Relationship Duration Research Articles

Condom use in greek young adults’ dating relationships: The role of sexual debut condom use and relationship characteristics

We examined whether individual and relationship characteristics predicted condom use in Greek young adults’ ongoing relationships. Participants were 277 university students with ongoing dating relationships who provided their demographics and information on their sexual profiles, partners, and relationships. Participants rated their relationships in terms of matrimonial and hedonistic (passionate) characteristics, and indicated whether they had used a condomat first intercourse, at latest intercourse, and consistently during the relationship. Condoms were more likely to be used at first intercourse, at latest intercourse and during the relationship when they had been used at sexual debut (first-time-in-life sexual intercourse). However, they were less likely to be used at latest intercourse, the longer and the more hedonistic the relationship. In addition, increased frequency of coital sex during the relationship was associated with less consistent condom use. It appears that condom use at sexual debut establishes a resilient habit of condom use in future relationships. However, relationship duration, sexual passion, and frequency of coital sex appear to undermine condom use. Condom use promotion should address young audiences at an early age, emphasizing that relationship length, frequency of coital sex, and passion may work against protective behavior in a relationship.

Defining the impact of Peyronie's disease on the psychosocial status of gay men.

Little sexual health research has been conducted in gay men. Anecdotally, this population seems to experience more bother related to Peyronie's disease (PD). To examine the impact of PD on psychosocial factors in gay vs straight men. All PD patients who were seen in the sexual medicine clinic were included. They completed three instruments: the PD questionnaire (PDQ), Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, and a depression questionnaire (CES-D). We described demographics and sexual variables by sexual orientation. We then compared PDQ items and summary scores by sexual orientation, using a series of independent samples t tests. 34 consecutive gay and 464 straight men were included. Age and baseline characteristics were similar between the two cohorts, with the exception that fewer gay men were partnered (56% vs 87%, P<.01), and those with a partner had a shorter relationship duration: 109±9months vs 262±175months, P<.01. For the SEAR questionnaire, gay men demonstrated a more significant psychosocial impact of PD overall with lower SEAR sums (41 vs 57, P=.01) and a lower sexual relationship subdomain score (28 vs 47, P<.01). 41% of gay men vs 26% of straight men had CES-D scores consistent with depression as defined by a score of ≥16 (P=.09). In the PDQ domains, gay men scored less favorably with regard to bother scores (7 vs 5, P=.03) and pain scores (8 vs 4, P=.04). Gay men with PD experience significantly more psychosocial impact as evidenced by less favorable SEAR sum and sexual relationship scores, CES-D scores, and PDQ pain and bother domain scores. The psychosocial impact of PD is significant in all men, but it appears to be greater in gay men.

Changes in expectation of relationship permanence, pregnancy acceptability and desire, and contraceptive use over time among young Latino/a women and men: An exploratory analysis

ObjectiveWe longitudinally assess associations between changes in expectation of relationship permanence—a measure that incorporates both relationship duration and commitment—pregnancy desire and acceptability, and highly effective contraception use among young U.S. Latino/as. Study designWe used multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations between changes in relationship factors, pregnancy acceptability and desire, and contraceptive method use over 6 months among 299 U.S. Latino/a women and men (ages 18–34) in relationships in a longitudinal study (retention rate: 32.4%). ResultsRespondents who found a pregnancy less acceptable at endline than at baseline were more likely to use highly effective contraception at endline (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.09, 8.08). Respondents estimating an increase in relationship permanence more than one standard deviation of the mean were 4.90 (95% CI 1.17, 20.55) times more likely to use highly effective contraception at endline, compared to those without a change in estimation of relationship permanence. ConclusionIn this longitudinal study of young adult Latino/as in relationships, we found associations between changes in respondents’ perceptions of the acceptability of a pregnancy and expectation of the permanence of their relationship and highly effective contraceptive use. Our findings reiterate the complicated, intertwined links between relationship dynamics, pregnancy orientation, contraception, and time. ImplicationsThe significance of decreased pregnancy acceptability (but not desire) for using highly effective contraception suggests the importance of acknowledging pregnancy acceptability in contraceptive counseling, particularly because providers are more likely to direct Latino/a young adults towards methods that may not fulfill their contraceptive desires. Including discussion of young people’s expectations of relationship permanence may also be meaningful in counseling.

Reference letters for subspecialty medicine residency positions: are they valuable for decision-making? Results from a Canadian study

BackgroundThe letter of recommendation is currently an integral part of applicant selection for residency programs. Internal medicine residents will spend much time and expense completing sub-specialty away electives to obtain a letter of recommendation. The purpose of this study was 1) to examine a large sample of reference letters in order to define essential components of a high-quality letter, and 2) to elucidate the relationship between quality of reference letter and the letter writer.MethodsWe conducted a two-phase study. In phase one, a large sample of letters of recommendation was examined using an audit tool as a coding framework. A 5-point composite endpoint of high-quality letter components was subsequently developed. In phase two, program director letters were compared to non-program director home institution and non-home institution elective letters based on inclusion of components of the 5-point composite endpoint using Chi square testing.Results715 letters were examined (398 non-program director home institution letters, 201 program director letters, and 116 non-home institution elective letters). High-quality letter components were: nature of relationship, duration of relationship, In Training Evaluation Report information, research involvement and comments on areas for improvement. Program director letters had a significantly higher proportion (10.4%) of all 5 high-quality components, compared to 0% in both non-program director home institution letters and elective letters (p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of program director letters had 4–5 high-quality components (62.5%) compared to 2% of non-program director home institution letters and 0% of elective letters (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsLetters of recommendation from elective rotations are of the poorest quality and such rotations should not be pursued for the sole purpose of obtaining a letter. The low quality of elective letters leads to the recommendation that writers should decline to write them, programs should not require them and trainees should not request them. Program directors write the highest quality letters and should be a resource for faculty development. Clinical supervisors can use the 5-point composite endpoint as a guide when writing letters for applicants.

Adoption of electronic supply chain management systems: the mediation role of information sharing

PurposeBased on structural embeddedness theory and resource dependence theory, this research aims to examine the mediation role of information sharing in the relationship between deendency structures and electronic supply chain management system (eSCM) adoption and a firm's intention to adopt eSCMs.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was undertaken from 212 companies based in Mainland China. Three-stage least squares (3SLS) regression was employed to test the research model.FindingsThe results from 3SLS regressions showed that the effect of interdependence on eSCM adoption intention is fully mediated through information sharing when relationship duration is either below or about the mean. Interdependence and dependence disadvantage was shown to have significant positive effects on eSCM adoption while the effect of dependence advantage was statistically insignificant. Relationship duration was found to negatively moderate the relationship between information sharing and adoption intention.Originality/valueThrough investigating factors of inter-organizational relationships, this study fills the knowledge gap in the traditional paradigms which ignore the collaborative nature of eSCM and analyse related problems based on a single firm's point of view.

Psychosocial Distress in Women With Breast Cancer and Their Partners and Its Impact on Supportive Care Needs in Partners.

ObjectivesWhile both patients and informal caregivers report high levels of cancer-related distress, supportive care needs of relatives are often not taken into account and little is known about mutual perception of distress within couples. Therefore, we aimed to investigate distress in female patients with breast cancer and their male partners as well as supportive care needs in partners.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited women with breast cancer during primary cancer care and their male partners, obtained information on mental distress and supportive care needs through visual analog scales for four mood domains and the Short Form of Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34).ResultsAmong 250 eligible patients with breast cancer, 102 patients (40.8%) and their male partners participated. Partners reported higher levels of distress (p = 0.02), whereas patients (self-assessment) indicated stronger needs for help (p < 0.001). Men with higher levels of distress were younger (p < 0.001), and reported a shorter relationship duration (p = 0.001) compared to partners with lower distress. Partners overestimated distress, anxiety, depression, and need for help in the patient. Patients overestimated partners need for help. The majority of partners (78%) reported at least one unmet need, most frequently related to the health system and information domain.ConclusionA systematic distress and needs assessment for women with breast cancer and their male partners is mandatory. The provision of optimal supportive care depends on protocols that include not only psychosocial care for patients but also procedures for managing distress and needs for partners including individual and couple-based interventions.

The role of co-regulation of stress in the relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and binge eating: A dyadic analysis.

The main aim of this study is to investigate whether there are relationships between perceived partner responsiveness (PPR), co-regulation of negative affect between romantic partners and binge eating. Data were collected from 148 opposite-sex romantic partners (18-61 years old) with the mean relationship duration being 8.04 years. Dyadic data were analysed through the actor-partner interdependence model framework. We proposed a model where co-regulation between partners has indirect effects on the relationship between PPR and binge eating. Results showed that there was no direct association between PPR and binge eating scores of the participants. However, significant direct associations were found regarding both actor and partner effects of PPR on co-regulation between romantic partners. In addition, there were four significant indirect effects: Women's co-regulation had an indirect effect on the link between PPR and women's binge eating scores. Similarly, women's co-regulation had also a significant indirect effect on the link between PPR and men's binge eating. These findings are the first to illustrate a relationship between PPR and binge eating. This study is the first attempt to examine binge eating in terms of co-regulation processes.

Predictors of Patient Willingness to Consider Surgery Prior to Consultation at Sexual Health Clinic

OBJECTIVETo identify factors associated with patient willingness to consider surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) prior to urologic consultation. METHODSA prospective database of patients presenting to the sexual health clinic at our institution was created from 2014 to 2018, consisting of previsit patient questionnaires and clinical information. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with consideration of surgery and decision to undergo surgery. RESULTSOf 1359 men presenting to the clinic, 991 men had a chief complaint of ED with 630 (63.6%) considering surgery. On multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with previsit willingness for surgery included history of diabetes mellitus (P = .0009), increasing symptom bother (P <.0001), and decreasing relationship duration (P = .0005). Approximately 16% (162/991) patients considering surgery prior to consultation ultimately underwent penile implant insertion. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that older age (P = .003), history of diabetes mellitus (P = .03), lower international index of erectile function-EF domain (P = .0009) and history of intracavernosal injection therapy (P <.0001) were significantly associated with proceeding to ED surgery. Initial declaration of willingness to undergo ED surgery led to nearly 8-fold increased odds for surgery (P <.0001). CONCLUSIONOver 60% of patients presenting for ED consultation considered surgical intervention, of whom 25% underwent penile prosthesis. Both patient and relationship factors were predictors of surgical willingness. Previsit surgical willingness was associated with highest odds of eventual decision for surgery, suggesting that knowledge of ED treatment options in the general public may play a role. Our findings highlight opportunities for shared decision-making in a patient-centered model of care.

Dyadic Coping in Couples With Breast Cancer in China.

Dyadic coping may play an important role in promoting marital adjustment in couples with breast cancer. However, few studies have explored dyadic coping and its predictors in couples with breast cancer. To assess the dyadic coping level of Chinese couples with breast cancer and identify its predictors and explore the actor and partner effects of marital adjustment on dyadic coping. Chinese couples (n = 114) with breast cancer participated in a cross-sectional study and completed the general information questionnaire, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test, and the Body Image Scale. Total scores of the Dyadic Coping Inventory were 114.09 (SD, 18.49) and 114.62 (SD, 17.42) for the patients and partners, respectively. Relationship duration, monthly family income, postoperative time, adjuvant treatments, marital adjustment, body image, and dyadic coping style of the partners predicted dyadic coping among patients with breast cancer. In addition, marital adjustment exhibited both actor and partner effects on dyadic coping in the couples. Dyadic coping in couples with breast cancer in China was in the reference range. Psychosocial characteristics, marital adjustment, and body image should be considered and evaluated when conducting interventions for couples with breast cancer. When conducting interventions for couples with breast cancer, nurses should identify couples who are likely to adopt negative dyadic coping styles and then conduct targeted interventions that consider psychosocial characteristics, marital adjustment, and body image in couples with breast cancer.

Enhancing relationships in e-tail: Role of relationship quality and duration

This research deals with antecedents and outcomes of relationship quality in e-tail. SMART-PLS analysis of survey data from India (n = 644) showed that perceived value, e-service quality, interaction, discounts and transaction related factors were found to have a positive effect on relationship quality (RQ). RQ mediates the relationship between these antecedents and self-brand connect and loyalty. Support for serial mediation was found with RQ and self-brand connect preceding loyalty formation. Relationship duration positively moderated the effect of RQ on self-brand connect. RQ was conceptualized as a formative second order factor. E-tailers may invest in antecedents of RQ and they may devise strategies to increase the duration of relationships.

Interdependence of Approach and Avoidance Goals in Romantic Couples Over Days and Months.

Despite the centrality of people's approach goals (i.e., approach toward positive outcomes) and avoidance goals (i.e., avoidance of negative outcomes) in romantic relationships, little is known about the interdependence of approach and avoidance relationship goals between partners. Assuming that short-term, state-level goals accumulate into general goal tendencies, the present research tested whether partners' daily (i.e., state level) and aggregated daily (i.e., trait level) approach and avoidance goals are mutually predictive in the short term (after one day) and the long term (after 10-12 months). In addition, we explored whether goal interdependence unfolds differently across adulthood and in relationships of different duration. Approach and avoidance goals were assessed daily on two 14-day measurement-burst occasions that were conducted 10-12 months apart. The sample consisted of N = 456 female-male couples (age: M = 33.6, SD = 13.8 years; relationship duration: M = 9.6, SD = 10.7 years). We observed significant short- and long-term partner effects in the prediction of couple members' approach and avoidance goals. These partner effects were restricted to trait level and they did not emerge at the state level. Almost all effects were independent of age and relationship duration. The present research underscores the importance of disentangling state- and trait-level goal tendencies when investigating the interdependence of approach and avoidance goals within romantic relationships.

Political Party Identification and Romantic Relationship Quality.

Although there are studies on voting similarity in mate selection, very little research has examined party identification and relationship quality. We assessed associations between reports of personal and partner voting behavior (Democrat, Republican, or Independent) and both relationship adjustment and commitment to one's partner. We used a national (U.S.) sample of individuals (N = 510) in their 20s and 30s who were mostly in different-sex, serious relationships (Mdn duration = 5.25 years; 50% married). Controlling for age, college graduation, income, religiosity, minority status, and duration of relationship, voting Republican was associated with higher levels of commitment compared to voting Democrat. Similarly, being partnered with someone voting Republican was associated with higher relationship adjustment and commitment compared to being partnered with someone voting Democrat. Notably, differences in commitment were found only among those who were not already married or engaged. Findings were largely consistent with numerous online reports of survey data that have shown modestly greater relationship quality among those who report being politically conservative. While research has shown that people are less attracted to those who vote differently and that voting differently can be associated with lower relationship quality, we did not generally find perceived voting similarity to be associated with relationship adjustment or commitment. There was one exception: In exploratory analyses, Republicans paired with Democrats tended to report substantially lower relationship adjustment than if paired with Republicans. Implications for political differences among intimate partners and clinical work around these themes are discussed.

대학생의 이성 관계 만족도에 미치는 영향요인

Purpose: This study was conducted to explore the relations among parental childrearing behaviors, narcissistic personality, satisfaction with heterosexual relationship in college students. Methods: A cross-section design was used and a total of 511 students participated. Structured questionnaires on parental childrearing behaviors, narcissistic personality, and satisfaction with heterosexual relationship were employed. Data collection with online surveys were performed from university students between July 8 and 23. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression were used to data analysis. Results: The power of explanation of the heterosexual relationship in the final model was 27% (F=14.73, p<.001). Predictive factors contributing to heterosexual relationship were grade, experience and duration of heterosexual relationships, parental childrearing behaviors, and narcissistic personality. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that grade, experience and duration of heterosexual relationships, parental childrearing behaviors and narcissistic personality contribute to improve heterosexual relationship.

Loyalty in Civil-Law Relationships as Found in the Polish Law

This paper discusses manifestations of loyalty as found in selected civil-law regulations, as well as the possible consequences of disloyalty, either during negotiations or for the duration of the obligation relationship, and as exemplified by Actio pauliana. Furthermore, it explores situations where ‘contractual’ loyalty stands in conflict with behaviour loyal towards other participants in the economy. It has been established that the categories of norms wherein broadly understood loyalty plays a special role are a part of the civil-law principles. It has been demonstrated that due to the unique nature of each situation, the introduction of the duty of loyalty as a general directive would be undesirable.

R&D investment, business performance, and moderating role of Guanxi: Evidence from China

Conventional wisdom posits that a long-term orientation with important partners such as key suppliers and clients is essential for superior performance. This study critically examines this business tenet by studying the relationship between duration of partnerships with major suppliers and clients and company performance. Based on a dataset comprising over 10,000 Chinese manufacturing firms obtained through a probability sampling procedure, results show that relationship duration with major clients not only has a direct, negative effect on total income (sales), but also has a negative moderating effect on the association between research & development (R&D) and total income. However, relationship duration with major suppliers has a positive moderating effect on the association between R&D and total profits. Furthermore, relationship with government has a positive effect on total income, and it also has a negative moderating effect on the R&D-performance chain. Managerial and research implications are also discussed.

Interorganizational network portfolios of nonprofit organizations: Implications for collaboration management

AbstractIncreasingly, nonprofit organizations engage in interorganizational collaboration to address large‐scale social problems. Scholarship typically focuses on the characteristics of both within‐sector and cross‐sector partnerships of two collaborating organizations or all partnering organizations involved in a collaboration, but we know little about the patterns of interorganizational relationships that single nonprofit organizations maintain. This research draws upon surveys from 452 nonprofits and introduces nonprofit network portfolios, which we define as the number, integration, intensity, and duration of relationships that nonprofits purposefully develop with other organizations. Using 12 network measures, Ward cluster analysis revealed three distinct network portfolios: restricted within‐sector (n = 319, 70.58%), which included limited collaboration and prioritized within‐sector partnerships; robust within‐sector (n = 80, 17.70%), which included more nonprofit partnerships than restricted within‐sector portfolios; and cross‐sector (n = 53, 11.72%), which had a rich assemblage of integrative partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Further, nonprofits that maintained each type of portfolio differed in their revenue and social mission, suggesting these factors are related to the types of collaboration that nonprofits maintain. This study makes contributions to existing research on interorganizational networks and cross‐sector collaboration and suggests practical and policy implications for nonprofit network management.

The dynamics of migrants’ matrimonial relationship and family ties in exodus and places of arrival (in the cities of Lensk, Yakutsk, Mirny)

AbstractThis article analyses the influence of family ties on migration and discusses the selection and dynamic of changes that depend on the duration of residence in the Republic of Sakha, Russian Far East. The article is based on a study in three Far Eastern industrial towns, Lensk, Mirny and Yakutsk, where people were questioned about the history and motivations for their change of residence. The data is complemented with anthropological long time fieldwork. To explain the migration processes in the region, the data was placed in historical and economic context. Apart from migration, vectors were also the respondents’ connections to different places and their families. This is the first large study of the migration where data was collected using questionnaires, whereas earlier researchers failed to pay sufficient attention to the types and duration of migrant family relationships in the places of exodus. The research demonstrates differences in dynamics and reasons behind the migration, but also reveals a picture of a highly mobile population in the Russian Far East.

Moderators of Improvement From Mindfulness-Based vs Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia

Background and AimThe goal was to evaluate the moderators of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve dyspareunia, reduce pain catastrophizing, and improve overall sexual function in women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). Both treatments effectively reduced self-reported pain, sexual dysfunction, and pain catastrophizing in women with PVD. MethodsA total of 130 women with PVD were assigned to CBT or MBCT. OutcomesPotential moderators included (i) PVD subtype (primary or secondary), (ii) baseline pain intensity, (iii) trait mindfulness, (iv) treatment credibility, (v) relationship duration, and (vi) age. Outcomes were pain intensity, sexual function, and pain catastrophizing at 4 time points: before and after treatment and 6- and 12-month follow-up. Moderation was tested using multilevel models, nesting 4 time points within participants. The interaction of the moderator, time effect, and treatment group was evaluated for significance, and a simple slope analysis of significant interactions was performed. ResultsPain reduction across 4 time points was the greatest in women who were younger, in relationships of shorter duration, and with greater baseline pain. Treatment credibility moderated pain intensity outcomes (B = 0.305, P < .01) where those with higher treatment credibility ratings (for that particular treatment) improved more in MBCT than CBT. PVD subtype moderated pain catastrophizing (B = 3.150, P < .05). Those with primary PVD improved more in the CBT condition, whereas women with secondary PVD improved more in the MBCT condition. Relationship length moderated sexual function (B = 0.195, P < .01). Women in shorter relationships improved more with MBCT, whereas women in longer relationships improved more on sexual function with CBT. No other tested variables moderated outcomes differentially across both treatment conditions. Clinical ImplicationsWomen who present with high credibility about mindfulness, in shorter relationships, and with secondary PVD might respond better to MBCT whereas those with primary PVD and longer relationships might respond better to CBT. Strengths & LimitationsClinical sample. Half the women who were not sexually active were omitted from analyses of sexual function. ConclusionOverall, treatment credibility, relationship length, and PVD subtype were found to moderate improvements differently in MBCT and CBT. These findings may assist clinicians in individualizing psychological treatment for women with PVD. Clinical Trial RegistrationThis clinical trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01704456.Brotto LA, Zdaniuk B, Rietchel L, et al. Moderators of Improvement From Mindfulness-Based vs Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia. J Sex Med 2020;17:2247–2259.

Universality of the Triangular Theory of Love: Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Triangular Love Scale in 25 Countries

ABSTRACT The Triangular Theory of Love (measured with Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale – STLS) is a prominent theoretical concept in empirical research on love. To expand the culturally homogeneous body of previous psychometric research regarding the STLS, we conducted a large-scale cross-cultural study with the use of this scale. In total, we examined more than 11,000 respondents, but as a result of applied exclusion criteria, the final analyses were based on a sample of 7332 participants from 25 countries (from all inhabited continents). We tested configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance, all of which confirmed the cultural universality of the theoretical construct of love analyzed in our study. We also observed that levels of love components differ depending on relationship duration, following the dynamics suggested in the Triangular Theory of Love. Supplementary files with all our data, including results on love intensity across different countries along with STLS versions adapted in a few dozen languages, will further enable more extensive research on the Triangular Theory of Love.

Domestic Violence Against Men-Prevalence and Risk Factors.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intimate partner violence is among the major risks to women's health around the world. Men, too, can be victims of domestic violence; like female victims, they tend to present initially with their injuries to a family physician or an emergency room. Domestic violence against men is thus a relevant issue for physicians of all specialties. This review is based on publications retrieved by a comprehensive, selective search in the PubMed database and with the Google Scholar search service, as well as on a retrospective analysis of data on the injured persons, the aggressors, and the nature of the violence that was experienced and the injuries that were sustained. The studies identified by the search yielded prevalence rates of 3.4% to 20.3% for domestic physical violence against men. Most of the affected men had been violent toward their partners themselves. 10.6-40% of them reported having been abused or maltreated as children. Alcohol abuse, jealousy, mental illness, physical impairment, and short relationship duration are all associated with a higher risk of being a victim of domestic violence. The reported consequences of violence include mostly minor physical injuries, impaired physical health, mental health problems such as anxiety or a disruptive disorder, and increased consumption of alcohol and/or illegal drugs. The prevalence of violence against men and the risk factors for it have been little studied to date. It would be desirable for preventive measures to be further developed and for special help to be made available to the affected men.