Intimate Relationships Research Articles

Causal and common risk pathways linking childhood maltreatment to later intimate partner violence victimization.

Childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are major psychiatric risk factors. Maltreatment substantially increases the likelihood of subsequent IPV victimization, but what drives this association is poorly understood. We analyzed retrospective self-reports of maltreatment and IPV victimization in 12,794 participants (58% women, 42% men) from the Twins Early Development Study at ages 21 and 26 using quantitative genetic methods. We estimated the etiological influences common to maltreatment and IPV, and the effect of maltreatment on IPV beyond such common influences. Participants who reported childhood maltreatment ( ~ 7% of the sample) were 3 times more likely than their peers to also report IPV victimization at age 21, 4 times more likely at 26. The association between maltreatment and IPV was mostly due to environmental influences shared by co-twins (42-43%) and genetic influences (30-33%), as well as nonshared environmental influences (25-27%). The association between maltreatment and IPV was similar for women and men, but its etiology partly differed by sex. Maltreatment had a moderate effect on IPV in phenotypic models (β = 0.25-0.30), decreasing to a small-to-moderate range in causally informative models accounting for their common etiology (β = 0.15-0.21). Risk factors common to maltreatment and IPV victimization are largely familial in origin, environmental and genetic. Even considering common risk factors, experiencing maltreatment may be causally related to subsequent IPV victimization. Interventions promoting safe intimate relationships among young adults exposed to maltreatment are warranted and should address family-level environmental risk and individual-level risk shaped by genetics.

National Borders among Families: Removal and ‘Bare Life’ in India

This paper is about the state-driven process of ‘migrant ‘illegality’ (Genova 2002) and its impact on the life of Bengali speaking residents in the Assam state of India. While the movement of people across borders between India and present-day Bangladesh has been historical and complex, this ethnographic work explores how the state-driven process of migrant illegality and the production of ‘bare life’ have disrupted intimate relations and family life among the migrant population in Assam. While the recent NRC (National Register of Citizens) update in Assam identified 1.9 million people as illegal migrants, there has been bureaucratic enactment of ‘migrant illegality’ by Assam Border Police for the last several years. The institutional procedures, court documents and narratives of the select cases of ‘detected’ as well as ‘detained’ residents from ethnographic fieldwork reveal how the absence of formal papers and errors in the family records, kinship relations and property inheritance among the poor migrant families transforms actual citizens to ‘illegal migrants’ in the bureaucratic manoeuvring and reduces them to their ‘bare life’. The paper also shows how prejudice, arbitrariness, and contradictions feed into the bureaucratic process and lead to intense crises among family units, as several migrant families have both Indians and alleged ‘Bangladeshis’ in their homes today. The paper argues that the major consequence of this state-driven ‘migrant illegality’ in the last two decades has been the creation of national borders among families, unsettling intimate relations and shared spaces.

Effects of Attachment and Emotional Feedback on Intimate Relationships

Using information from recent psychology studies, the review examines how attachment types and emotional feedback affect interpersonal relationships, particularly in intimate relationships with adults. Attachment theory, which is deeply rooted in the foundational studies conducted by the renowned psychologist John Bowlby, posits that individuals’ behaviors and emotions in their interactions with others within the context of relationships are significantly influenced and molded by the initial interactions they have with their primary caregivers during the early stages of their lives. This study looks at how happiness in relationships, emotional control, and conflict resolution are affected by secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles. Furthermore, partners’ spoken and nonverbal emotional input greatly influences the character of the relationship. While negative reactions may foster insecurity, positive replies often reinforce good attachment practices. Several research outcomes are included in this article to shed light on how attachment and emotional feedback interact. In closing, the study indicates directions for further investigation, particularly with regard to digital communication and diversity.

Exploring the Relationship Needs of Service Users During Crisis Interventions: A Qualitative Study

AbstractPeople in crisis sometimes seek professional support, and the relationship between service users and professionals is crucial in overcoming the crisis. To understand the relationship needs of people in crisis, 29 semi-structured interviews with service users were conducted and analyzed using a grounded-theory approach. The findings reveal that people in crisis seek a professional who is there for them, recognizes the crisis as an emergency and a solvable situation, treats them with respect, and offers individual support. Furthermore, there needs to be a general fit between professionals, the support services, and service users for a supportive relationship to be established. However, two main aspects were discovered where service users differ depending on the resources they can access during the crisis: While people with access to many resources seek a rather distant and egalitarian relationship, those with access to fewer resources prefer more intimate and hierarchical relationships with professionals.

Utilizing innovative capabilities for digital advantage

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Competitive advantage against larger chain retailers, which have increased access to resources, can be sustained by adopting adaptive, absorptive and innovative capabilities in addition to perceiving the opportunity and potential of digitization through intimate customer relations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Negative Affect Following Dating Application Use Is Predicted by Social Anxiety Symptoms and Match Rate.

Social rejection is a common and unavoidable experience for users of dating apps. Research suggests that socially anxious individuals may be particularly likely to use dating apps to establish intimate relationships, given their preference for online (vs. face-to-face) communication. However, social anxiety (SA) symptoms are associated with heightened negative affect and decreased prosocial behavior following social rejection, suggesting that exposure to dating app rejection has deleterious consequences in this population. This study examined whether SA symptoms and social rejection (vs. acceptance) feedback interact to predict participants' negative and positive affect and social engagement with dating app matches. Participants (N = 128) evaluated for SA symptoms were randomly assigned to receive high or low match rate feedback on a simulated dating application task. SA symptoms were negatively associated with positive affect following high match rate feedback and positively associated with negative affect following low match rate feedback. SA symptoms were negatively associated with self-reported likelihood of contact initiation with matches. Results suggest that high socially anxious individuals are more susceptible to negative repercussions of social rejection on dating applications.

“Symptoms” of Chinese Women’s Appearance Anxiety

The pervasive issue of “appearance anxiety” among young females has emerged as a significant psychosocial concern in contemporary society. This study employs qualitative research methods to investigate the social mechanisms underlying the development of “appearance anxiety” among young women, adopting a sociological standpoint on body-related matters. The findings of this study reveal that social factors contribute to the development of “appearance anxiety” in young women, as they strive to establish intimate relationships and attain societal validation. Consequently, young women are compelled to conform to societal gender norms, subjecting themselves to the scrutiny of aesthetic standards, while simultaneously resisting the detrimental effects of “appearance anxiety” through various forms of body consumption practices. Although the proliferation of information network media has provided women with expanded platforms for self-presentation, it has concurrently reinforced both societal aesthetic ideals and consumerist culture. Moreover, the media’s perpetuation of rigid body image standards, coupled with the propagation of misconceptions about body consumption, further entangles young women in a cyclic social framework characterized by “societal aesthetics - appearance anxiety - body consumption.”

Investigating the Impact of Film and TV Scenes on Adolescents’ Attitudes towards Love: A Case Study of Character Image Construction

With the widespread influence of movies, many young individuals have sought inspiration for romantic love from television and film. A healthy perspective on love is essential for the development of adolescents. This research employs semiotic analysis of the TV series Empresses in the Palace to investigate the views on love held by the female protagonist Zhen Huan and male protagonist Guo Jun Wang, as well as their potential impact on young viewers. The findings indicate that Zhen Huan and Guo Jun Wang’s romantic relationship aligns with numerous criteria advocated by contemporary psychology for nurturing intimate relationships. Notably, Guo Jun Wang’s character stands out for providing Zhen Huan with nurturing and healing rather than a transformative, dominant assistance that could completely alter her life. In contrast to traditional portrayals in most TV shows and films where women play supporting roles in romantic relationships, Empresses in the Palace presents audiences with a distinctly male character, challenging gender stereotypes and demonstrating that women can also exhibit clarity, independence, rationality, and control within romantic partnerships. This study encourages future television and film productions to diversify character representations and introduce fresh perspectives to audiences.

Involuntary singlehood, gender equality and mental health in contemporary Sweden

Abstract In recent years, acts of violence against women have been tied to online communities of men who self-identify as involuntary celibates or ‘incels’. These men experience an inability to enter intimate relationships with women, attributing the issue to a gynocentric order in which women hold power and men are victims. This is while evidence suggests that in contemporary societies at large, growing numbers of men live without, or face difficulties in forming, intimate relationships with women, and while many men in Sweden, particularly young ones, report loneliness. At the same time, in Sweden we see a growing polarization between men and women regarding views on gender equality, especially among youth, as young men express gender conservative values and the notion that feminism is to blame for some men’s feelings of societal marginalization. Increased knowledge about these issues, and how they may be connected, is of strong importance for public mental health. In an ongoing research project, we take the incels phenomenon as our starting-point and as one area of attention, while also directing focus toward involuntary singlehood and celibacy among men and women in Sweden more broadly. The latter is investigated through a survey, which is the focus of this presentation. The survey explores the prevalence of short- and long-term experiences of involuntary singlehood and celibacy among men and women in the general population (n = 5000), and how such experiences are made sense of. Any correlations between such experiences and self-rated mental health and satisfaction with life, and attitudes towards gender equality and violence against women, are investigated, including any noteworthy differences along lines of gender, age and socioeconomic background. Experienced loneliness, irrespective of relationship status, is also assessed. The presentation will discuss preliminary results of the survey study and discuss their implications for public mental health. Key messages • Involuntary singlehood among men is a public health issue warranting further investigation. • Correlations between involuntary singlehood and mental health as well as attitudes towards gender equality will be discussed.

Development and Initial Validation of a Scale to Measure Social Abuse in Intimate Partner Relationships.

Social abuse represents a distinct form of intimate partner violence characterized by intentional violations of a victim's social rights and inherent need to belong. This is achieved by tactics such as severing, interfering with, and surveilling the victim's social connections as well as limiting their social participation. Such abuse often results in victims experiencing social isolation, potentially causing adverse mental health outcomes and failure to seek help. This study aimed to develop and validate the Social Abuse Scale (SAS) to measure social abuse in intimate partner relationships. After generating the preliminary items, content validity testing was performed. Ten international experts reviewed the items and assessed their relevance. Additionally, 17 interview participants assessed the items for clarity and ease of response. Thereafter, the SAS was administered to 251 individuals, either currently in or who had an intimate relationship in the previous year. The final SAS comprised 30 items unified under a single-factor structure, which accounted for approximately 69.77% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the model's satisfactory fit. The instrument showed excellent internal consistency, as evidenced by Cronbach's alpha and a McDonald's omega value of .986. The SAS can be employed to investigate the prevalence of social abuse, its underlying mechanisms, and its impacts, and it can also assist in further development and evaluation of programs aimed at its prevention.

Effects of an online program about intimate and romantic relationships for people with mental disorders (AIRIKI): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe concept of recovery has become internationally widespread. To promote personal recovery of individuals with mental disorders, it is important that they live life on their own terms. Many people with mental disorders wish to build intimate relationships and marry. However, people with mental disorders face obstacles in building such relationships and communicating with their partners. The program AIRIKI, which means “power to love,” was developed to help people with mental disorders gain confidence in building intimate relationships. The AIRIKI pilot study with one-group pre post test showed positive effects on self-esteem, hope, and communication. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the effects of the videoconferencing program on self-esteem, hope, and self-confidence in communication among un-married people with mental disorders.MethodsThe proposed randomized controlled trial has two arms (intervention group and control group). After baseline questionnaire assessment, participants will be allocated randomly. Within two months of allocation, the intervention group will participate in videoconferences about intimate relationships and marriage with 2–5 participants and 3 facilitators, which will last 3 h, for two days. Three facilitators will support participants in each session. The intervention group will complete a questionnaire for outcome assessment at termination and one month after the program. The control group will complete the outcome questionnaire at one month after baseline and two months after baseline. The questionnaire will include the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Self-confidence in Communication Scale (SCS). Control group members can participate in a videoconference program, which will be held separately from the intervention group, after completing their outcome assessments.DiscussionThis trial is the first randomized controlled trial of which we are aware to test the effects of an online program for un-married people with mental disorders to consider and discuss their romantic relationship and marriage. The results will provide information on the effectiveness of an online program for people with mental disorders to imagine their romantic relationships and marriages.Trial registrationThis trial has been registered with the UNIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000052027; 2023/08/28).

The relationship between attachment insecurity and pathological narcissism: A three‐level meta‐analysis

AbstractThe detrimental effects of pathological narcissism on individual development and intimate relationships have been widely studied. Although the exact origins of this phenomenon are still debated, the important role that family dynamics play in its emergence is increasingly being recognized. Previous researchers have pointed out that insecure attachment is associated with pathological narcissism; however, empirical findings are inconsistent. Hence, this study conducted a three‐level random‐effects meta‐analysis based on 183 effect sizes from 29 articles (N = 8247 participants). Our findings have demonstrated the significant and positive link between insecure attachment and pathological narcissism (r = .18; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.22; p < .001). In addition, a moderator analysis was carried out to explore factors that may weaken or strengthen the primary association of interest. In total, there are five significant moderators, including insecure attachment style (F(3,176) = 13.72; p < .001), measurement tool of attachment insecurity (F(8,171) = 4.59; p < .001), measurement tool of pathological narcissism (F(6,173) = 5.21; p < .001), percentage of participants identifying as male (F(1,174) = 4.04; p = .046), and age (F(1,178) = 19.94; p < .001). This research highlights the positive correlation between attachment insecurity and pathological narcissism, providing family theorists with insights into how early family experiences influence personality formation and guiding family therapists in interventions for narcissistic pathology.

Relationship between erectile dysfunction and alexithymia in male patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) implantation is a life-saving intervention for individuals at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. However, the psychosocial impact of ICD implantation extends beyond its cardiovascular benefits, potentially influencing emotional well-being and sexual health. This can lead to erectile dysfunction, which, is often associated with alexithymia. Both erectile dysfunction and alexithymia can significantly affect the psychological well-being of both patients and their partners.AimsThis study examines the association of erectile dysfunction with alexithymia in patients after ICD implantation. Additionally, we investigate potential moderators of this association.MethodPatients (N=165) completed self-rating questionnaires: Toronto Alexithymia scale (TAS-20), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Adjustment disorder – new module (ADNM-20). Descriptive statistics, correlations, multivariate linear regressions, and moderation analysis were conducted.ResultsThe determinants of erectile dysfunction in ICD patients were explored in a regression model explaining 22% of the total variance. The ADNM-20 subscale preoccupation was found to significantly moderate the relationship between the alexithymia subscale externally oriented thinking and erectile dysfunction (R2 = 0.02, p=0.03).ConclusionWe did not find evidence for a relationship between externally oriented thinking and erectile dysfunction at low to average levels of preoccupation. However, evidence for such a relationship was found at high levels of preoccupation, where more externally oriented thinking was related to more erectile dysfunction. The intersection of alexithymia and erectile dysfunction represents a promising avenue for future research, offering opportunities to unravel the intricate connections between emotional processing and sexual health. Enhancing insights into this relationship could lead to innovative interventions that address the needs of individuals struggling with both conditions, fostering improved emotional expression, intimate relationships, and sexual satisfaction.

Dimensional Interaction, Intimacy Building: Roles of Perceived Intimacy and Parasocial Effects on Fans Relations with Virtual Idols

Abstract: The appearance of virtual idols has introduced discussions about the connection with fans, even though their idols are always disembodied and fictitious. To some degree, the theory of parasocial interaction can have academic value in the virtual characters, extending beyond the impact on the real stars and fans. This study emphasizes particularly on exploring the role of intimacy in the parasocial relationship, which contains the perspective of fan psychology and youth subculture. By exerting structured interview, the survey collects records from 7 college students who are fans of popular virtual idols including A-SOUL, Luxiem, LASER, etc. The results provide insights into how fans perceive the presence of intimacy and what factors influence the levels of intimacy based on the behaviors of online media usage. Compared with the real idols and life, there are some findings showcasing characteristics of virtual idol-fan intimacy when fans have developed the parasocial interaction.

Perceived distress and relational boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of shared leisure time

The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of heightened distress that may have informed couples’ time engaging in shared leisure and, ultimately, negative relational outcomes. A growth-security framework was used to classify shared leisure time into security-restorative (i.e., familiar and comfortable) and growth-enhancing (i.e., novel and exciting). We followed a community sample (N = 257) of people in intimate relationships over six-weeks during the lockdown. Each week we measured perceived distress, subjective shared leisure time, and relational boredom. Multilevel modeling revealed a lack of evidence to support distress increasing shared security-restorative leisure time. However, perceived distress was positively related to relational boredom. Specifically, people who were more distressed than others reduced their time spent engaging in growth-enhancing activities with their partner which, in turn, was associated with relational boredom. Therefore, in the long-term, high environmental distress resulted in less time spent on growth-enhancing shared leisure, likely resulting in more relational boredom.

Chronicity of Violence Foretold: Toward an Integrated Theory of Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide social problem. The current study explores underlining mechanisms of phenomenon by tying together intergenerational transmission theory, socialization theory, and trauma theory. It learns from men how the father figure shaped by their childhood experiences has contributed to their violence, how the father's socialization to manhood has affected their intimate relations, and how they understand the effect of being exposed to the father's violence on their own intimate relationships and violence. Interviews with 25 Israeli men were analyzed thematically in the phenomenological approach. Thematic analysis revealed five themes describing men's experiences of their father's aggression and detachment; men's experience of their intimate relations; men's image of women; men's fear of being infected or conquered by their partners' emotionality; and an overarching theme describing the understanding that men and women are destined to live in an intractable conflict that only violence can end. The interviewees explained that when hardened detached men raised by violent fathers interact with an emotional woman, they experience painful feelings and are threatened by her emotionality; consequently, they will use violence against that threat to stop their pain. The findings support a multidimensional integrative perspective of IPV and call for a theoretical synthesis of these men's models of violence. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Conflict and Intimacy in Emerging Adults’ Romantic Relationships and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Identity and Couple Satisfaction

Romantic relationships in emerging adulthood may be associated with depression, but the role of possible mediators of this relationship remains to be explored. The present study tested a serial mediation model where intimacy and conflict in romantic relationships were predictors of depressive symptoms through the mediation of couple satisfaction and identity satisfaction. The study was conducted on a sample of 268 Italian emerging adults, 60% female (Mage = 19, ds = 1.4), all involved in a heterosexual romantic relationship. The results showed that the association between intimacy and depressive symptoms was direct and sequentially mediated through couple satisfaction and identity satisfaction. A single mediation pathway through identity satisfaction alone also emerged. The association between conflict and depressive symptoms was direct and sequentially mediated through couple satisfaction and identity satisfaction. These findings suggest the importance of helping emerging adults develop appropriate skills in managing conflict and intimacy in romantic relationships as useful resources for identity satisfaction and depression prevention.

Sociopsychological factors of drug abuse among young females in Bangladesh and gender-specific vulnerabilities: Aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 5.

Drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. The research aims to analyze the factors influencing young females to take drugs in Bangladesh. This exploratory study was carried out using a qualitative research method. Primary data were collected via in-depth interviews. Seventeen addicted young women from Bangladesh were chosen for this study by a snowball sampling technique. The data from the interviews were thoroughly examined. Intimate relationships with family and friends have the greatest impact on women's drug use. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 and SDG target 3.5, the study underscores the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by young women. The findings revealed several factors that significantly impacted drug consumption among young women in Bangladesh, including the influence of social groups and peers, family-related issues, inadequate awareness and education on drugs, the ready availability of drugs, and psychological factors such as stress and curiosity. Additionally, women who use drugs often face severe social stigma and gender-based violence, which deters them from seeking help and exacerbates their addiction. Limited access to health services due to economic and societal constraints further hinders their ability to receive proper care and support. Implementing strategies that address these gender-specific factors will not only help mitigate drug abuse but also contribute to improved public health outcomes and advance sustainable development.

Young People’s Reasons for and Emotional Reactions to Sexting in Intimate Relationships

ABSTRACT Although sexting is a widespread phenomenon among today’s youth, little is known about their experiences of sexting with their intimate partners. This study addresses this gap by examining young people’s reasons for sexting and emotional reactions to sending and receiving sexts in their intimate relationships, as reported by 764 (48.7% girls) 15–20-year-olds in Finland. Both younger and older girls and boys reported mostly positive reactions to both sending and receiving sexts. However, girls reported more negative reactions than boys did. Girls’ reasons for sending sexts were more frequently related to their own desire to feel sexy or flirtatious, their need for validation from their partner, or the pressure that their partner put on them to sext, whereas boys’ reasons more often indicated normative ideas of sexting as a typical component in a romantic relationship and responding to sexts sent to them by their partners. The results suggest that although it is mostly consensual and reciprocal, sexting within intimate relationships may carry different meanings for boys and girls, reflecting gendered heterosexual norms.

“If You Have Nothing to Hide it Shouldn’t be a Problem”: The Social Construction of Cyber Abuse and Normalized Cyber Behaviors in Intimate Relationships

ABSTRACT Whereas “traditional” forms of intimate partner violence have been socially constructed as abusive, it is unclear whether intimate partner cyber abuse (IPCA) is socially constructed as abusive. We couple the social constructionist framework with an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data collected via a 2019 TurkPrime survey of U.S. adults in intimate relationships (N = 1,486). Approximately 38% of respondents did not identify any IPCA behaviors as abusive. Open-ended responses suggest some view these behaviors as acceptable in certain contexts. However, many believed certain behaviors could constitute abuse. The implications of our findings for research and prevention efforts are discussed.