Relationship Quality Research Articles

Caregiver assessment of socioemotional functioning in people living with neurodegenerative disease (Part 2): Concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of a new measure.

Care recipients with neurodegenerative disease can have socioemotional impairments that are challenging for their caregivers. We examine the concurrent and incremental validity of a novel informant-rated measure of care recipient functioning, the Caregiver Assessment of Socioemotional Functioning (CASEF), by examining links with clinician-rated behavioral problems, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and disease severity, as well as caregivers' reported burden and relationship quality. We also examine test-retest reliability of the CASEF. Informal caregivers (N=177) of individuals with neurodegenerative disease reported on their care recipients' socioemotional functioning and completed structured interviews with clinicians to assess care recipients' disease severity and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Care recipients' behavioral symptoms were evaluated with clinician rating scales. Another sample of caregivers (N=61) repeated the CASEF four to six months following an initial administration. CASEF subscales evidenced concurrent validity with other measures of care recipients' socioemotional functioning, disease severity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and behavioral symptoms. CASEF subscales also evidenced incremental validity by accounting for significant additional variance in caregiver burden and relationship quality after accounting for care recipients' neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms. Finally, CASEF subscales demonstrated adequate to excellent test-retest reliability. Findings highlight the validity and reliability of the CASEF. Coupled with findings from Part 1 of this series (which established CASEF's construct validity), these findings support using the CASEF in clinical and research settings to assess changes in care recipient socioemotional functioning over time and to examine links between care recipient socioemotional changes and caregiver burden, health, and well-being.

Therapist Interpersonal Skills and Outcomes for Young People

Objective Our primary aim was to assess the associations between outcomes and therapist interpersonal skills (TIS) of empathy, congruence, regard, and unconditionality, as rated by young people. We also aimed to compare these associations against outcome–alliance associations, and to assess whether these associations were specific to a TIS-prioritizing therapeutic practice. Methods Our primary sample was 167 13–16-year-olds who exhibited emotional symptoms and received up to 10 weeks of school-based humanistic counseling plus pastoral care as usual (SBHC + PCAU). Young people were predominantly female (76%), with 45% Black or other minoritized identity. We measured TIS with the Barrett Lennard Relationship Inventory; and used linear regression modeling to assess TIS associations with outcomes on psychological distress, wellbeing, and satisfaction. Results TIS, most markedly congruence, were significantly associated with outcomes, contributing approximately 3% of change. TIS and alliance explained similar proportions of outcomes, with a model including only congruence showing the best fit on psychological distress and wellbeing. We did not find consistent evidence that the TIS–outcome association was specific to humanistic counseling. Conclusion Therapists and lay professionals working with young people should strive to develop their interpersonal skills—particularly congruence—within the context of other relationship skills, qualities, and characteristics.

Team Affective Climate Toward Disability as a Facilitator of Job Inclusion of Employees With Disabilities: Examining Mediational Paths

ABSTRACTThe integration of employees with disabilities in the workplace is a critical issue for organizations aiming to foster inclusivity and diversity. The purpose of this study was to examine how team affective climate toward disability influences the job inclusion of employees with disabilities. Three indicators of job inclusion were considered: job satisfaction, affective commitment, and the desire to stay in the organization. We examined three mediating mechanisms. First, the mediating role of team‐shared stigma. Second, the mediating role of the quality of within‐team relationships. Third, a mixed meditational path, where team affective climate→team‐shared stigma→relationships quality→job inclusion. The sample was composed of 258 employees from 66 teams included in 15 organizations. Each team included an employee with disabilities. We used PROCESS to test our mediation hypotheses. Our results indicated that the indirect effect of the teams' affective climate toward disability in job inclusion followed a causal chain through the teams' shared stigma and the quality of within‐team relationships. Implications for theory, research, and practice based on our findings are discussed.

A Preliminary Analysis of Psychological Strengths: Service Members' Well-being Post-deployment.

Deployments are stressful for both service members and their families. To promote the overall health and welfare of those impacted by military deployment, it is important to identify individual resilience-building resources that service members can employ to strengthen their own well-being, the well-being of their families, and the readiness of the force. This pilot study examines different resilience-building skills that may impact individual well-being, relationship quality, and family satisfaction post-deployment. A cross-sectional sample of 78 married U.S. military enlisted service members (n = 24) and commissioned officers (n = 54) completed the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale, Resilience Scale for Adults, Humor Styles Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Dispositional Resilience Scale, the emotional well-being and spirituality subscales of the Work-Life Well-Being Inventory, and the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised. The use of a positive humor style was significantly associated with individual well-being. Spirituality and religious practices were significantly predictive of a service member's family satisfaction. Responding to qualitative open-ended questions, service members identified their top 6 subcategories of stress, which were communication, moving, finances, family separation, children, and future employment during post-deployment. The strengths and resources reported as contributing the most to family effectiveness and well-being were personal character traits, external relationship skills, emotional maturity, and the ability to work. The results identified unique individual resilience-building resources for service members, which contribute to their well-being and the well-being of their families. Findings suggest that training on individual resilience-building resources for service members can offer support to the entire family system following military deployment.

Public perspectives on healthcare professional-directed communication of hereditary genetic risks: a mixed-method systematic review.

Genetic testing has revolutionized the identification of individuals at increased risk for various hereditary conditions, enabling early intervention and preventive measures. However, effective cascade counseling and testing depends on successful intra-familial communication. This mixed-method systematic review aimed to explore the general population's perspectives and preferences regarding the communication of potential genetic risk information by healthcare professionals. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (CRD42024532829). A comprehensive search of six databases yielded 17,292 records. After removing duplicates and screening for relevance, nine studies were included in the final analysis, conducted across diverse Western countries using both qualitative and quantitative designs. Results indicated a preference for healthcare-mediated communication, particularly through formal methods as letters, valued for their clarity and reliability. The role of family-mediated communication is nuanced, influenced by interpersonal relationship quality and the emotional burden of disclosing sensitive information. Ethical and legal considerations highlighted public support for overriding confidentiality in treatable conditions, while emphasizing respect for individual privacy and autonomy in untreatable conditions. This review underscores the importance of understanding public preferences to develop tailored communication strategies that balance professional involvement with respect for individual and familial dynamics. Healthcare professionals should be trained to provide empathetic, clear, and accurate information, considering the specific needs and contexts of at-risk individuals.

The Association Between the Quality of Care Provided by Family Members and the Quality of Their Relationship With the Care Receiver in Dementia: A Mixed-methods Observational Study.

Research suggests that the quality of care provided by family members may be influenced by the quality of relationship they have with the person living with dementia. The study investigated this in the context of assisting with daily activities. The quality of the relationship was assessed using the conceptual framework of relationship continuity/discontinuity which focuses on whether the carer experiences their relationship as continuous or discontinuous with the pre-dementia relationship. Thirty spousal carers completed the Birmingham Relationship Continuity Measure. Participants were also interviewed about how they provide care for their partner's daily activities. Passages consistent with a more person-centered approach were identified, and the total number of these in each transcript was used as the measure of care quality. There was a significant correlation between questionnaire scores and the number of person-centered passages: Those reporting greater continuity more frequently described using a person-centered approach. Findings were consistent with earlier research suggesting associations between the quality of the relationship and the quality of care. The concept of relationship continuity suggests ways in which relationship and care quality are connected, and these suggestions could be used to develop interventions to help family carers provide better care.

Enhanced Advance care planning and life Review Longitudinal Intervention (EARLI): Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled cross-over trial of life story work and facilitated advance care planning among older Australian adults in community settings.

Advance care planning (ACP) is potentially helpful for older adults, however, the rate of uptake in community aged care settings is low. Previous pilot studies suggest that holistic, person-centered ACP approaches may be effective for older adults who experience functional impairment but do not necessarily have life-limiting conditions with clear prognoses. This paper describes the protocol of a randomized trial to test the effectiveness of combined life story work and facilitated ACP in promoting ACP engagement among older adults receiving community aged care services. The Enhanced Advance care planning and life Review Longitudinal Intervention (EARLI) trial is an open-label, cross-over, cluster randomized controlled trial with 12 participating aged care organizations in New South Wales and Western Australia. Participants are aged 65 years or older, receiving home care services and capable of providing informed consent at initial recruitment. Recruitment occurs across a two-year period, with study sites randomized to receive the four-session intervention in the first or second year (or a single session 'active control' condition). Primary outcomes are participant-reported ACP engagement and ACP documentation in the aged care client record 12 weeks post-recruitment. Secondary outcomes include measures of decisional conflict, anxiety and depression, meaning-based coping and relationship quality. Analysis will take an intention-to-treat approach. This trial tests a novel method of reaching older adults using a holistic, person-centered approach to promoting ACP engagement. Enhancing ACP engagement may reduce decisional conflict, minimize hospital admissions and improve outcomes for people and their families. ANZCTR Trial Registration ID: ACTRN12622001399785.

Farmers' Perceived Transparency and Performance: A Moderated‐Mediation Model of Supply Chain Type, Buyer Type, and Relationship Quality

ABSTRACTThis study explores the potential of short food supply chains in addressing information asymmetries within the agri‐food chain. Drawing on data from 133 farmers in Flanders, Belgium, this research examines farmers' transparency perceptions regarding their buyers and evaluates their associations with relationship quality and perceived performance. The findings reveal a direct positive association between perceived transparency and perceived performance, with a substantial mediation through relationship quality. Moderated mediation analyses underscore the significant roles of supply chain type and buyer type in shaping these relationships. Notably, the association between transparency and performance is more pronounced for farmers engaged in short food supply chains and with privately owned buyers, contexts characterized by lower transparency perceptions. This highlights the potential benefits of enhanced transparency, particularly in such farmer–buyer relationships. This study emphasizes the importance for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to identify and strategically target practices aimed at increasing transparency in agri‐food supply chains.

The impact of a personal cancer diagnosis on adolescent and young adult cancer survivors' social connectedness: A qualitative analysis.

Adolescent/young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) are diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age. Improving AYACS' survivorship quality is crucial-including improving social connectedness, a construct describing the quality, structure and function of social relationships. With better understanding of AYACS' social connectedness, network-based interventions can be developed to foster social health. This study explored how a personal cancer diagnosis impacts AYACS' social connectedness among 35 AYACS 15-25 years old. Three themes emerged through thematic analysis: (1) AYACS experience substantial heterogeneity related to social support needs; (2) AYACS leverage multiple relationships and resources when seeking support after a personal cancer diagnosis; (3) AYACS' individual experiences were unique in that some noted positive changes, whereas others noted negative changes in relationships within social networks, specifically with peers. These findings create a foundation to develop social programming, foster peer relationships, and incorporate social science methods to aid intervention development to strengthen AYACS' social connectedness.

Interparental mutually responsive orientation during pregnancy impacts toddler socioemotional development by promoting parent-infant relational dynamics.

Child socioemotional difficulties emerge as early as infancy, increase over time, and place children at risk for future internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The aim of the present study was to investigate pathways that originate within the interparental relationship during pregnancy and unfold during infancy that mitigate risk for toddler socioemotional difficulties and to examine the differential effects of these pathways for children with varying degrees of temperamental fearfulness. Specifically, we examined whether dyadic mutually responsive orientation (MRO; i.e., a system of attunement, reciprocity, cooperation, and warmth) observed in the prenatal interparental relationship and in both mother-infant and father-infant relationships predicted child socioemotional functioning at age 2. Findings revealed a significant direct effect of observed prenatal interparental MRO on mother-infant and father-infant MRO. Results also demonstrated an indirect effect of prenatal interparental MRO on socioemotional functioning via father-infant MRO. Temperamental fearfulness did not interact with interparental MRO, mother-infant MRO, or father-infant MRO to impact socioemotional functioning. Taken together, findings suggest high interparental MRO during pregnancy contributes to similar relational qualities in the parent-infant relationship and mitigates the risk for toddler socioemotional difficulties. Further, results underscore the importance of integrating fathers into prevention and intervention efforts when they are part of the family system.

청소년의 정서표현신념이 또래관계의 질에 미치는 영향: 자기방어적 양가성과 관계관여적 양가성의 매개효과

Objectives In this study, in how adolescents' emotional expression beliefs affect the quality of peer relationships, emotional expression ambivalence was divided into sub-variables of self-defensive ambivalence and relationship involvement ambivalence and the structural relationship between them was analyzed. Methods For this purpose, a survey was conducted targeting 520 middle and high school students in Chungcheongbuk-do using the Emotion Expression Beliefs Scale, Peer Relationship Quality Scale, and Emotion Expression Ambivalence Scale. In order to verify the relationships and mediating effects between variables, analy sis was conducted through structural equation model verification using SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 22.0. Results The direct effects of adolescents' emotional expression beliefs, self-defensive ambivalence, and peer re lationship quality were significant. In the relationship between adolescents' emotional expression beliefs and the quality of peer relationships, the mediating effect of self-defensive ambivalence and the double mediating effects of self-defensive ambivalence and relationship-related ambivalence were also significant. Conclusions Adolescents' emotional expression beliefs affect the quality of peer relationships through self-de fensive ambivalence and relationship-involvement ambivalence. In the effect of adolescents' emotional ex pression beliefs on the quality of peer relationships, it was confirmed that the mediating effect of self-defensive ambivalence alone and the sequential mediating effects of self-defensive ambivalence and relational ambivalence had different effects on the quality of peer relationships. . This suggests that in order to improve the quality of ado lescents' peer relationships, the motivation and desire underlying emotional expression should be examined rath er than the emotional expression itself.

Health and relationship quality of sexual minorities in Europe

A growing body of literature investigates inequalities between sexual minorities and their heterosexual peers. This paper deals with disparities in health, health-related behaviours, and relationship quality among LGB+ individuals. We use a novel data set that allows for a wide cross-national analysis (27 EU member states) of disparities between sexual minorities and the rest of the population, as well as differences in reporting sexual orientation. We consider a rich set of social stressors, individual-specific behavioural factors, and health outcomes, as well as novel para-data (i.e., individuals’ response times) that are not available in other large surveys. The results indicate that sexual minorities are more exposed to stigma-related social stressors (both in childhood and adulthood), report worse physical and mental health conditions, feel more lonely, and are more likely to engage in coping strategies aimed at reducing or adapting to stressful conditions. Some of these findings significantly differ across gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals and with respect to household income, the country’s enforcement of sexual minorities’ rights, and relationship status.

The role of peers, teachers, and family on daily positive affect among school students: A 10-day experience sampling study

This study innovatively contributes to the extensive research on student well-being by investigating how social-contextual factors influence students’ day-to-day experiences at both the inter- and intra-individual level. Over 10 days, 324 school students aged 15-17 provided twice-daily data on positive affect (PA) and peer relationship quality (PRQ). Data was analysed using Dynamic Structural Equation Modelling. Findings revealed substantial within-person fluctuations in PA (66%). Baseline social support from peers, teachers, and family, as well as momentary PRQ, predicted PA on different levels. Peer social support (PSS) exerted the most significant influence on between-person PA (PSSPA [95% CI] = .36, [.25, .47]), followed by teacher social support (TSR). However, neither of the baseline social support factors moderated the PRQ-PA effect (e.g. TSRβ1 [95% CI] = .19, [-.05, .41]). This research enhances our understanding of key social-contextual factors influencing daily PA changes in students. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Lower Income Marriage Migrants and Domains of Integration in Singapore

ABSTRACTDrawing on the domains of integration, this paper illuminates the integration experiences of female marriage migrants from lower income cross‐national families in Singapore. Through interviews with 38 cross‐national families of the Singaporean‐husband and foreign‐wife pairing, we show how the integration of lower income marriage migrants in Singapore is experienced through the interrelated domains of the structural, social and cultural, while foregrounding the family as an added domain of interest. Although marriage to citizen‐husbands create privileged pathways to citizenship rights and hence forms of integration, this is neither predictable nor unidirectional—family members play a crucial part in rendering support and at times, constraining female marriage migrants' integration. Contributing to wider debates on whether cross‐border marriages are indicators, if not, facilitators of integration, this paper shows how female marriage migrants' integration in Singapore is highly relational and tied not only to the level of support and openness from their husbands, their interactions with other domains of integration are also dependent on the quality of relationships with extended family members.

Daily Cognition in the Family Context: The Complex Associations between Memory Lapses, Family Relationships, and Affect in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

The analysis of daily memory lapses is an underutilized approach to understanding daily experiences of cognitive functioning. The present study adopts this approach, with the goals of exploring how the quality of family relationships predicts the frequency of daily memory lapses and moderates the link between daily memory lapses and daily affect. We used longitudinal data from the third wave of Midlife in the United States and the National Study of Daily Experiences to assess our research goals. Participants (N = 1,236; Mage= 62.48 years, SD= 10.21, range 43-91; 57% female) completed eight nightly telephone interviews that included reports of prospective and retrospective memory lapses as well as daily positive and negative affect. During a separate baseline interview, participants reported the emotional support they received from their family. Latent profile analysis models identified four family relationship types: pleasant, ambivalent, neutral, and unpleasant. Compared to pleasant relationships, ambivalent (b=.23, p<.05) and neutral (b=.35, p<.01) relationships significantly predicted a higher frequency of prospective memory lapses; this effect was not found among retrospective lapses. In addition, relative to pleasant relationships, ambivalent (b=.02, p<.05), neutral (b=.02, p<.05), and unpleasant (b=.07, p<.001) relationships were associated with increased negative affect on days with a retrospective lapse, but not prospective lapse. This study contributes to the literature by revealing that family relationships are related to the memory lapses individuals experience in their daily lives, and identifies how lapses might contribute to affective symptom load over time.

The Antecedents of Perceived Value in Cargo Tires Retreading

Objective: Due to increasingly low freight prices and increasingly high operating costs, tire retreading presents itself as a viable and safe solution for costs reduction. It presents itself as a more sustainable alternative in terms of tire consumption. This paper discusses the consumption behavior of small fleet owners in relation to the purchase of cargo tire retreading services. Theoretical Framework: Our theoretical framework is organized into two axes: how tires and their retreading are carried out in Brazil considering small entrepreneurs, and how the multidimensionality of consumer behavior affects the relationship with the tire retreading service (based on the SERV-PERVAL proposal developed by Petrick (2002) and the “Affective Behavior” dimension of the model developed by Roberts, Varki and Brodie (2003), called Relationship Quality). Method: A model on the antecedents of the perception of value was proposed and refined (the questionnaire items were reorganized through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis) based on a survey of 109 truck drivers. Results and Discussion: The antecedents of the perception of value of small fleet owners in relation to the cargo tire retreading service are the Sentimental constructs; Reputation; Loyalty; Convenience; Cost/Benefit. Originality/Value: Previous studies focused on the field of production engineering, use, performance and impacts on the environment, new tire purchasing behavior, association studies or government, not presenting in the literature studies in marketing or even business administration and its derived areas for tire retreading services. Research Implications: This study helps small tire retreaders to better understand their customers and enables better customer service that culminates in increased market share and profitability.

Interplay between depression and sexuality

Disorders of sexual function are afrequent comorbidity of depression and have complex interactions on psychological, sexual and relationship qualities. To determine the prevalence of sexual functional disorders in depressed patients, the effects of antidepressant drugs and development of treatment recommendations. Evaluation of the current literature and discussion of fundamental studies. Depression and sexual dysfunction frequently affect each other in complex ways which makes it important to address interpersonal relationship dynamics and to include these in the therapy. The use of serotonergic antidepressants can greatly increase the risk for sexual dysfunction by up to 27times. In addition to (couples) therapeutic interventions, reducing the dose or switching medications to, e.g., bupropion or using additive medications can also be treatment options. Despite the shame associated with the topic, it is crucial for therapists to address sexual topics early and openly. Relationship dynamics should be considered during therapy. If antidepressant medications are used it is recommended to provide a more detailed clarification for patients about their potential sexual side effects and their limited treatment options before starting the medication.

Emotion Regulation, Peer Acceptance and Rejection, and Emotional–Behavioral Problems in School-Aged Children

Background/Objectives: Children showing emotional–behavioral problems experience lower psychosocial well–being concurrently and in later stages. Developmental research suggests that emotion regulation abilities and the quality of peer relationships play a central role in predicting several behavioral and emotional difficulties. The present study investigates the way emotion regulation skills and peer acceptance and rejection contribute to behavior problems in a sample of Italian schoolers, also verifying the role of gender. Methods: The participants were 220 children (97 boys) aged between 7 and 9 years attending four primary schools in northern Italy. The level of social acceptance and rejection of each child was measured using the sociometric technique of Peer Nomination. In addition, the Emotion Regulation Checklist filled in by the teachers, and the Child Behavior Checklist, completed by the parents, were used to assess children’s emotion regulation abilities and the presence of behavior difficulties, respectively. Results: The main results confirm that behavioral problems are both negatively associated with emotional regulation skills and positively with the social rejection level. However, the impact of peer rejection on the manifestation of problem behavior is fully mediated by children’s ability to regulate their emotions. Interestingly, this pattern of interrelationships only applies to male participants. Conclusions: The study helps to clarify the mechanism through which the degree of peer rejection influences emotional–behavioral difficulties and emphasizes the importance of considering gender-specific processes within interpersonal risk models of problem behavior.

Assessing Family Caregiver Readiness for Hospital Discharge of Patients With Serious or Life-Limiting Illness Using Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Self-Reported Data.

To assess how patient and caregiver factors influence caregiver readiness for hospital discharge in palliative care patients. This transitional care study uses cross-sectional data from a randomized controlled trial conducted from 2018 to 2023 testing an intervention for caregivers of hospitalized adult patients with a serious or life-limiting illness who received a palliative care consult prior to transitioning out of the hospital. Caregiver readiness was measured with the Family Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (n = 231). Caregiver demographic, intra- and interpersonal factors were self-reported. Patient demographic, comorbidity score, and risk score for complicated discharge planning were extracted from electronic health records. Stepwise regression models estimated variance explained (r2) in caregiver readiness for patient hospital discharge. Patient demographics and complexity were not statistically associated with caregiver readiness for discharge. Caregiver depressive symptoms, poor caregiver-patient relationship quality, and fewer hours spent caregiving prior to hospitalization explained 29% of the variance in caregiver readiness. Reliance on patient data may not be sufficient for explaining caregiver readiness for discharge. Assessing caregiver factors may be a better alternative for identifying caregivers at risk for low discharge readiness and those in need of additional support. ClinicalTrials.gov on November 13, 2017, (No. NCT03339271).

Mindfulness protects relationship quality from stress: Roles of trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to empirically test how trait mindfulness (i.e., one's general tendency to be mindful) and relationship mindfulness (i.e., being mindful in relationships) protect couple relationships from stress and the potential extra buffer perceived partner relationship mindfulness provides.BackgroundStress has harmful effects on couple relationships, but mindfulness may mitigate such effects. Yet, no study has empirically tested the distinct but complementary roles various forms of mindfulness play in this process.MethodA sample of 249 individuals in romantic relationships completed a cross‐sectional survey that included measures of mindfulness, perceived stress, and relationship quality.Results(a) Trait mindfulness was associated with better relationship quality through reduced perceived stress. (b) Relationship mindfulness moderated the link between perceived stress and negative relationship quality and was a moderated mediator in the model. (c) Perceived partner relationship mindfulness served as an extra buffer on the link between perceived stress and negative relationship quality.ConclusionThe results extended the theoretical model of mindfulness and romantic relationships by empirically demonstrating the various roles of mindfulness in protecting relationships from stress.ImplicationsPractitioners should consider targeting both trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness, as well as promoting perceived partner relationship mindfulness and joint participation in mindfulness‐based couple interventions.