Relationship Adjustment Research Articles

Adjustment of link weights based on tolerance promotes cooperation in spatial prisoner's dilemma game

Understanding and explaining cooperative behavior in human society has become an open question. In this paper, we propose a dynamic adjustment of pair relationships in a spatial prisoner's dilemma game. Unlike previous studies that individuals dynamically adjust the intensity of interaction with their opponents at each step, this work consider tolerance, in which the intensity of interaction is adjusted when the time of successive defections by an individual exceeds a tolerance threshold T. We find that although the proposed mechanism can significantly improve cooperation compared to traditional versions, a higher tolerance for continuous defection behavior is not conducive to the evolution of cooperation. Furthermore, an environmental adaptor that dynamically adjusts the paired relationship with the opponent at all times is beneficial for the evolution of cooperation. And the higher the degree of adjustment in the paired relationship, the lower the probability of continuous exploitation by defector. We hope that our work can provide some insights into explaining the existence and maintenance of cooperation.

A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between the Hold Me Tight Program and Couples’ Relationship Adjustment

In this meta-analysis, the authors tested the overall effect of Hold Me Tight (HMT), a relationship education program for couples based in emotionally focused therapy, on couples’ relationship adjustment. Using a detailed search process, we identified and analyzed eight quantitative, single-group comparison studies. Studies included predominantly cisgender, straight couples (N = 310) in dyadic, monogamous relationships from the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. The eight studies also included evaluations of online and in-person delivery methods, as well as eight-week groups and one- and two-day workshops. Across the studies, we found that participation in HMT was associated with a small, statistically significant effect (d = 0.377) on couples’ self-reported relationship adjustment, lending support that HMT may be an effective program for couples. Few available studies limited our ability to test additional outcomes or explore moderators of the effect, which are key areas for future research.

Understanding the impact of dementia on spousal relationships: A qualitative study with female spousal carers of people living with dementia.

Background: Dementia does not merely affect individuals, the carer and the person living with dementia, but also has a profound impact on their spousal relationship. As such, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how dementia affects spousal relationships with a focus on interpersonal (i.e. relationship adjustment, communication engagement and emotional connection between two individuals) and intrapersonal (i.e. loss of self within the context of relationships) dynamics using a qualitative approach. The study also explored how carers adapt to such relationship challenges in the context of dementia care.Methods: A phenomenological approach was used to capture the subjective experiences of female spousal carers, who regularly support their partner living with dementia. A total of nine semi-structured interviews were conducted.Results: Relationship adjustment theme highlighted how learning to acknowledge role shifts from a spouse to a carer is critical for carers to manage relationship difficulties. Emotional connection theme demonstrated the importance of reminiscing about the shared history between dyads to cope with feelings of loss of affective intimacy. Communication engagement theme revealed carers' need to learn a new way of communicating due to the decrease in meaningful communication and two-way interaction. Sense of self theme highlighted the importance of self-compassion to overcome feelings of self-loss and isolation.Conclusion: Findings suggest that improving the relationship between female spousal carers and their partner living with dementia may require targeted interventions addressing different factors. Such interventions can include a couple's life story approach to enable couples to reminisce about their shared experiences, interactive communication training to enhance meaningful engagements, and a psychological approach such as compassion-focused therapy to overcome emotional challenges and facilitate self-compassion.

General integration method for system configuration of organic Rankine cycle based on stage-wise concept

Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) integrated systems with heat sources consist of heat exchange processes and thermodynamic power conversion processes. Fully exploring feasible system configuration while considering fluid selection is crucial for enhancing ORC power generation and balancing economic costs. This study innovatively proposes a theoretical framework that decomposes the Rankine cycle into basic thermodynamic processes. The design of system configuration is regarded as the adjustment of the series-parallel relationships of these basic processes, aiming to achieve simultaneous optimization of the cycle structure and the HEN structure, thereby greatly expanded the search space for feasible ORC system configurations. The optimization problem is solved using a bi-level strategy, The outer layer determines the number of thermal power conversion components, operating parameters, and working fluid selection, then provides the associated stream information to the inner layer for optimizing the heat exchange scheme. Applying this method to two different case studies from the literature validated its effectiveness in optimizing scenarios with single and complex heat sources. The Pareto frontier obtained under the conditions of Case I indicates that the investment cost can be reduced by $33.04 k/yr while maintaining the same net power output. In exchange for an increase of $1.51 k/yr in investment cost, the maximum net power output can be improved by 124.74 kW. Under the conditions of Case II, the maximum net output power can increase by 9.71 %–52.5 %, and the Pareto frontier featuring outputs exceeding 50 kW is provided. By analyzing the relative positions of literature schemes and Pareto front within the solution space, the impact of system configuration improvements on the objective functions is explained. These results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach for designing optimal ORC energy recovery systems for heat sources. This contribution advances optimization methods for similar closed cycle configurations, which is significant for advancing the utilization of waste heat and addressing sustainability challenges.

Optimization of Injection-Production Relationship of Offshore Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoirs Based on Inter-well Connectivity

Abstract The dynamic heterogeneity of water drive sandstone reservoir in high water cut stage is strong, which leads to the differential enrichment and distribution of remaining oil. The adjustment of injection-production relationship can effectively guide the work of stabilizing oil and controlling water. Based on the principle of inter-well connectivity, this paper comprehensively considers the geological characteristics and development dynamics, and constructs the multi-layer reservoir joint well network inter-well connectivity model. By integrating the automatic history matching and the real-time injection-production optimization algorithms, the accurate inversion of connectivity parameters and real-time optimization prediction of production dynamics are realized. Field applications in the block X demonstrated that this method resulted in an annual increase in oil production of 16,000 cubic meters and a reduction in water cut by 0.87%, showing significant enhancement in oil recovery and water control. This method can be applied to guide the adjustment of the planar injection-production structure in similar reservoirs.

Disclosure and concealment in military couples: A dyadic study.

Disclosure of deployment-related experiences among military couples is generally beneficial to mental health and relationship adjustment. Yet, disclosure by the spouse is rarely studied, as are the dyadic associations between disclosure and outcomes in both partners. The present study used a dyadic approach to study the relationship between disclosure or concealment on one hand and mental health and relationship adjustment on the other hand among Israeli military couples. Sixty-three Israel Defense Force (IDF) combat veterans (all male) and their spouses (all female; N = 126) completed self-report questionnaires about disclosure and concealment of deployment-related experiences to their partner; relationship adjustment; depression; and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Six Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) were used for dyadic analysis. We found lower disclosure and higher concealment of deployment-related experiences by veterans compared to spouses. The veteran's concealment of deployment-related experiences was associated with lower relationship adjustment for both partners and with the veteran's own higher PTSS. The spouse's concealment was associated with greater depression for both partners and with the spouse's own higher PTSS. Neither actor nor partner effects were found for disclosure regarding all three outcomes. Concealment of deployment-related experiences among military couples may have detrimental implications on the mental health and relationship adjustment of both the concealer and their partner. The spouse's concealment of their experience was as related to mental health and relationship adjustment as the veteran's concealment. The findings highlight the need to address communication about deployment-related experiences by both partners among military couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Role of Attachment in Parents’ Perception of the Impact of Pediatric Cancer on Their Relationship

<p>Introduction: The cancer diagnosis of a child is an extremely challenging event that necessitates adjustments for parents at individual, family, and couple levels. To our knowledge, the factors that may explain parents’ relationship adjustments in the context of pediatric cancer remain under-documented.</p><p>Objectives: This dyadic study (1) described the perceived impact of pediatric cancer on parents’ relationship and (2) explored the relationship between attachment insecurities (both anxiety and avoidance) in both parents and their perception of how pediatric cancer influenced different facets of their relationship.</p><p>Method: Fifty-one mixed-sex couples whose child has received treatment for cancer (whether the treatment was ongoing or completed) within the past two years, completed online questionnaires.</p><p>Results: Path analyses, based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, showed that higher attachment insecurities in mothers and fathers were associated with their own perception of a more negative impact of cancer on their relationship regarding the quality of partner support (actor effect). Surprisingly, higher attachment insecurities in mothers and fathers were also linked to their partner’s perception of a more positive impact of their child’s illness on their relationship functioning (partner effects).</p><p>Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that attachment insecurities not always have solely negative impacts. In extreme situations, such as pediatric cancer (at least in the early years of post-diagnosis), attachment-related anxiety and avoidance of parents could protect the relationship from certain difficulties.</p>

The Intersection of Gender, Migration, and Urbanisation in Shaping Community Identities and Social Structures

This paper explores in depth the cross influence of three factors, gender, migration and urbanization, in shaping community identity and social structure. As the basic element of social composition, gender not only affects the self-perception of individuals, but also shapes the collective identity at the community level. As an important driving force of community development, the cultural diversity and social dynamics brought about by immigration have had a profound impact on community identity. However, urbanization, as an important feature of modern society, has had a significant impact on community identity and social structure by changing the physical and social environment of communities. In terms of community identity, the adjustment and remodeling of gender roles and gender relationships are an important part of community development.Simultaneously, the integration of immigrants involves the reshaping and rediscovery of identity, enhancing the complexity of community identity through interactions and contrasts with native residents. Moreover, urbanization-induced community shifts and population movements further complicate and diversify this identity. In terms of social structure, the promotion of gender equality awareness helps to break the shackles of traditional social structure and promote the community to a more equitable and inclusive direction. The influx of immigrants brings new social classes and interest groups and have an important impact on the social structure of the community. The rapid advancement of urbanization intensifies the differentiation and reorganization of social structure, which makes the class differences and conflicts of interest within the community more obvious. Gender, immigration, and urbanization have close intersections in shaping community identity and social structure. These three factors interact and influence each other to jointly promote the development and change of the community.

Longitudinal associations between attachment representations coded in the adult attachment interview in late adolescence and perceptions of romantic relationship adjustment in adulthood

AbstractIncreasingly, researchers have operationalized Adult Attachment Interview (AAI)‐derived attachment representations as reflecting individual differences in secure base script knowledge (AAIsbs) – the degree to which individuals show awareness of the temporal‐causal schema that summarizes the basic features of seeking and receiving effective support from caregivers when in distress. In a series of pre‐registered analyses, we used AAI transcripts recently re‐coded for AAIsbs and leveraged a new follow‐up assessment of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development cohort at around age 30 years (479 currently partnered participants; 59% female; 82% White/non‐Hispanic) to assess and compare the links between AAIsbs and traditional AAI coding measures at around age 18 years and self‐reported romantic relationship quality in adulthood. Higher AAIsbs predicted better dyadic adjustment scores in adulthood (r = 0.17) and this association remained significant controlling for other AAI‐derived coding measures, as well as sociodemographic and cognitive functioning covariates. Findings extend previous evidence pointing to the predictive significance of AAIsbs for multiple adult functioning domains.

Smartphone Potential Energy in the Digital Era and the Construction of Learning Organizations in Universities

As human society enters the digital era in the 21st century, the widespread application of smartphones is reshaping the educational ecosystem. Smartphones not only possess communication, entertainment, and payment functions but also educational and relationship adjustment capabilities. These positive, promotive functions endowed by smartphones are referred to as smartphone potential energy. A survey conducted among students in three English teaching classes at a Beijing university revealed that smartphone potential energy typically plays four roles: resource sharer, direction guide, relationship facilitator, and learning motivator, thereby promoting the construction of university learning organization relationships. Under the influence of smartphone potential energy, organizational relationships shift from a focus on subjective interpersonal relationships to objective neutrality, and organizational structures evolve from linear hierarchical to flat structures, achieving a transition from management to governance, which provides insights for university grassroots student organization managers to scientifically implement organizational management and optimize relationships in the digital era.

Patient Reported Sexual Adaptation Following Prostate Cancer Treatment: An Analysis of Related Variables and Sexual Outcomes Associated with Sexual Adaptation Styles.

Sexual concerns after prostate cancer (PCa) treatment are high. Flexible coping is a crucial element to maintaining sexual activity after PCa and improves adaptation outcomes. We aimed to identify potential sexual adaptation styles reported by men following PCa treatment, and to assess relationships among associated variables and outcomes. Individuals (n = 223) with PCa treatment history (e.g., radical prostatectomy [n = 165, 74.0%], external beam radiation [n = 83, 37.2%], hormone/androgen deprivation therapy [n = 83, 37.2%]), completed an online survey assessing sexual variables and processes of sexual adaptation. Using a combination of inductive and deductive coding, open-ended responses were thematically analyzed and grouped into sexual adaptation styles. Factors potentially associated with sexual adaptation styles (e.g., age, perceived partner involvement, co-morbidities, relationship duration, time since PCa treatment, desire for physical affection, depression, relationship adjustment) were tested using multinomial logistic regression. Outcomes of sexual well-being (sexual distress, sexual bother, sexual satisfaction) and relationship adjustment were compared against each sexual adaptation style using a multivariate analysis of variance. Sexual activity status and satisfaction with the adaptation process was assessed across the sexual adaptation styles using a chi-square analysis and post-hoc tests. Two distinct categories were identified: those who had Adapted (n = 185) and those who had Not Adapted (n = 38). Four sexual adaptation styles emerged in the adapted category: Relationship Renegotiation (n = 53) and Sexual Renegotiation (n = 47), which were couples-focused styles, and Acceptance/Resignation (n = 34) and Masturbation/Erection (n = 48), which were individual-focused styles. Participants who could not be categorized as one style, but rather met several, were identified as Mixed (n = 3). Higher rates of depression, lower relationship adjustment, lack of sexual activity, and greater dissatisfaction with the adaptation process were observed for Not Adapted participants. Participants engaged in any type of adaptation style fared better than those who had Not Adapted. Couples-focused styles tended to emphasize renegotiation, including a changed perspective on the expression of the relationship. Perceived direct engagement of the partner facilitated adaptation and emphasized engagement with flexible coping, either through redefining priorities or ways of being sexual. Individual-focused styles emphasized pre-cancer erectile function, and either aimed to return to capacity for penetrative sexual activity or accepted its inaccessibility and largely an abandonment of partnered sexual activity.

Dyadic Alliance Development Over the First Six Couple Therapy Sessions: The Roleof Relationship Adjustment, Symptom Distress, and Attachment

Dyadic Alliance Development Over the First Six Couple Therapy Sessions: The Roleof Relationship Adjustment, Symptom Distress, and Attachment

The Moderating Role of Marital Adjustment in Relationship Between Perceived Maternal Parenting Styles and Family Functioning among Fathers

The present study investigated the moderating role of marital adjustment in the relationship between perceived maternal parenting styles and the family functioning of fathers. It was qualitative cross-sectional research comprised of fathers (N = 200). The measures used in exploring the relationship were the Parental Authority Questionnaire (Buri, 1991), the Family ICPS Scale (Intimacy, Conflict, and Parenting Styles) developed by Noller. et. al, 1992, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Crane, Bean, & Middleton, 2000). Following the analysis, correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and regression (through Hayes Process Macro) was run. The results emphasize the importance of marital adjustment and the marital relationship’s quality influencing the effects of maternal parenting styles on family functioning and it acknowledges that perceptions play a crucial role in shaping family dynamics. It was found that with high marital adjustment, permissive and authoritative parenting styles influence the dynamics of family functioning, and with low marital adjustment, authoritarian parenting styles influence family functioning. The results provide insights into the dynamics of fatherhood within the context of Pakistani families, shedding light on the important factors that influence paternal experiences and overall family well-being. Further research and interventions in this area can potentially enhance family relationships and explore additional variables, such as children’s involvement, cultural norms, and societal expectations, to deepen the understanding of the complex dynamics within families.

은퇴자의 은퇴적응에 영향을 미치는 요인

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the factors affecting retirement adjustment among retirees.
 Methods Data from 427 retirees aged 50 and above residing nationwide were used for the final analysis. To explore the factors affecting retirement adjustment, independent variables were set as demographic and sociological factors, retirement-related factors, and retirement stress. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed as the primary statistical method.
 Results The factors affecting retirement adjustment among retirees were statistically significant in demographic and sociological factors, including final academic achievement and marital status, as well as retirement-related factors, specifically the primary post-retirement primary source of income. Finally, it was confirmed that retirement stress had a negative impact. Among the six sub-factors of retirement adjustment, marital status and retirement stress were statistically significant across all factors, and post-retirement primary source of income was statistically significant in all factors except family relationship adjustment.
 Conclusions To address the needs of marginalized individuals in retirement preparation education and career transition or outplacement service, it is essential to expand retirement preparation programs. Additionally, individual retirement counseling and retirement adjustment programs are necessary for managing retirement stress and enhancing psychological well-being. Furthermore, policy development is required for retirement fund preparation, including pension-related education and increased pension support.

Differentiation of self in adolescents: measurement invariance analysis across six Spanish-speaking countries

This article examines the measurement equivalence of the Spanish Differentiation of Self Inventory for Adolescents (S-DSI-A) in adolescent populations across Spanish-speaking countries (N = 5,552), including Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain. Within the Bowen family system theory, Differentiation of self is one of the most recognized constructs to systemic researchers and couple and family therapy practitioners, with implications in relationship adjustment or mental and physical health. The study uses multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) to test for configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the S-DSI-A across the six samples. The results indicate that the S-DSI-A demonstrates configural and metric invariance, but scalar invariance is not achieved. These findings have implications for cross-cultural research on differentiation of self and highlight the importance of considering measurement equivalence when comparing results across different populations. Specifically, our results suggest that the S-DSI-A reliably assesses the latent variables of Emotional Reactivity (ER) and Emotional Cutoff (EC) uniformly across Spanish-speaking nations, but the mean scores for the ER and EC lack cross-sample comparability.

Sexual Behaviors and Intimate Relationships of Sexual Partners of Young Patients with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

This study aimed to explore the sexual behaviors and intimate relationships of sexual partners of young patients with cervical cancer. This study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design, which falls within the realm of qualitative research methods. Qualitative research typically utilizes interview techniques for gathering participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. This study conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the sexual partners of 15 young cervical cancer patients receiving cancer treatment to collect their experiences and perspectives on intimate relationships and sexual behavior with cervical cancer patients, and use the Colaizzi method for data analysis. Four themes were identified through the interview analysis: (1) reduction or absence of sexual behavior, (2) unpleasant sexual experiences, (3) adjustment of intimate relationships, and (4) lack of sexual health education. The sexual partners of young cervical cancer patients have experienced significant shifts in their perspectives on sexual behavior and intimate relationships. These changes include reduction or absence of sexual behavior, unpleasant sexual experiences, adjustment of intimate relationships, and lack of sexual health education. Hospitals should pay more attention to the sexual behavior and intimate relationships of patients with cervical cancer and their sexual partners, and social support systems and psychological and emotional counselling services should be established for providing relevant knowledge and guidance.

Interpersonal Experiences with Persistent Genital Arousal: Connections between Symptom Disclosure, Partner Responses, and Catastrophizing on Relationship Adjustment and Symptom Severity

Increased research attention to interpersonal factors in genitopelvic pain conditions, such as vulvodynia, have led to more comprehensive understanding of couple dynamics in pain, sexual, and relationship outcomes. There has been very little examination of interpersonal factors in Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genitopelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD), a distressing condition involving persistent sensations of arousal and often pain. The aims of the present study were to examine whether individuals disclose their symptoms to intimate partners and whether interpersonal variables (e.g., partner responses, symptom disclosure, and catastrophizing) are related to relationship adjustment and symptom severity. Seventy-six individuals with symptoms of PGAD/GPD participated in a one-time anonymous online survey. Over three-quarters (85.5%) of the sample disclosed their symptoms to their partners in some way. Greater supportive partner responses and lower symptom catastrophizing were related to better relationship adjustment among participants with PGAD/GPD symptoms. Greater symptom catastrophizing also predicted greater PGAD/GPD symptom severity. Partner responses were not related to PGAD/GPD symptom severity. Although interpersonal factors have been linked to symptom severity in chronic pain and genitopelvic pain conditions, the results of the current study suggest that interpersonal factors may play a slightly different role in PGAD/GPD symptom experiences and in the conceptualization of PGAD/GPD more broadly.

Love, health, and the 'hood: An examination of romantic relationship adjustment and perceived neighborhood quality as predictors of partnered Black Americans' long-term psychological health.

Existing disparities regarding Black Americans' psychological health warrant further investigation of socioecological factors that may be associated with negative and positive dimensions of psychological health in this population. Romantic relationship functioning and neighborhood context are two domains relevant to Black Americans' mental health. However, less is known about how they may serve as independent and interactive prospective predictors of Black Americans' psychological health and potentially in distinctive ways for Black men and women. Using data from 333 partnered Black Americans who participated in the Midlife in the United States study, we investigated relationship adjustment and neighborhood quality as independent and interactive predictors of negative and positive affect 10 years later and examined gender differences in these linkages. Higher neighborhood quality predicted lower levels of negative affect and higher levels of positive affect for both men and women a decade later. Additionally, for Black men, the longitudinal association between relationship adjustment and negative affect differed by neighborhood quality such that better relationship adjustment predicted higher subsequent negative affect only for men in lower quality neighborhoods. Findings demonstrate the connections among romantic relationship functioning, ecological resources, and gender in this population and highlight the importance of incorporating socioecological and intersectional perspectives for predicting Black Americans' long-term psychological health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The Impact of Climate Change on India-Russia Relations

This study explores the implications of climate change for the bilateral relationship between India and Russia. While current research primarily focuses on the strategic aspects of their relationship, little attention has been given to the factors that could shape its future. Climate change has significant economic and social impacts on both countries, raising questions about how it will affect their relations. This paper examines the potential effects on livelihoods, agriculture, and trade, and investigates whether India and Russia can find areas of cooperation despite their differing roles as fossil fuel exporters and consumers.Despite their reliance on Western technology transfer, India and Russia have the opportunity to collaborate and develop new technologies together. The study highlights the potential for joint efforts in renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It also explores collaboration in biofuel production using Russia's biomass resources.Disaster risk management and information sharing emerge as additional areas of potential cooperation in the face of climate change. Collaboration in these areas can enhance preparedness and response mechanisms, strengthening overall resilience.The study also considers the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as a potential collaboration opportunity. As the Arctic ice melts, the NSR offers a viable trade route between Russia's European and Far Eastern regions. India has shown interest in contributing to its development, which could reduce shipping losses and emissions in transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia.In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the need for adaptation and adjustment in the bilateral relationship to address climate change challenges. It underscores the importance of scientific collaboration, exploring joint initiatives, and developing sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change while strengthening the longstanding India-Russia partnership.

Effects of alcohol problem discrepancy on relationship adjustment: The moderating role of conflict negotiation among couples with alcohol use disorder and intimate partner violence.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has well-known negative effects on romantic relationship functioning, including the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV). A separate literature focused on community couples indicates that relationship functioning is more likely to suffer when partners report greater discrepancies in alcohol consumption. It is important to expand this literature to couples with AUD and to examine the role of impactful AUD domains in dyadic functioning. Furthermore, few studies have examined adaptive, treatment-malleable factors that could potentially offset the negative impact of alcohol discrepancies on relationship functioning. This study examined the association between couples' alcohol problem discrepancies and relationship adjustment, as well as the moderating effect of self-reported adaptive conflict negotiation behaviors. Participants were 100 couples (N = 200 individual participants) with intimate partner violence wherein at least one partner met diagnostic criteria for AUD. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models indicated that greater alcohol problem discrepancy was associated with lower dyadic adjustment. Moderation analyses revealed that the highest level of relationship adjustment was observed among couples with lower alcohol problem discrepancy and greater negotiation behaviors, while relationship adjustment was similar for couples with larger alcohol problem discrepancy, regardless of negotiation behaviors. Although further study is needed to clarify under what specific conditions adaptive negotiation behaviors are most helpful, they appear to be beneficial for some couples in this sample. We found no evidence that negotiation behaviors may be harmful among these high-risk couples.