Positive Partner Research Articles

Disclosure of Sexual Trauma to Romantic Partners: Examining PTSD Clusters, Partner Reactions, Perceived Partner Responsiveness, and Relationship Satisfaction.

The present study explored the relationship between disclosure of sexual trauma to a romantic partner and relationship satisfaction for individuals who have experienced unwanted or forced sexual contact. We examined whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clusters, partner reactions, and perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) mediated that relationship. Relationship satisfaction was significantly, positively correlated with trauma disclosure, positive partner reactions, and PPR, and significantly, negatively correlated with negative partner reactions and the PTSD clusters of avoidance and negative alterations in cognitions and mood. Trauma disclosure had a significant, indirect effect on relationship satisfaction via positive partner reactions and PPR. Findings from this study can be utilized to inform clinical interventions and guide future research for individuals who have experienced sexual trauma.

Behavioral variability in physiological synchrony during future-based conversations between romantic partners.

Physiological synchrony-or similarity between two people's physiological responses-is thought to have important consequences for health and well-being and has been observed in social relationship contexts. The present study investigated variability in dyads' physiological synchrony as a function of both partners' behaviors during an emotionally salient discussion. We examined concurrent covariation in cardiac interbeat intervals in a sample of young adult romantic couples (N = 79 dyads) who discussed the coordination of a personal goal with the future of their relationship (data collected from 2013 to 2015). Partners assigned to be disclosers revealed hypothetical good news (e.g., a dream job offer) with their partner, the responder, who reacted to this disclosure. To understand covariation-behavior associations, we examined three motivationally relevant behaviors that may underlie synchrony based on people's role in the discussion. We found significant variability in how much couples experienced covariation, and covariation depended, at least in part, on people's behaviors during the discussions. When disclosers spoke more (a behavior associated with less satisfying relationships and less positive partner perceptions), dyads experienced less physiological covariation. Furthermore, when responders showed more neglect and withdrawal, and when both partners displayed less positive emotion, dyads experienced less physiological covariation. These findings underscore couples' physiological synchrony as a heterogeneous process that can emerge with the presence of greater behavioral and emotional positivity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Dyadic investigations of past traumatic events and affectionate touch frequency in couples.

Past traumatic events negatively affect romantic relationships, yet their impact on affectionate touch, an important predictor of psychological and relational well-being, remains unknown. In two preregistered studies with nonclinical samples, we hypothesized that traumatic events are negatively associated with affectionate touch frequency for both the victim (i.e., actor effect) and their romantic partner (i.e., partner effect). We also expected this negative link to be stronger for the people perceiving relatively low responsiveness and/or high insensitivity in their partner. We used secondary data from 70 Swiss couples in Study 1 and collected data online from 441 couples living in the United States or United Kingdom in Study 2. All couples were heterosexual, and both studies were dyadic and cross-sectional. Unlike our hypotheses, analyses with Actor-Partner Interdependence Models revealed no negative associations between past traumatic events and affectionate touch. In Study 1, we found no significant actor effects but small-sized positive partner effects of men's traumatic events on women's affectionate touch frequency. In Study 2, however, two out of three actor effects and one partner effect were positive with negligible to small sizes. Neither perceived partner responsiveness nor insensitivity had a moderating role. The association between past traumatic experiences and affectionate touch was inconsistently nonsignificant or positive but consistently nonnegative across our two studies. Our research demonstrated that past traumatic events did not inhibit individuals from expressing love and care to their partner through affectionate touch in our sample, even for varying levels of perceived partner responsiveness (insensitivity). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

PARTNERSHIP RELATIONS AND THE FEELING OF SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING

Davit Katamadze E-mail: datoqatamadze@gmail.com Assistant Professor of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Georgia, Batumi https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8815-1167 Ketevan Beridze E-mail: k.beridze@bsu.edu.ge Professor of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Georgia, Batumi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6268-7037 Nino Rusieshvili E-mail: niniarusieshvili@gmail.com Teacher, Master of Clinical Psychology, BSU, special teacher of psychology clinic Georgia, Batumi https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6370-5553 Lizi Vekua E-mail: vekualiza10@gmail.com Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Third year student of psychology Georgia, Batumi https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2193-2779 Abstract. A person's life satisfaction is determined by various factors: feeling satisfied with oneself and achievements, positive relationships, social involvement, independence, self-acceptance, continuous growth. Our well-being is also greatly influenced by partnership relations. As part of our research, I wanted to find out how much our love relationships govern our sense of subjective well-being. An unhealthy relationship can affect many areas of mental health, life satisfaction, self-perception, and even self-esteem. A positive partner relationship, characterized by factors such as emotional support, friendship, intimacy, and effective communication, is associated with reduced stress levels, improved mood, and greater psychological resilience (Pietromonaco & Collins, 2017). Moreover, the benefits of healthy partnerships go beyond psychological well-being to include aspects of physical health. For example, individuals with satisfying relationships have lower rates of cardiovascular disease, better immune system function, and even longer life spans (Robles & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2003). Having a supportive partner can also enhance individuals' social well-being by providing belonging, validation, and social support during difficult times (Gable & Gosnell, 2013). It is interesting to believe that two people can have such a great influence on each other, that their symbiosis can lead not only to their relationship satisfaction and happiness, but also to the level of well-being, self-acceptance, autonomy, adaptation to the environment, etc. These factors will be discussed in the paper. Romantic relationships are a central aspect of most people's lives. We hypothesize that satisfaction with the partnership affects subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Key words: partnership relations, well-being, satisfaction, partner. JEL classification: Y800

1825-LB: Reproductive Health (RH) and Gestational Diabetes (GDM) Knowledge Mediates the Intervention Effect on the Intention to Communicate in Dyads of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Female Adolescents and Young Adults (FAYA) at Risk for GDM and their Adult Female Caregivers

AIAN women are unduly impacted by GDM. This secondary analysis of Stopping GDM trial data explored possible mechanisms of action of a psycho-behavioral educational intervention targeting healthy behaviors to reduce GDM risk from pre- to post-test among AIAN FAYA. Dyads of FAYA and their adult female caregivers were recruited from 5 sites. Each dyad member independently completed questionnaires regarding RH and GDM knowledge, health beliefs, and intention to initiate discussion with healthcare providers (HCPs) and their corresponding dyad member. Between assessments intervention participants viewed a 45-minute video, the initial component of the intervention. Dyadic mediation analysis was conducted using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model extended to Mediation (APIMeM) assuming distinguishable dyad members. The sample (N=149 dyads; intervention; n=79; control: n=70) included FAYA (mean age 16.7±3.0 years) and adult female caregivers (mean age 44.1±9.3 years; 81.0% being mothers of FAYA). APIMeM revealed a positive actor indirect effect of the intervention for improvement in the FAYA’s intention to initiate discussion through increases in FAYA’s RH and GDM knowledge (1.53, 95%CI=[0.27, 2.98]). A positive partner indirect effect was also observed for the intervention on the improvement in the FAYA’s intention to initiate discussion through increases in the adult caregiver’s RH and GDM knowledge (0.61, 95%CI=[0.042, 1.42]). No effects were found for changes in health beliefs of FAYA or adult caregivers as mediators of intervention effects on FAYA’s and adult caregiver’s intention to initiate discussion. These results suggest that enhancing RH and GDM knowledge may improve key downstream outcomes such as communication between FAYA, adult caregivers and HCPs for AIAN FAYA at risk for GDM. Disclosure S.M. Sereika: None. K.R. Moore: None. S.A. Stotz: None. X. Pei: None. Y. Wang: None. D. Charron-Prochownik: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01-NR014831)

The perception of genetic diseases and premarital screening tests in the central region of Saudi Arabia

The prevalence of consanguineous marriages (CMs) varies worldwide from one country to another. However, the Middle East stands out as a region with a notably high rate of CMs. CM is particularly widespread in Saudi Arabia, where the prevalence of autosomal recessive genetic diseases has increased. This study aims to identify the Saudi population’s awareness of genetic diseases and premarital screening tests (PMSTs). It also seeks to understand couples’ perceptions of genetic diseases before and after marriage and their attitudes towards PMSTs and genetic counselling (GC) in reducing the risk of CM. Through the administration of online questionnaires, this cross-sectional study surveyed 2,057 participants to assess their awareness of genetic diseases and their understanding of testing and preventive measures for inherited diseases. Descriptive analysis, nonparametric chi-square tests and logistic regressions were performed to assess the association of categorical responses. This study included 2,035 Saudi Arabian respondents. A significant correlation was found between positive family history and partner selection (p = 0.001), as well as between partnering within the same tribe (p = 0.000139), with a different tribe (p = 0.000138) and from another family (p = 0.000489). About 91.3% of participants expressed agreement regarding the need to enhance public awareness and knowledge concerning genetic disorders, while 87% agreed that increased government regulations are required to prevent the spread of genetic diseases in affected families. Despite increased awareness of genetic diseases and PMSTs, there appears to be a lack of understanding regarding the limitations of PMSTs. The persistently high rate of CM underscores the challenge of altering marriage customs. Further governmental efforts are required to promote awareness of alternative reproductive options, establish new regulations and expand screening programmes.

Morality in romantic relationships: The role of moral disengagement in relationship satisfaction, definitions of infidelity, and committed cheating

AbstractDespite the moral condemnation of infidelity in romantic relationships, its prevalence remains widespread. This might be partly explained by moral disengagement (MD), the ability to decouple one's actions from internalized moral standards. While social influences are an inherent part of the conceptualization of MD, they have not been studied in romantic couples. We investigated connections between MD and relationship satisfaction, cheating definitions, and cheating in a sample of 236 dating and married couples. Partners' levels of MD were positively correlated. Actor‐Partner‐Interdependence Models (APIMs) revealed negative actor and partner effects of MD on relationship satisfaction. MD was not connected to which behaviors are seen as cheating, but there were positive actor and partner effects on committed self‐defined cheating. Additionally, individuals high in MD suspected their partners to cheat more. These results indicate a gap between moral beliefs and moral actions. Individuals high in MD do not necessarily deny cheating on their partner but rather choose not to follow their inner moral compass.

The Associations Between Health-Related Knowledge and Health Beliefs Regarding Risk for Gestational Diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native Female Adolescents and Young Adults at Risk for Gestational Diabetes and Their Female Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Dyadic Analysis.

Research on associations between knowledge and health beliefs for women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has focused on adults at risk for or having GDM. Gaps also exist in examining interpersonal associations with family members or peers. We examined dyadic associations between knowledge and health beliefs about the risk for GDM between and within American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) female adolescents and young adults (FAYAs) at risk for GDM and their mothers or adult female caregivers (FCs). Grounded in the Expanded Health Belief Model, we employed a cross-sectional design using baseline data from 147 dyads of AIAN FAYAs at risk for GDM and their FCs who participated in the Stopping GDM in Daughters and Mothers trial. FAYAs were 12.0 to 24.5 years of age, and 89.1% were students. FCs had a mean (SD) age of 44.0 (9.3) years, 87.0% were AIAN, 44.9% were college educated, 19.7% had ever had GDM, and 81.0% were the FAYA's mother. FAYAs and FCs completed surveys about knowledge and health beliefs (benefits, barriers, severity, susceptibility) regarding GDM risk and prevention. Bivariate correlational analyses were performed to examine associations between and within dyad members. Dyadic associations were investigated using actor-partner interdependence modeling (APIM) assuming distinguishable dyad members. Compared with their FCs, FAYAs had lower health-related knowledge and perceived benefits of GDM prevention and susceptibility regarding GDM risk. APIM revealed actor and partner effects of health-related knowledge on health beliefs for dyads. In particular, positive actor effects were found for FAYAs and FCs for GDM-related knowledge with perceived benefits (P <.001), and positive partner effects of GDM-related knowledge for FCs were related to perceived susceptibility and severity for FAYAs (P <.05). As shown in these AIAN dyads, FAYAs and their FCs, as members of one another's social network, may influence each other's health beliefs regarding GDM risk and prevention.

0569 Breathing Easy Together: How Positive Airway Pressure Adherence Benefits Both Patients and Partners

0569 Breathing Easy Together: How Positive Airway Pressure Adherence Benefits Both Patients and Partners

“Reciprocal Illumination” of Hinduism, Human Rights, and the Comparative Study of Religion: Arvind Sharma’s Contributions

AbstractArvind Sharma has made immensely significant contributions in the fields of both comparative religion and the study of Hinduism through his methodology of “reciprocal illumination” and his prominent role in international conversations on women and religion, religion and human rights, freedom of religion, and religious tolerance and conflict. Aware of the power of religion and its negative valuation, especially post-September 11, he displays a deep commitment to fostering interreligious understanding, arguing for religion as an essential and positive partner in envisioning and actualizing human flourishing, upholding human dignity, and engaging in global ethical cooperation, and equally he demonstrates Hinduism’s potential contribution both to these endeavors and to moving the field of comparative studies beyond its Western, Christian, and colonialist origins and assumptions. This essay details these contributions and Sharma’s place as an interpreter of Hinduism for those inside and outside the tradition in our time.

Predictors of quitting support from nonsmoking mothers for smoking fathers: a cross-sectional study from Chinese pupils’ families

BackgroundQuitting support from smokers’ partners can predict quit attempts and smoking abstinence but research on factors that predict such support has been limited. To add more evidence for partner support and the improved interventions for smoking cessation, we analyzed some new potential predictors of quitting support from smokers’ spouses.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in in 2022 and 2023, selecting the students’ families in which fathers smoked and mothers didn’t smoke from grade 1–5 of 13 primary schools in Qingdao, China. Parents who met the criteria completed the online questionnaires and 1018 families were included in the analysis. We measured personal information related to smokers and their spouses such as age, education and nicotine dependence, and variables related to family and marital relationship such as family functioning, perceived responsiveness and power in decision-making of quitting smoking. Quitting support from smokers’ spouses was measured by Partner Interaction Questionnaire and generalized linear model was used to explore the potential predictors of partner support.ResultsIn this study, the mean age of smokers was 39.97(SD = 5.57) and the mean age of smokers’ spouses was 38.24(SD = 4.59). The regression analysis showed that for smokers and their spouses, the older age groups showed the lower ratio of positive/negative support(P < 0.05) and smokers with high education showed the less positive and negative partner support(P < 0.05). Nicotine dependence was positively associated with negative support (β = 0.120, P < 0.01), and perceived responsiveness (β = 0.124, P < 0.05) as well as family functioning (β = 0.059, P < 0.05) was positively associated with positive support. These three factors were associated with ratio of positive/negative support(P < 0.05). In addition, power of smoker’s spouse in decision-making of quitting smoking was positively associated with the positive (β = 0.087, P < 0.001) and negative support (β = 0.084, P < 0.001).ConclusionsNicotine dependence, family functioning, power in decision-making of quitting smoking and perceived responsiveness were found to be the predictors of quitting support from smokers’ spouses. By incorporating predictors of partner support and integrating some established theories that can improve family functioning and marital relationships, smoking cessation interventions can be further improved.

The Relations Between Parents’ Gender Equality Values and (co)parenting: Examining Actor-Partner Effects in an Australian Community Sample

In most Western societies, parents’ gender roles and values have shifted significantly over the past decades. However, it is not yet clear whether parents’ gender-related values impact both their own and their partners’ coparenting and parenting practices. This study examined the relations between parents’ gender equality values, their coparenting, and parental warmth and hostility. Drawing 6745 families from an ongoing Australian panel study, we used actor-partner interdependence modeling to estimate the associations between mothers’ and fathers’ equality values and their (co)parenting. Results revealed a significant positive partner effect of mothers’ gender equality values on fathers’ warmth and coparenting, but no significant actor effects for mothers’ or fathers’ values. We also found that mothers’ work status moderated the relationship between parents’ values and coparenting. In conclusion, these findings suggest that it is important to consider mothers’ gender values and its transactional influence on fathers’ involvement for understanding contemporary parenting.

Disseminating the research findings from the adolescents and adults living with Perinatal HIV (AALPHI) study: an approach from young people living with HIV

BackgroundThe Adolescents and Adults Living with Perinatal HIV (AALPHI) study is one of only three cohort studies worldwide evaluating the impact of HIV on young people living with perinatal HIV (PLHIV) relative to a comparable group of HIV negative young people in close relationship with an HIV positive individual, for example, their mother, sibling or partner. This project aimed to engage young people with the AALPHI study findings, help them take ownership, and decide how they would disseminate the key messages to both study participants and to the wider community.MethodsIn brief, 318 PLHIV and 100 HIV negative adolescents participated in AALPHI, where they each were interviewed twice, around two years apart. They were asked a wide range of psychosocial and risk behaviour questions and their cognitive function was assessed. We invited three AALPHI participants and seven members of the Youth Trials Board at the Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA) to attend up to four workshops. They were provided with the key AALPHI research findings and asked to develop them into a format that was accessible and understandable for young people. Some who had not participated before formed a group in the fourth dissemination workshop that confirmed the most important concepts and results.ResultsThe young people decided to develop a film and a leaflet about the AALPHI findings and co-produced them with a film maker and graphic designer. Challenges included working with the film maker and the venue for the first three dissemination workshops was an office space which was not ideal.ConclusionEngaging young people in the dissemination of the AALPHI findings ensured the results were communicated in a way that was more likely to be relevant, accessible and useful to those affected by the study. This project demonstrates how young people in potentially stigmatised areas of care, such as HIV, can be involved in research dissemination.

CHILDHOOD PARENT–CHILD RELATIONSHIP, PARTNER RELATIONSHIP CLOSENESS, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN LATER LIFE

Abstract Attachment theory suggests that quality of early-life parent-child relationships may influence how people establish other types of relationships (e.g., romantic relationship, friendship) later in life, and have long-lasting effects on individuals’ psychosocial development. Yet, little research has investigated whether such effects may last until later adulthood and the potential moderators in these processes. To address this issue, this study examined the associations among childhood parent-child relationship quality, current partner relationship closeness, and depressive symptoms in late life using a sample of 12,292 community-dwelling adults aged 51 or older (Mage = 63.15, 51% female). We leveraged the seven-wave longitudinal data between 2006–2018 from the Health and Retirement Study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the CESD score at each wave. Participants also reported closeness with their partner every other wave, and relationship quality with their parents in childhood. Multilevel models showed that better mother-child and father-child relationships during childhood were both associated with greater closeness with partner in late life, especially for female compared to male. Poorer childhood mother-child relationship was associated more depressive symptoms in late life, but this association was attenuated for those who overall reported a greater level of closeness with their partner over the study period. The findings suggest that negative early life parent-child relationship may put people at greater risk for developing depressive symptoms and weaker social connections in late life, and highlight the protective role of positive partner relationship in buffering this association.

Preventing HIV Infection in Pregnant Women in Western Uganda Through a Comprehensive Antenatal Care-Based Intervention: An Implementation Study.

We implemented and assessed a comprehensive, antenatal care (ANC)-embedded strategy to prevent HIV seroconversions during pregnancy in Uganda. HIV-negative first-time ANC clients were administered an HIV risk assessment tool and received individual risk counseling. Those attending ANC without partners obtained formal partner invitation letters. After three months, repeat HIV testing was carried out; non-attending women were reminded via phone. We analyzed uptake and acceptance, HIV incidence rate, and risk behavior engagement. Among 1081 participants, 116 (10.7%) reported risk behavior engagement at first visit; 148 (13.7%) were accompanied by partners. At the repeat visit (n = 848), 42 (5%, p < 0.001) reported risk behavior engagement; 248 (29.4%, p < 0.001) women came with partners. Seroconversion occurred in two women. Increased odds for risk behavior engagement were found in rural clients (aOR 3.96; 95% CI 1.53-10.26), women with positive or unknown partner HIV-status (2.86; 1.18-6.91), and women whose partners abused alcohol (2.68; 1.15-6.26). Overall, the assessed HIV prevention strategy for pregnant women seemed highly feasible and effective. Risk behavior during pregnancy was reduced by half and partner participation rates in ANC doubled. The observed HIV incidence rate was almost four times lower compared to a pre-intervention cohort in the same study setting.

Brain Health Registry Study Partner Portal: Novel infrastructure for digital, dyadic data collection.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, subjective reports of cognitive and functional decline from participant-study partner dyads is an efficient method of assessing cognitive impairment and clinical progression. Demographics and subjective cognitive/functional decline (Everyday Cognition Scale [ECog]) scores from dyads enrolled in the Brain Health Registry (BHR) Study Partner Portal were analyzed. Associations between dyad characteristics and both ECog scores and study engagement were investigated. A total of 10,494 BHR participants (mean age=66.9±12.16 standard deviations, 67.4% female) have enrolled study partners (mean age=64.3±14.3 standard deviations, 49.3% female), including 8987 dyads with a participant 55 years of age or older. Older and more educated study partners were more likely to complete tasks and return for follow-up. Twenty-five percent to 27% of older adult participants had self and study partner-report ECog scores indicating a possible cognitive impairment. The BHR Study Partner Portal is a unique digital tool for capturing dyadic data, with high impact applications in the clinical neuroscience and AD fields. Highlights The Brain Health Registry (BHR) Study Partner Portal is a novel, digital platform of>10,000 dyads. Collection of dyadic online subjective cognitive and functional data is feasible. The portal has good usability as evidenced by positive study partner feedback. The portal is a potential scalable strategy for cognitive impairment screening in older adults.

HIV infection rate, high-risk behavior and pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men in Beijing

Objective: To understand the incidence of HIV infection, high risk behaviors and pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) utilization in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing. Methods: Sample size was estimated to be 1 227 persons and 207 person year respectively in the survey and the cohort by using Epi Info 7.0 software. Using convenient sampling method, MSM were recruited by using Wechat app. Questionnaire was completed online to collect the information about demographic characteristics, high risk behavior, and utilization of PrEP/PEP of the MSM. MSM collected dry blood spot (DBS) samples by themselves, and mailed the DBS samples to laboratory for HIV nucleic acid testing. Open cohort was established and those with HIV negative nucleic acid testing results were followed up. Non-conditional binary logistic regression method was used to identify the associated factors for high risk anal sex in the last month and having multiple homosexual partners in the last month. Results: A total of 1 147 MSM were recruited, and follow up for 236 person years was conducted in 956 MSM with negative HIV nucleic acid testing results. The detection rate of new HIV infection was 1.3 per 100 person-years (3/236). During the last month, the proportions of consistent condom use in anal sex and oral sex were 50.7% (238/469) and 4.9% (23/469). In the MSM, 5.9% (43/723) had sex with HIV positive partners in the last month. 9.8% (103/1 049) used PrEP, and 8.7% (91/1 049) used PEP. The proportion of consistent condom use in PrEP and PEP were 34.3% (24/70) and 72.2% (39/54) respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with those who used no PrEP/PEP, those who used PrEP/PEP were more likely to have unprotected anal sex in the last month (aOR=3.16, 95%CI:1.45-7.18), and more likely to have multiple homosexual partners in the last month (aOR=2.64, 95%CI:1.19-6.30), and compared with those who used no Rush Popper or drugs in the last month, those who used Rush Popper or drugs in the last month were more likely to have unprotected anal sex in the last month (aOR=2.34, 95%CI:1.67-3.30), and more likely to have multiple homosexual partners (aOR=2.42,95%CI:1.76-3.33). Conclusions: It is necessary to strengthen the health education to promote condom use and introduce the harm of drug use in MSM. In PrEP and PEP services, it is still necessary to suggest consistent condom use for MSM.

Evolutionary dynamics of friendship-driven reputation strategies

Indirect reciprocity refers to a cooperative mechanism in which individuals evaluate each other’s reputation and take corresponding action. It is predicated on the idea that community members frequently discuss their opinions with each other and utilize the information to determine who deserves to cooperate with. When information is disseminated publicly, all community members are able to communicate on how each other has performed in the past. We combine balanced structural relationships in social networks with reputation strategies and find that friendship-driven reputation strategies can maintain cooperation and resist the invasion of defectors. Under the condition of rare mutations, several individual decision reputation strategies based on the partners’ evaluation can enjoy higher abundances in evolutionary races. In competition with ALLD, the strategy that rely on the negative partners’ opinions is outcompeted by ALLC. The reputation strategy based on the positive partners’ opinions always maintains a very high level of cooperation even for frequent mutations. We also find that in a heterogeneous population consisting of unconditional strategies and one of the reputation strategies, a chain reaction of defection occurs. Our results highlight the significant roles of friendship-driven reputation strategies in promoting cooperation when it is challenging for individuals to observe each other’s behavior but easy for them to share information on interacting experiences of third-party members.

Cyclical Links Between Daily Partner Interactions and Sleep Quality in Older Adult Couples: The Mediating Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness and Negative Affect.

Researchers have found significant associations between romantic relationship experiences and sleep quality. However, most existing studies are cross-sectional, few have focused on the aging population, and few have considered mechanisms underlying such associations. To address these gaps, 238 older adult couples completed 7-day daily diaries, reporting on their daily relationship, emotional, and sleep experiences. Multilevel structural equation modeling revealed that husbands' higher negative partner interactions and lower positive partner interactions were indirectly associated with their own and their wives' decreased sleep quality that night via lower perceived partner responsiveness and increased negative affect. Moreover, decreased sleep quality was associated with participants' and their partners' increased negative partner interactions and participants' decreased positive partner interactions the next day, with no significant gender differences. This research provides a foundation for future research on cyclical associations between romantic relationship experiences and sleep quality, with implications for relationship-based interventions to improve sleep quality.

Association of SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Controlled Ovarian Stimulation With Oocyte- and Embryo-Related Outcomes

SARS-CoV-2 infection has had significant effects on the health of people worldwide. Whether SARS-CoV-2 infection during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is associated with laboratory outcomes in assisted reproductive technology remains unclear. To investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection during COS with oocyte- and embryo-related outcomes. A multicenter cohort study was conducted of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments in 7 reproductive centers in 4 provinces in China from October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. All couples received nucleic acid testing for SARS-CoV-2 during COS. The SARS-CoV-2-positive group included couples in which either partner was infected with SARS-CoV-2. The SARS-CoV-2-negative group comprised couples without infection. In the SARS-CoV-2-positive group, either partner was infected with SARS-CoV-2 during COS, defined as a positive test result for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Primary outcomes were the available embryo and blastocyst and top-quality embryo and blastocyst rates. Secondary outcomes were the number of oocytes retrieved, the mature oocyte rate, normal fertilization (2 pronuclei observed on day 1 after insemination [2PN]), oocyte degeneration, 2PN cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates. A total of 585 heterosexual couples with infertility participated in the study (median [IQR] age for female partners, 33 [30-37] years), with 135 couples in the SARS-CoV-2-positive group and 450 in the SARS-CoV-2-negative group. The characteristics of the groups were similar. The SARS-CoV-2-positive group had a significantly lower top-quality embryo rate (odds ratio [OR], 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.96), top-quality blastocyst rate (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.77), available blastocyst rate (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59-0.82), and blastocyst formation rate (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.52-0.71) than the SARS-CoV-2-negative group. Analysis of the associations of infection by sex showed that the female positive group had impaired oocyte and embryo quality regarding mature oocyte rate, 2PN cleavage rate, top-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, available blastocyst rate, and top-quality blastocyst rate compared with the SARS-CoV-2-negative group. Compared with the SARS-CoV-2-negative group, the male positive group and the group of couples with both positive partners had significantly decreased available blastocyst rate, top-quality blastocyst rate, and blastocyst formation rate compared with the SARS-CoV-2 negative group. In this cohort study, SARS-CoV-2 infection during COS was negatively associated with embryo and blastocyst quality. Reproductive physicians should be more attentive to patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during COS and should give couples who have been infected adequate counseling.