.

Social Net Users’ Behavior as a Forming Factor of Social Representations about Spouse

The present research traced the connection between the behavior of social net users and 1) the content they view devoted to romantic relationships and 2) their social representations about their prospective spouse. The survey involved 525 respondents and an authentic questionnaire of three blocks. The first block of questions was based on a content analysis of young people's essays and social net entries. It featured social representations about romantic relationships and marriage. The second block was connected with socio-demographic characteristics. The third block analyzed the use of social networks and other communication channels. The study revealed a link between one’s behavior in social networks and social representations about a romantic partner, married life, and family relations. Users that frequently viewed social media posts about relationships between men and women were not marriage-oriented and did not seek long-term romantic relationships. They viewed romantic relationships as an exciting adventure and they entertained a possibility of having different partners at different life stages. Such elements in social representations may lead to a more tolerant attitude to such phenomena as unregistered marriage, divorce, and serial monogamy.

Interpersonal behavior in women: Association with prenatal exposure to sex hormones

The ratio between the second and fourth digit of the hand (2D:4D ratio) has been used as a marker of prenatal exposure to sex hormones. A previous study found that men with smaller 2D:4D ratios, relative to men with larger ratios, were more agreeable and less quarrelsome with women than with men. We aimed to replicate this study, using a similar procedure for sampling interpersonal behaviors but including participants who were first-year students (n = 81) rather than working adults in a long-term romantic relationship. Event-contingent recording of everyday social interactions yielded data on agreeableness, quarrelsomeness, dominance, and submissiveness in different social contexts (e.g., with male vs. female interaction partners). While we did not replicate the findings previously obtained in men, this might be due to the relatively low number of male participants. Female participants with larger 2D:4D ratios were more agreeable with women than with men; this was not found among women with smaller ratios. Future studies on the link between the 2D:4D ratio and interpersonal behavior should consider with whom interactions take place and examine additional factors such as participants' relationship status and hormonal contraceptive use.

Experimental analysis of male online dating on parole

ABSTRACT This study uses an experimental audit design to test how parole disclosure affects online dating outcomes. A Black, a Latino, and a White male online dating profile were created, with the experimental condition disclosing parole in written bios. Results indicate that parole disclosure reduced matches for Black males, increased matches for White males, and had no effect on matching odds for Latino males. Analyses across popular and niche apps indicated that app appeal mediates the effect of parole disclosure on match likelihood. This study has implications for reintegration given the association between long-term romantic relationships and desistance from crime. Exploring the ability of formerly incarcerated men to enter into dating relationships is a necessary first step to this process.

Narrative theory III: Evolutionary narratives addressing mating motives change discounting and tobacco valuation.

Relationships between discounting and addictive behaviors have both state- and trait-based components. Evolutionarily driven motives may trigger risk-taking behaviors, and narratives might be used to alter the temporal window of reward valuation. The current investigation-in 2 separate studies-sought to understand the basic effects of narratives on smoking behavior by examining the effect of mating narratives on the discounting rates of cigarette smokers. Using data collected online, Study 1 (N = 132) assessed the within-individual effect of a mating narrative describing a long-term romantic relationship on rates of discounting after being randomly assigned to 1 of 2 narratives (romance or control) and Study 2 (N = 273) assessed the between-individual effect of 2 mating narratives (1 describing a long-term romantic relationship and 1 describing a short-term sexual encounter) on rates of discounting, craving, and cigarette valuation after being randomly assigned to 1 of 3 motivational narratives (romance, sex, or control). Reading the romance narrative decreased rates of discounting (i.e., increased preference for larger delayed rewards), compared to a control narrative (Studies 1 and 2). In contrast, reading the sexual narrative increased discounting (i.e., decreased preference for larger delayed rewards). Moreover, the romance narrative significantly decreased craving of cigarettes while the sexual narrative increased cigarette valuation (Study 2). These findings suggest that mating narratives may be useful in manipulating the temporal window of reward valuation, relevant for altering demand and craving, and may show potential as a component of future behavioral addiction interventions. Given the small effect sizes, replicating the study in future research will be beneficial. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).