Relationship Well-being Research Articles

Understanding The Interplay Of Social Media Usage and Relationships Among Young Adults

This paper explores social media's impact on young adults' relationships, focusing on self-conscious emotions, social comparison, self-esteem, and mental health. It analyzes how social comparison processes shape interpersonal dynamics and mediate communication patterns, boundary setting, and trust-building. By synthesizing existing literature, it offers insights for promoting healthy digital engagement and relational well-being.

Virtual Intergenerational Playgroups: Evaluating a Pilot Program

ABSTRACT Traditionally a medium for social connectedness between parents and their children, playgroups have been reimagined to include older people. Intergenerational playgroups (IGPs) bring together participants that span across generations, facilitating interactions that promote self-esteem for older people and trans-generational learning for children. In response to challenges to well-being from social isolation experienced by elders, and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual IGP was initiated by a playgroup organization, intended to harness technology to facilitate interactions between preschool-aged children, parents, and residents of aged-care facilities. This paper evaluates a virtual IGP program via the review of program development, implementation, and related wellbeing outcomes. The paper provides recommendations through a framework to enhance the planning and execution of future virtual IGPs.

Emotional and relational realms of unaccompanied migrant adolescents: an approach to their lived experiences

After the arrivals of unaccompanied migrant adolescents to Spain reached their peak in 2018, the trends have varied in the last few years, significantly decreasing in 2019 and slowly starting to increase again in 2020. These adolescents represent one of the most vulnerable groups due to their unique characteristics closely linked with the stressors encountered in their migratory process and the host society. All these experiences have been found to affect their well-being in different domains; however, very little is known about their perception of the matter, which is critical to understanding their needs and perspectives. This paper aims to look into the lived experiences of these children and how this process has affected their relational and emotional spheres, which are paramount to their development, especially during adolescence. These experiences were gathered using qualitative methodology consisting of interviews and focus groups conducted in a reception centre for unaccompanied migrant children in Catalonia. The view of these children is enriched with the contributions of the staff working in the reception centre. Analysis of the verbatims yielded six main topics revolving around frustrated expectations, obtention of legal documents, freedom, contact with the Spanish society, family and mental health. These are discussed considering how they affect emotional and relational well-being in the three stages of the migration process.

Predictors of Life Satisfaction: A Nationwide Investigation in Iran

Iran is a developing country with low levels of economic development and globalization and is ruled by a theocratic government. To address the lack of national research on well-being in Iran, this retrospective observational study aims to examine life satisfaction and its main determinants among Iranian adults. Using World Gallup Poll data collected between 2006 and 2017, we examined life satisfaction as a cognitive aspect of subjective well-being in relation to various factors. Our results show that income is the strongest predictor of life satisfaction, followed by standard of living, gender, social support, age, negative affect, and education. In developing countries such as Iran, which face significant economic, political, and social challenges, individuals prioritize the satisfaction of basic needs by emphasizing factors such as the socioeconomic status. In contrast, developed countries with established welfare systems may emphasize other values such as social connections and healthy lifestyle behaviors as key factors in life satisfaction. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the determinants of life satisfaction in Iran and provides insights for future research and policy making.

Silencing or silent transmission? An exploratory study on trauma communication in Kurdish refugee families.

Trauma communication in refugee families is increasingly recognized as an important relational dynamic influencing psychosocial well-being, yet studies exploring interactional dynamics and meaning making at play in intra-family trauma communication remain scarce. This article reports on a qualitative study with Kurdish refugee families including parents (N = 10) and children (N = 17) resettled in Belgium, aiming to explore practices on trauma communication within refugee family relationships. In a multiple-phased qualitative design, semi-structured family interviews and participant observation administered in the homes of the participant families are followed by parental interviews involving a tape-assisted recall procedure to investigate observed intergenerational trauma communication and parent-child interactions. Data analysis shows parents and children seldom explicitly talked about the families' lived experiences of trauma. This silence was especially related to parental wishes to avoid their children's future involvement in violence. However, findings also indicate how the intra-family transmission of memories of collective violence occurs in many subtle ways. Four modes of indirect trauma communication could be distinguished: (1) focusing on the repetition of violence in the present; (2) transmission of the collective trauma history; (3) family storytelling; and (4) interaction with meaningful objects of the past. These findings shed light onto the interwoven nature of personal-familial and collective trauma and loss and illuminate the meanings of silence and disclosure in the context of the Kurdish diaspora. In the final section, we discuss our findings and outline its clinical implications for family therapeutic practices in refugee trauma care.

Discrimination, gender, and class: An intersectional investigation of Black Americans' personal and relational well-being.

Discrimination is a chronic stressor for Black Americans that occurs alongside other social positions and has implications for personal and relational well-being. Using data from the Survey of Midlife in the United States, this study examined the relative and multiplicative effects of gender and financial strain on the links between discrimination and personal and relational well-being among Black Americans in romantic relationships (N = 443). Results indicate that financial strain was associated with poorer personal well-being and that being female was associated with poorer relational well-being. Further, among women (but not men), discrimination was associated with poorer quality of life across levels of financial strain. The findings speak to the potential resilience of Black individuals and their relationships in the face of discrimination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The effects of discrimination and psychological distress on U.S. Latino/a young adults' relational uncertainty and relationship instability.

Racial/ethnic discrimination is a common and salient stressor for many individuals. Although discrimination can impair personal and relational well-being, little is known about its influences on the process of considering dissolution (i.e., relationship instability). In two studies of Latino/a young adults, we examined associations among discrimination, psychological distress, relational uncertainty, and relationship instability. Study 1 assessed self-reports of 475 participants aged 18-29 (60.2% female, Mage = 24.8, SD = 3.22). Study 2 examined self-reports of 462 participants aged 18-29 (40.9% female, Mage = 25.9, SD = 2.72). Structural equation models evaluated direct and indirect associations among study variables. Discrimination was associated with relationship instability, both directly and indirectly via its associations with psychological distress and, in Study 1, relational uncertainty. Overall results suggest that racial/ethnic discrimination is associated with romantic relationship instability through its associations with psychological distress and uncertainty about the future of a relationship. Prior research demonstrates the resilience of Latino/a communities, and our findings reinforce the need for policies and clinical resources that reduce discrimination and support mental health and relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring maladaptive early schemas in adults with bipolar disorder

IntroductionBipolar disorder is a severe and chronic mental pathology, with an estimated prevalence of 1% in the general population. It is a complex pathology, encompassing a wide variety of severe and contradictory symptoms, with harmful repercussions on the patient’s personal, emotional, social, professional and conjugal life, precipitating relapse. By improving our knowledge of bipolar disorder, we can support and accompany patients, helping them to understand their illness, to be able to manage it, to resolve the problems that may arise from it, and to prevent relapses and the occurrence of further episodes.ObjectivesThe aim of our work is to explore maladaptive early patterns in people with bipolar disorder in the intercritical period in relation to their symptomatology and functional disability, given that consideration of maladaptive early patterns (IAPs) could lead to better identification, understanding and management of bipolar disorder.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. The sample in our study consisted of 40 bipolar adults and 40 control adults, recruited from the various inpatient and outpatient departments of our hospital. They were all university graduates, aged between 20 and 60, followed for at least 06 months and stabilized on treatment. After collecting the various socio-demographic and clinical data, we used the Young schema questionnaire-short form (YSQ-S1).ResultsOur study sample seemed to be characterized by certain specificities: high “self-sacrifice”, “high demands” and “exaggerated personal rights”. Feelings of dependence and incompetence were also high among our patients, especially those with type I bipolar disorder, leading to a marked decline in self-esteem and autonomy.ConclusionsThe data we have retained from this work show us the importance of drug, psychotherapeutic and family management in achieving thymic stability and psychological and relational well-being.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Well-Being, Loneliness, and Quality of Relationships Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Botswana

This paper explored the determinants of well-being, quality of relationships (QOR), and loneliness among people of Botswana before and during the novel COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined whether there were significant differences between participants’ well-being, loneliness, and QOR before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors associated with the well-being, loneliness, and QOR of the Botswana population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were also explored. A cross-sectional design was used to collect information on the three variables before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using online platforms. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants ( N = 422) using the WHO-5, Three-Item Loneliness Scale, and the Relationship Quality Index (RQI). Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate mixed-effects linear models. Age, relationship status, concern about own and family health, difficulty switching on and off media reporting on COVID, change in lifestyle, participation in sports, and resting were significantly associated with well-being ( p < .001) and loneliness ( p < .05). Sleep was associated with QOR. There were significant differences in the well-being, QOR, and loneliness scores before COVID-19 conditions and during COVID-19 conditions. Stakeholders should take cognizance of the impact of predictor variables on well-being and loneliness to mitigate the impact of current and future pandemics.

My Catastrophizing and Your Catastrophizing: Dyadic Associations of Pain Catastrophizing and the Physical, Psychological, and Relational Well-being of Persons With Endometriosis and Their Partners.

Endometriosis, a painful chronic gynecologic condition, contributes to disruptions in multiple areas of life for both those affected and their partner. Pain catastrophizing has been associated with worse pain outcomes and quality of life for women with endometriosis and with more cognitive load for partners. Examining both partners' pain catastrophizing dyadically with our variables of interest will enhance understanding of its associations with the distressing nature of experiencing and responding to pain during sex for couples with endometriosis. Persons with endometriosis experiencing pain during sex and their partners (n=52 couples; 104 individuals) completed online self-report measures of pain catastrophizing, depressive symptoms, sexual satisfaction, and partner responses to pain. Persons with endometriosis reported on pain during sexual activity. Analyses were guided by the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Persons with endometriosis' pain catastrophizing was associated with their higher pain intensity and unpleasantness during sex. When persons with endometriosis reported more pain catastrophizing, they were less sexually satisfied and reported their partners responded more negatively to their pain. When partners reported higher catastrophizing, they were more depressed and responded more negatively to the pain. Consistent with the Communal Coping Model of pain catastrophizing, although meant to elicit support from the environment, the often-deleterious cognitive process of magnifying, ruminating, and feeling helpless about one's pain (or one's partner's pain) is associated with poorer outcomes for the individual with pain and their romantic partner. Implications for pain management include the relevance of involving the partner and attending to the pain cognitions of both members of the couple.

Do perfectionism, body image concerns, and intimacy predict genitopelvic pain in the postpartum? A prospective study of new mothers.

Genitopelvic pain following childbirth is common and likely to challenge the psychological, relational, and sexual well-being of new mothers. While genitopelvic pain generally decreases during the postpartum period, personal and interpersonal characteristics may explain why genitopelvic pain persists beyond the period of physical recovery in some mothers. Body image concerns, increased stress, and relationship challenges would be particularly salient during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which could put new mothers at greater risk of sexual difficulties. Also, mothers may display a negative appraisal regarding genitopelvic pain and doubt their ability to cope with it, which may contribute to the pain. The current study aimed to examine the role of perfectionism, body image concerns, and perceived intimacy in the occurrence and change in genitopelvic pain in new mothers in postpartum. A total of 211 new mothers and their partners were recruited for a larger prospective dyadic study on the transition to parenthood. Mothers completed a single item assessing genitopelvic pain, in addition to brief validated questionnaires measuring perfectionism, body image concerns, and perceived couple intimacy during pregnancy and at 4, 8, and 12months postpartum. Five multilevel modeling analyses revealed that adaptive perfectionism, maladaptive perfectionism, and body image concerns were associated with a higher occurrence of genitopelvic pain from 4 to 12months postpartum. Mothers' and partners' perceived intimacy was not significantly related to new mothers' genitopelvic pain. None of the predictors modified the trajectory of genitopelvic pain over time. Raising awareness among health care professionals regarding the role of perfectionism and body image concerns in genitopelvic pain may help them identify new mothers at risk of chronic genitopelvic pain, while offering a new avenue of intervention. There has been little research examining the role of perfectionism, body image concerns, and intimacy in postpartum genitopelvic pain. Based on a longitudinal prospective approach, this study identified perfectionism and body image concerns as significant predictors of postpartum genitopelvic pain. However, prepregnancy genitopelvic pain, genitopelvic pain intensity, and sexual distress were not measured. Adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism and body image concerns are associated with new mothers' genitopelvic pain up to 12months postpartum.

The Impact of Relational Depth on Subjective Well-being in Close Relationships in the Community

Relational depth (RD)—moments of profound connection and engagement between two people—is a humanistic–existential construct, showing preliminary association with psychological growth in psychotherapy. This research investigates the impact of RD, alongside relationship satisfaction and emotional intimacy, on subjective well-being in close relationships in the community. Psychometric properties of latent variables were assessed in a stratified online sample of 497 participants in the United Kingdom (47.1% male, 52.1% female, 1% other; mean age 45.7 [ SD = 15.9]; 86.5% white, 7.8% Asian, 3.2% Black, 1.4% mixed and 1% other), followed by lagged regressions, and moderation analyses to assess the role of RD on Personal Well-being Score (PWS). Data were collected at two further time points at 3-month intervals on a stratified subset of participants ( n = 297 and n = 267). RD emerged as a significant predictor of subjective well-being in close relationships in the community and was moderated by emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction. This study provides the first robust evidence of the relevance and impact of the humanistic–existential construct of RD on well-being beyond a psychotherapy context. This points to the value of practices that can facilitate RD experiences in the community.

Spillover of a Torn Soul: The Role of Betrayal Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation, and Relationship Satisfaction

Unlocking the intricate connections between betrayal trauma, emotional dysregulation, and relationship satisfaction, this research delves into a crucial realm of human experience. By investigating how emotion dysregulation acts as a mediator between diverse traumatic encounters, including betrayal trauma, and marital contentment, this study sheds light on the profound impact of these factors on individuals’ lives. Through a purposive sampling technique, a sample of 251 married individuals participated in this research. The findings reveal a compelling positive relationship between emotion dysregulation and varying degrees of predisposed trauma (r= .532**,r= .447**, andr= .555**). Moreover, the study illuminates the negative correlation between predisposed trauma, emotion dysregulation, and marital satisfaction. Notably, the research uncovers that medium levels of predisposed trauma and relationship satisfaction are intricately linked through partial mediation by emotion dysregulation (r= .039). Similarly, high levels of predisposed trauma and relationship satisfaction exhibit a fully mediated relationship through emotion dysregulation (r= .048). By untangling these intricate associations, this study emphasizes the need for further exploration and intervention strategies to empower individuals in navigating the repercussions of diverse traumatic experiences on their relationships. The findings offer valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of predisposed trauma, emotional regulation, and relationship well-being, fueling a broader dialogue and fostering effective support mechanisms for those affected.

The New Psychology of Secrecy

Nearly everyone keeps secrets, but only recently have we begun to learn about the secrets people keep in their everyday lives and the experiences people have with their secrets. Early experimental research into secrecy sought to create secrecy situations in the laboratory, but in trying to observe secrecy in real time, these studies conflated secrecy with the act of concealment. In contrast, a new psychology of secrecy recognizes that secrecy is far more than biting our tongues and dodging others’ questions. Our secrets can consume mental space before and after concealment situations, and even the secrets that require no active upkeep can burden the secret keeper. The current article reviews recent insights into the many ways in which our secrets relate to personal and relational well-being and what follows from revealing our secrets.

„Z” generation in research with Polish and Czech students. A selected comparative analysis in building and understanding relationships.

The main object of the theoretical narrative and research conclusions of the article are selected components of characteristics representative of Generation Z. The project Love in the Era of the Self , published in 2019, made it possible to select analyses of relationship scripts representing young people studying in universities from Poland and the Czech Republic. The main research objective was to ask what patterns of partner relationships are preferred and practised by young people studying in the neighbouring countries and what differentiates them?This allowed for several conclusions regarding the socio-cultural changes within the activities of today's youth and the perceived dangers of penetrating digital contact scripts, strongly codified by interfaces. This may exclude empathy in the future and generate an existential emptiness that will be satisfied by urges, reinforce self-criticism, and reduce well-being in relationships. This presents a new field of challenges for educators.

The Relationship of Child Agency and Subjective Well-Being

The multidimensionality and complexity of the child agency` phenomenon determines the presence of different approaches and grounds for its study, which are in diametrically opposite positions. The aim of the study is to analyze agency and its indicators in the structure of subjective well-being of senior schoolchildren. The empirical base was made up of data obtained from a survey of 3,282 students in grades 7-11 of the Tyumen region. The questionnaire of the international survey of children's subjective well-being - Children's World is taken as a basis. The questionnaire was supplemented with indicators showing the level of agency, as well as the impact on the subjective well-being of security, health and romantic relationships. Factor analysis in the space of 47 SWB indicators allowed us to identify 8 factors reflecting the contribution to the SWB of family, school, health, agency, status, social loyalty, security and romantic relationships. In addition, students were asked to evaluate the SWB indicators from two angles: how important this or that SWB indicator is for them (the desired level) and how much they assess the presence of this indicator in relation to their lives (the real level). At the actual and real levels, the greatest contribution to subjective well-being is made by such factors as: family satisfaction, agency, security and safety (psychological, physical). There are direct significant moderate correlations between the relevance of factors and their real level. Agency is a significant factor in the subjective well-being of schoolchildren and ranks second in importance after safety. The relevance of agency increases with age. The gap between the desired and real levels of agency is most pronounced in older students with disabilities. A comparison of the SWB structure in groups with different levels of agency showed that high school students with an average level of agency demonstrate a higher level of SWB, and students with a high level of agency have the lowest level of SWB. The results obtained are discussed in the critical field of research.

Development, Delivery, and Evaluation of Mental and Emotional Well-Being of College Health Education for Physical Education Students

The study examines the mental and emotional well-being of physical education students at Guangdong Vocational College of Posts and Telecommunications. The research uses a descriptive-comparative design and three questionnaires. The majority of students are 17 years old or more, with a higher percentage of females. The study found no significant difference in student respondents' assessments of how their teachers deliver the comprehensive college health education program in terms of mental and emotional well-being. However, there was a significant difference in assessment when considering the course, with students pursuing education having a higher mean score and liberal arts students having a lower mean score. Teacher respondents, all full-pledge master's degree holders, had a high mean of 3.60 in terms of mental well-being, indicating that students have learned essential skills through self-reflection and emotional expression. Both male and female teachers have the same evaluation of their students' mental and emotional well-being in relation to the comprehensive college health education program.

Physiological Synchrony During Partnered Sexual Activity

Physiological synchrony (PS) refers to the coordination of bodily responses in close relationships. It seems to be linked to relational well-being, satisfaction, closeness, and empathy. Recent research extends these findings to sexual relationships as well, with evidence suggesting that PS may predict attraction and sexual satisfaction. The current study focuses on PS during sexual activity within established couples. Results suggest that PS develops during sexual activity, in certain contexts, and tends to be greater in magnitude during sexual encounters than during non-sexual interactions. Results may shed light on the dyadic psychophysiological factors relevant to sexual experiences.

Swimming against the Tide: A Mixed-Methods Study of how the MARKERS Educator Wellbeing Program Changed Educators’ Relational Space

Effective educator wellbeing interventions should consider the individual, relational, and contextual influences on educator wellbeing. Given the gap between the effectiveness of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) and their real-world success, it is essential to understand and adapt to the school context when integrating psychological interventions into educational settings. The MARKERS (Multiple Action Responsive Kit for Educator, Relational, and School wellbeing) educator wellbeing program is multi-level, designed to consider the individual, relational, and contextual influences on wellbeing. Its multi-foci design also allowed for adaptations to specific contexts. This study examines the impact of the MARKERS program in one school in Aotearoa New Zealand. We use a mixed methods case study approach that draws on measures of educator wellbeing, social network measures of energising interactions, and focus group data. The use of stochastic actor-oriented models (SAOMs) allowed us to examine changes to the social network over time. Findings show that MARKERS program participants experienced a significant positive change in their relational space and experienced more energising interactions, but they were ‘swimming against the tide’ as other staff in the school had fewer energising interactions with their colleagues. Our study illustrates the importance of considering the relational and contextual influences on wellbeing when evaluating educator wellbeing interventions.

(011) Exploring Pretending Orgasm and Sexual Satisfaction Among Egyptian Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract Introduction Research on sexual satisfaction, especially orgasm, has focused on North American and Western contexts. Studies show women frequently pretend during PVI to end activity or avoid consequences. Reasons vary from emotional communication to mate deception, not always related to sexual dysfunctions. Sociosexuality may influence behaviors, with casual sex individuals less likely to fake orgasms for positive feedback. Limited research on non-Western societies, especially Egypt, prompted this study to explore prevalence and reasons for pretending orgasm among Egyptian women, investigating correlations with sexual orientation, sexual violence history, dysfunction, and family size. Objective 1. Prevalence of faking orgasm in Egyptian adults. 2. Reasons for faking orgasm in Egyptian women. 3. Correlations with sexual orientation, violence history, dysfunction, and family size. 4. Insights into sexual scripts in Egyptian society. Methods This cross-sectional survey investigates reasons for faking orgasm in Egyptian women. A convenience sample of women aged 18 and above was recruited through social media, community centers, and universities. Data collection occurred between [December 2020] and [February 2021], with participants providing informed consent for the online survey. The survey includes 51 questions on pretending orgasm and a structured interview for demographic information. Participants rated reasons on a Likert scale, and quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify prevailing motives. Results In the survey of 626 Egyptian women: •38.6% (242 women) reported pretending orgasm during sexual encounters. •Common reasons for pretending included: wanting to end sexual activity (55.9%–350 women), avoiding negative consequences (66.6%–417 women), and pleasing their partner (55.9%–350 women). •Sociosexuality played a role, with 38.3% (240 women) of those interested in casual sex less likely to fake orgasms for positive feedback. •96.2% (602 women) identified as heterosexual, 1% (6 women) as homosexual, and 2.9% (18 women) as bisexual. •85.2% (534 women) were married, 6.4% (40 women) divorced, 2.6% (16 women) separated, and 5.7% (36 women) in a relationship. •91.8% (575 women) belonged to small families, and 8.2% (51 women) to big families. •14.1% (88 women) had multiple sexual partners, and 16.5% (103 women) suffered from psychological dysfunction. •43.2% (271 women) engaged in sexual relationships more than once a week, 26.9% (168 women) once a week, and 17.6% (110 women) once a month. •32.6% (204 women) were sexually satisfied, 9.6% (60 women) were not satisfied, and 7% (44 women) were neutral. •45.5% (285 women) had a history of sexual harassment, and 27.6% (173 women) had a history of Female Genital Mutilation (FMG). Conclusions The study reveals a prevalent practice of pretending orgasm among Egyptian women (38.6%). Reasons for pretending vary, with a significant percentage aiming to end sexual activity (55.9%), avoid negative consequences (66.6%), and please partners (55.9%). Sociosexuality plays a role, with 38.3% of those interested in casual sex less likely to fake orgasms for positive feedback. Findings emphasize open communication for sexual satisfaction and relationship well-being. Limitations include self-report bias and limited generalizability. Future research should explore diverse contexts and long-term effects on relationship satisfaction. Addressing complexities is vital for healthy relationships among Egyptian women. Disclosure No.