Perceived Relationship Quality Research Articles

“There's only room for one of us in this relationship”: Examining the role of the dark triad in high-performance dyads

The Dark Triad is highly relevant in high-performance environments as it offers explanation for feelings of superiority, opportunities to be ruthless in the pursuit of victory, and a heightened belief of influence over others for individual success. High-performance dyads focus on achieving a collective goal to achieve additional individual glory. The aim of this study was to investigate how levels of these traits and (dis)similarity in them was associated with relationship quality of 316 high-performance dyads. Greater dissimilarity in narcissism resulted in higher relationship quality for both dyadic members. Actor effects indicated that higher levels of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism were related to a reduction in coaches' own perceptions of relationship quality, whilst only higher levels of Machiavellianism were associated with a reduction in athletes' own perceived levels of relationship quality. Partner effects showed higher levels of athlete Machiavellianism reduced the relationship quality of coaches.

Drug use and condomless sex among sexual minority men in relationships: Whether relationship quality is a risk or protective factor depends upon what they believe their partners do

Sexual minority male (SMM) couples tend toward behavioral similarity around cannabis use, illicit drug use, and sex with casual partners. Similarity in these behaviors may contextualize associations with relationship quality. This study tested the hypotheses that perceptions of partner (cannabis and illicit) drug use and sexual behavior would predict personal drug use and sexual behavior as well as moderate the association between relationship quality and these health outcomes. Recruitment via social networking applications yielded a sample of 5511 cisgender SMM aged 18–85 (M = 38.21, SD = 12.16) who were in a relationship with an adult cisgender male main partner. Respondents completed an online survey assessing their own cannabis use, illicit drug use, and condomless anal sex (CAS) with casual partners during the past 30 days as well as their belief about their partner's engagement in these behaviors. Three subscales of the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) scale assessed relationship quality. Across the observed range of PRQC scores participants who reported their partner used cannabis, used other illicit drugs, and had recent CAS with a casual partner were more likely to report engaging in these activities themselves. Among participants who indicated their partner did not engage in these activities, relationship quality was negatively associated with personal cannabis use (OR = 0.985, p < 0.001), illicit drug use (OR = 0.973, p < 0.001), and CAS with casual partners (OR = 0.979, p < 0.001); meanwhile, among those who reported their partner engaged in these behaviors – relationship quality was positively associated with the odds of these behaviors (OR = 1.018, p < 0.001; OR = 1.015, p < 0.001; OR = 1.019, p = 0.015 for cannabis, illicit drug use and CAS with casual partners respectively). These findings suggest that perceptions of a partner's behavior contextualize associations between relationship quality and personal behavioral risk. Results emphasize the importance of integrating components that support relationship quality into behavioral health interventions for SMM couples and SMM in relationships.

The effects of gratitude and affection journaling interventions on relationship quality and gratitude for Chinese adolescent – mother dyads

This study examined the effects of journaling-based interventions on perceived relationship quality (i.e., mother-adolescent interactions and conflict) and gratitude among Chinese adolescents (ages 12–14 years) and their mothers ( N = 339 dyads). Mother-adolescent dyads were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (i.e., gratitude, affection, and control), and kept a daily journal on assigned topics for 21 days. Participants’ mother-adolescent relationship quality and level of gratitude were measured before and after the 21-day period. The findings showed that both the gratitude and affection interventions had positive impacts on mother-adolescent relationship quality (i.e., more positive mother-adolescent interactions and less conflict) with a small to medium effect size for adolescents but no impact for mothers. Gratitude did not change from pre-to post-intervention. The current study provides some preliminary support for implementing gratitude and affection interventions with Chinese adolescents to promote relationship quality, but suggests that the intervention works better for adolescents than mothers.

A reciprocal association between interpersonal relationship quality and student's positive affect: Athree-wave random intercept cross-lagged study in a Chinese primary mathematics learning context.

This study adopted a three-wave random intercept cross-lagged panel model to explore the longitudinal reciprocal relationships between (a) the teacher-student relationship (TSR) quality and (b) the parent-child relationship (PCR) quality and positive affect among Chinese primary school students. Two primary school student samples, including 3505 and 2505 students, were tracked with their perceived relationship quality with math teachers and parents and their positive affect levels in mathematics learning over three academic years. The results demonstrated that more closeness with parents could significantly predict students' subsequent higher level of positive affect in mathematics learning. However, more closeness with their math teachers did not show significant prediction. Meanwhile, more conflict with math teachers and parents could significantly predict their subsequent lower degree of perceived positive affect in mathematics learning. That is, a reciprocal association lines in the PCR quality and positive affect, whereas only a unidirectional association exists between the TSR and positive affect. The predictions of the experienced positive affect on their perceived interpersonal relationships with math teachers and parents were stronger than those in the reverse association. This study identifies that while the effects of closeness with math teachers and parents on positive affect in students' math learning differ, conflict with math teachers and parents indeed harms students' experienced positive affect in math learning. More attention should also be paid to fostering positive affect in math learning.

A dynamic, relational approach to B2B customer experience: A customer-centric perspective from a longitudinal investigation

Understanding the formation and dynamics of B2B customer experience (CX) is a key priority for marketing academics, with a notable gap necessitating empirical investigation. To address this gap, two studies were conducted. The first utilizes a mixed-method approach to generate and empirically assess a CX measure, with a specific focus on impressions during the service delivery stage from a relational perspective. The second using longitudinal data explored the impact of past impressions and specific supplier offerings on current customer impressions. The authors identified four types of impressions: two cognitive (factual and sagacious) and two affective (emotional and social) and highlighted that certain aspects of past impressions negatively impact the present. The paper further elucidates how the technical and functional components of the supplier's offering shape customer impressions, confirming the functional elements' impact on the affective impressions of the customer’s perceived CX and influencing the perceived relationship quality.

(056) The Association Between Disgust Sensitivity, Sexual Desire, Relationship Satisfaction in Finland

Abstract Introduction Disgust is a basic emotion directed towards certain objects to avoid harm (Angyal, 1941), mainly pathogens. Research, however, has proposed a heterogeneity of disgust beyond pathogen avoidance to generate the functional model, which proposed the functionally distinct domains of disgust: moral, pathogen, and sexual. This model proposes that sexual disgust is an avoidance of sexual contact with unfit partners that may yield unfit offspring (Tybur &amp; de Vries, 2013), this may be due to other anxiety related disorders (Davey, 2011 and Troop et al., 2002) Objective This study focuses on the association between disgust sensitivity with sexual desire, and relationships satisfaction. Hypothesis: elevated levels of disgust sensitivity are negatively associated with sexual desire and relationship satisfaction. Methods Invitation letters were sent out to the registered Finnish population in the Finnish Central Population Registry to participate in a(n) (online) survey, 9,319 individuals responded to the invitation and completed the survey and agreed to participate in the research. The tools used in this study were Perceived Relationship Quality Component (PRQC), Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI), and the Three-Disgust Domain Scale (TDDS). Results The results indicate that the sexual desire and sexual disgust sensitivity, are negatively correlated, the relationship satisfaction correlations are positive except the men pathogen disgust which is a negative correlation between pathogen disgust sensitivity and relationship satisfaction. The correlation between the study variables indicated that among men and women sexual disgust is negatively correlated with sexual desire, and the correlation of relationship satisfaction and sexual disgust was positively correlated. Conclusions The results show the negative association of sexual disgust with sexual desire, but there is a positive relationship between sexual disgust and relationship satisfaction. Disclosure No.

Perceptions of relationship quality that predict friendship dissolution during childhood and adolescence: Social support matters more than negativity.

The present study examines perceptions of relationship quality as antecedents of best friendship dissolution. Participants included 230 students in Florida (United States; 54.3% girls; ages = 8-13; 39.6% European American, 27.0% Hispanic American, 21.7% African American, and 2.6% Asian American) and 496 students in Lithuania (49.0% girls; ages = 8-14; 358 boys; nearly all ethnic Lithuanian) attending public schools in Florida (United States) and Lithuania. Reciprocated best friends were identified from friend nominations midway through the school year, at which time each partner described perceptions of social support and negativity in the relationship. Of the 363 reciprocated friend dyads, 26.2% (n = 95) were no longer friends 1-3 months later. Dyadic analyses were conducted with initial perceived friend negativity and initial perceived friend social support as predictors of subsequent friendship stability. When considered separately, perceived social support predicted self- and partner reports of friendship stability and perceived negativity predicted self- (but not partner) reports of friendship stability. In each case, lower initial social support and higher initial negativity predicted a greater incidence of friendship dissolution. When considered together, initial perceptions of social support predicted self- and partner reports of friendship dissolution, but perceptions of negativity predicted neither. The findings are consistent with those from married couples, which indicate that the absence of positive interactions is a stronger predictor of relationship instability than the presence of negative interactions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A longitudinal perspective of the change in personal growth in the transition to motherhood and predicting factors.

During the transition to motherhood, women may experience personal growth, especially when they are exposed to a traumatic stressor such as a global pandemic. However, few studies have employed a longitudinal design to examine the change in personal growth over time during this period. Based on the Personal Growth following Life Crisis and Transitions model, we explored the trajectory of personal growth and the factors that may predict it: COVID-19-related anxiety, maternal-fetal bonding, and dispositional gratitude. Perceived relationship quality with the partner was used as a predictor of growth in each study wave. The sample consisted of 388 women with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds, who were recruited through social media and completed self-report questionnaires in three phases: the second half of their pregnancy, 3 months after the birth of their first child, and 3 months later. A linear increase in personal growth was found from pregnancy until after childbirth. Higher COVID-19-related anxiety and maternal-fetal bonding predicted higher initial personal growth, but lower change over time. Higher gratitude predicted higher initial levels of personal growth, but not the change over time. Relationship quality with the partner predicted personal growth 3 and 6 months after childbirth, but not during pregnancy. Personal growth measured at a single point in time and the change in personal growth over time are distinct phenomena predicted by different variables. Variables related to higher initial levels of growth appear to predict less change over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Harmonious Husband and Wife Relationship:

A harmonious marriage is associated with spousal satisfaction. However, in Indonesia, the divorce rate increases every year. Maintaining a harmonious family takes effort from the spouses and is discussed using stimulus, value and role theories, as internal factors. The external factor is dyadic coping, which is the ability of couples to cope with pressure together and is discussed using the systematic transactional model-STM. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of dyadic coping on the achievement of harmonious relationships in husbands and wives. Method: non-experimental quantitative with cross sectional technique. Sample characteristics are heterosexual couples who have been married for at least 1 year, aged over 20 years, as many as 150 couples or 300 participants. Relationship satisfaction measurement tool, The Perceived Relationship Quality Components Inventory (PRQC), Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient = 0.978, while Dyadic Coping is measured by Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient = 0.911. Data processing using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), LISREL 8.80 programme, the measurement model shows all items are valid and the structural model shows a fit and significant model. The results showed the similarity of husbands and wives handling pressure, using positive dyadic coping. The difference between husbands and wives on the perception of harmonious relationship satisfaction is the aspect of love and intimacy. With these findings, it is expected to be used by counsellors, family psychologists and others to guide couples to be harmonious

Investigating the relationship between psychological adjustment and the quality of marital relationship dimensions of women with breast cancer in Golestan Province in 2022

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. Contracting this cancer is an experience accompanied by extreme mental stress. Therefore, when they know about their disease, they experience high levels of disappointment and weakness in adapting to it in their personal and family lives. Like any other type of cancer, it endangers various aspects of mental health, including the marital relation. Breast cancer diagnosis is a crisis in a women's life. In this respect, mastectomy (i.e., breast removal surgery) is eliminating a part of the body that symbolizes gender, femininity, and maternal dimensions. Regarding the importance of the breast in forming a woman's sexual identity, the reaction to the disease by women may involve fear, anxiety, and depression. Hence, the contraction of breast cancer may damage the married life of these women. The present study was conducted to explore the relationship between mental adjustment to cancer (MAC) and marital relationship quality (MRQ) in women with breast cancer. Materials and methodThis descriptive-correlational study was conducted on a sample size of 135. Sampling was performed through the accessible sampling method on women with breast cancer referred to two clinics in Gorgan City during 2020–2021. The data-collection tool comprised the demographic data blank, the Mini-Mac mental-adjustment-to-cancer questionnaire, and the Perceived Relationship Quality Component (PRQC) inventory. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation index, multivariable regression model, and the SPSS software ver. 18. ResultsThe mean scores for MAC and MRQ domains in women with breast cancer were 81.15 ± 19.78 and 93.19 ± 95.17, respectively. There was a direct and significant relation between the MAC score in women with breast cancer and the perceived MRQ in them (r = 0.341; p = 0.001), such that with increasing the psychological MAC, the perceived quality of the marital relationship was significantly higher. ConclusionBased on the obtained results, it is inferred that with an increase in the MAC, MRQ domains improve accordingly. Concerning the major role of the MRQ in the mental health of couples, the authorities must prepare a service package to improve the MRQ and mental health of breast cancer patients.

OLDER AGE IS ASSOCIATED WITH MORE COMPLEX PERCEPTIONS OF ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP QUALITY DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate its devastating effects posed unparalleled challenges to romantic relationships. National lockdowns forcing couples to spend long hours in closed quarters were especially straining, yet evidence points to considerable variability in the effect of the pandemic on relationship quality. Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, we examined age differences in perceptions of romantic relationship quality as one source of insight into this variability. During the first lockdown in Israel, 280 adults aged 25-81 reported positive and negative qualities of their romantic relationships. Of these, 105 participants completed the survey again once lockdown restrictions were lifted. Contrary to our hypotheses based on socioemotional selectivity theory, we found no evidence for age differences in the effect of the lockdown on perceptions of relationship quality. In addition, the lockdown did not influence participants’ positive and negative perceptions of their romantic partners. However, we found that whereas people of all ages represent positive and negative qualities of their romantic partners as separate constructs, the negative association between the two is weaker for older adults compared to younger adults during (but not after) the lockdown. This finding suggests that in stressful times, older adults are better able to avoid negative perceptions clouding positive perceptions and see positive aspects of relationships with romantic partners in the face of negative ones. Findings extend evidence for age associations with complex emotional experiences to emotional aspects of interpersonal relationships and may inform potential interventions for improving romantic relationships during stressful times.

SOCIAL NETWORKS: BUILDING RESOURCES FOR DIVERSE AGING FAMILIES

Abstract Social networks provide tangible resources for older adults and their families. Yet, their formation and characteristics may vary across diverse aging contexts. Friedman and colleagues examine multiple dimensions of caregivers’ networks using a nationally representative sample (N=2,176). Latent profile analysis identified three classes of caregiving networks: (1) Large, sparse networks with relatively few kin and only some people who assist with caregiving tasks for care recipients; (2) Moderately-sized, somewhat dense, kin-based networks; (3) Small, very dense family networks where caregiving is shared across network members, all of which uniquely influence caregiver well-being. Hu and colleagues evaluate measurement invariance of objective and subjective social isolation between US-born and foreign-born older adults using a regionally representative sample (N=611). Findings show indicators of social network structure and perceived relationship quality may be useful for examining social isolation among older immigrants. Ajrouch and colleagues show distinct dimensions of networks differentially influence older adult’s cognitive function. Larger networks and higher proportion of family are positively related while higher contact frequency is negatively related to cognitive function. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study, Webster and Chin show the extent of similarity in health-related behaviors between older adults and their closest social network members. Analysis of 247 dyads illustrate associations between multiple social network factors (homophily, structure, and relationship quality) and similarity in these behaviors. Together, these papers advance theoretical and methodological approaches to the ways in which social networks serve as a resource across diverse aging contexts.

SOCIAL NETWORKS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH IN RACIAL/ETHNIC CONTEXT

Abstract Social networks provide tangible resources for older adults and their families. Yet, their formation and characteristics may vary across diverse aging contexts. Friedman and colleagues examine multiple dimensions of caregivers’ networks using a nationally representative sample (N=2,176). Latent profile analysis identified three classes of caregiving networks: (1) Large, sparse networks with relatively few kin and only some people who assist with caregiving tasks for care recipients; (2) Moderately-sized, somewhat dense, kin-based networks; (3) Small, very dense family networks where caregiving is shared across network members, all of which uniquely influence caregiver well-being. Hu and colleagues evaluate measurement invariance of objective and subjective social isolation between US-born and foreign-born older adults using a regionally representative sample (N=611). Findings show indicators of social network structure and perceived relationship quality may be useful for examining social isolation among older immigrants. Ajrouch and colleagues show distinct dimensions of networks differentially influence older adult’s cognitive function. Larger networks and higher proportion of family are positively related while higher contact frequency is negatively related to cognitive function. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study, Webster and Chin show the extent of similarity in health-related behaviors between older adults and their closest social network members. Analysis of 247 dyads illustrate associations between multiple social network factors (homophily, structure, and relationship quality) and similarity in these behaviors. Together, these papers advance theoretical and methodological approaches to the ways in which social networks serve as a resource across diverse aging contexts.

Stronger Together: The Role of Partner Support in Perceived Relationship Quality among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Turkey

Turkey is a country that provides limited rights for sexual minority and gender diverse (SMGD) individuals. Given this, it is important to understand how SMGD individuals may experience stress and how this may impact their romantic relationships. Grounded in the minority stress model, this study investigated the negative association between minority-related stressors and perceived relationship quality. Furthermore, given the important role partner support plays in mitigating the deleterious effects of stress on one’s relationship, we also examined whether perceived partner support would mediate the negative association between proximal minority-related stress and perceived relationship quality. Results from 117 SMGD individuals living in Turkey supported the hypotheses. Specifically, distal minority-related stress directly predicted proximal minority-related stress. Proximal minority-related stress directly predicted perceived partner support and indirectly predicted perceived relationship quality, as mediated by perceived partner support. Findings and implications for future research and practice are presented.

Exploring the Depths of Human Emotion: Insights from Counseling Psychology

This study explores the intricate relationship between emotional intensity and therapeutic relationships within counseling psychology, considering diverse age groups and the influence of counseling sessions. Drawing on recent research, we investigate the practical implications of emotional dynamics, particularly in the context of telehealth counseling. Our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between emotional intensity and perceived relationship quality, highlighting the enduring impact of emotional experiences on the counseling process. The study contributes practical insights for therapists and emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of emotions in both traditional and digital counseling modalities.

The Association Between Autonomy Need Satisfaction and Perceived Romantic Relationship Quality: The Mediating Role of Openness

One of the most critical developmental tasks during the university years is to develop close romantic relationships. The quality of the relationship established is as important as the existence of these relationships. In this study, a model that examines the mediating role of openness in the association of autonomy need satisfaction and perceived romantic relationship quality among emerging adults was tested. The study group consisted of 510 university students. A personal information form, the Fulfillment Scale of the Needs in Romantic Relationships, the Relationship Maintenance Strategies Scale, and the Perceived Romantic Relationship Quality Scale were used to collect data. The initial analyses showed that there were positive and significant correlations between autonomy needs satisfaction, openness, and perceived relationship quality. In addition, the emerging adults whose autonomy needs were met were more open in their close relationships and, as a result, had a higher level of perceived romantic relationship quality.

Co-creating successful mentoring relationships? Investigating mentor and protégé perceptions of dyadic fit and relationship quality

PurposeTo examine how perceptions of complementary and supplementary fit and relationship quality contribute to successful mentorship co-creation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via cross-sectional survey of 145 mentor–protégé dyads within institutions of higher education in the USA. Mentors evaluated their perceptions of supplementary and complementary fit and relationship quality with their protégés and vice versa. Additionally, mentors evaluated their protégés’ performance, whereas protégés reported on their own learning. Data were analyzed using the actor–partner interdependence model.FindingsResults suggest that one's own fit perceptions are most important in predicting one's evaluation of relationship quality. Additionally, for both mentor and protégé, complementary fit and supplementary fit predict evaluations of relationship quality to a similar degree. Finally, each person's perceptions of relationship quality mediated the relationships between their own perceptions of fit and mentor-rated protégé performance, but not the relationships between perceptions of fit and protégé-rated learning.Originality/valueResearch has often studied mentorships from the perspective of one party, which limits our understanding of mentorship co-creation. This study investigates how both parties simultaneously contribute to mentorship success, as indicated by protégé learning and performance. Additionally, the authors clarify the extent to which perceptions of different types of fit are instrumental in co-creating successful mentorships.

Parent-Child Attachment and Romantic Relationship: Is There a Relationship Between Parent-Child Attachment and Young Adults’ Romantic Relationships?

Many researchers have found that the key to future adaptations or maladaptations of children is the attachment they form with their parents (Davies &amp; Sturge-Apple, 2007; Marvin &amp; Britner, 2008). Early research on attachment has highlighted the impact of parent-child attachment continuing across life (Bowlby, 1982). Recent research has shown that insecure attachment during childhood impacts young adults’ attachment with their parents and in turn, impacts different aspects of their lives. However, no or limited studies have explored the direct relationship between attachment styles and young adults’ romantic relationships among Maldivian young adults. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing the relationship between young adult’s parent child attachment, and the quality of romantic relationships among young adults in Higher Education Institutions in the Maldives. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 463 students aged 18 to 28 in higher education institutions in the Maldives. The data were collected using the Perceived Relationship Quality Scale by Fletcher et al. (2000) and the Attachment to Parent/Caregiver Inventory by Hu (2009). The data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and PLS SEM software. The results showed high levels of avoidant attachment with both mother and father among the participants, which was negatively associated with their current romantic relationship quality. In addition, it also showed an association between mother child anxious attachment, father-child anxious attachment, and the romantic relationship quality of young adults. Hence, a direct connection between insecure attachment styles (avoidant attachment and anxious attachment) and low levels of relationship quality was established.

Emotional and relational protective factors during pregnancy and psychological well-being and personal growth after childbirth

ABSTRACT Background Studies in the perinatal literature tend to focus on potential negative outcomes, but little attention has been paid to the protective factors that may be associated with better psychological well-being or positive mental changes, such as personal growth. Objective Drawing on the Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions, the study employed a prospective design and a sequential mediation model to examine the mechanism by which protective factors during pregnancy (dispositional gratitude, perceived relationship quality with the partner, perceived maternal-foetal bonding) may be associated, in sequence, with higher psychological well-being and personal growth after childbirth among first-time mothers. Methods The sample consisted of 515 women who were recruited through social media and completed questionnaires in two phases: Time 1, during the second half of their pregnancy; and Time 2, around 12 weeks after the birth of their first baby. Results Results show that gratitude was associated with higher perceived relationship quality during pregnancy, which was associated with higher maternal-foetal bonding, which in turn was associated with higher psychological well-being and personal growth after childbirth. The indirect effects were significant. Conclusion The study expands knowledge of positive outcomes in the transition to motherhood, and demonstrates that positive emotions, such as gratitude, may be the first link in the chain of factors predicting better outcomes from pregnancy to childbirth.

Supplemental Material for Perceptions of Relationship Quality That Predict Friendship Dissolution During Childhood and Adolescence: Social Support Matters More Than Negativity

Supplemental Material for Perceptions of Relationship Quality That Predict Friendship Dissolution During Childhood and Adolescence: Social Support Matters More Than Negativity