Researchers and clinicians note that romantic attachment insecurities, negative communication, and stressors interact in ways that gradually undermine relationship satisfaction over time. Grounding clinical models in empirical findings is crucial. This longitudinal study examined the mediating role of communication patterns in associations between romantic attachment insecurities and relationship satisfaction, while accounting for stressful life events. Path analyses conducted with 263 couples over a year revealed that attachment insecurities were indirectly associated with lower relationship satisfaction in both partners via greater use of demand/withdraw and demand/demand communication patterns. Attachment avoidance was indirectly associated with lower satisfaction in both partners via the withdraw/withdraw communication pattern. Results indicated differences according to dyad gender and revealed that stressful life events played a moderating role in the associations between attachment insecurities and communication patterns. The findings provide support for the theoretical underpinnings of both attachment-based and communication-based couple interventions, highlighting their clinical value.

The mediating role of the intimate relationship between dyadic coping and reproductive concerns in couples of childbearing age facing breast cancer: A cross-sectional study.

This research examined how mental comparisons impact maintenance striving-the ongoing care for one's valued current state-with implications for understanding daily struggles to maintain personal health and well-being. Following the ternary goal model, we hypothesized that (H1) maintenance goals, differently from progress goals, are not motivated by upward social comparisons, which reduce appreciation for current states, and that (H2) maintenance goals are motivated by upward self-comparisons, which increase appreciation for current states. We tested our hypotheses in five preregistered studies (N = 2435) employing experimental designs in health (Studies 1 and 2) and relationship (Studies 3 and 4) domains, experience sampling methodology (Study 4), and behavioral measures (Study 5). Hypotheses were confirmed across all studies: Maintenance motivation was consistently higher following upward self-comparisons and lower following upward social comparisons. Mental comparisons influenced maintenance goals through changes in appreciation for one's current state, with Study 1 providing direct evidence that these effects differ for progress goals. By triangulating findings from experience sampling, controlled experiments, and behavioral measures, we gain a robust understanding of this psychological phenomenon. These findings advance goal theory and provide practical insights for developing interventions that support long-term health behavior maintenance, relationship satisfaction, and overall well-being in applied settings.

Application of European Performance Satisfaction Index, Net Promoter Score and Client Loyalty Ratio indicators to measure the correlation between client satisfaction and loyalty in relation to banking services

Prior empirical evidence supports the close association between problematic social networking sites use(PSNS) and online aggressive behavior (OAB). However, few studies have examined the potential symptom connection between these two issues as part of a multidimensional mechanism. The current study aims to explore the underlying network structure between PSNS use and OAB and conduct a simulated intervention using the NodeIdentifyR algorithm (NIRA), taking gender into account to further inform the implementation of intervention measures. A total of 1325 participants completed questionnaires that assessed SNS addictive tendencies and online aggression. The symptom-specific intervention simulation analysis was conducted to clarify which symptoms can alleviate or exacerbate the overall performance of PSNS and OAB. Findings indicated that there were significantly different symptom connections in both groups, with no symptom linked to the two behaviors in the male group, while "insomnia" and "instrumental overt aggression" linked the two in the female group (p < 0.05). In addition, "dual existence" may be the most effective alleviating intervention target for both groups (NIRA = 1.34 for males and NIRA = 1.44 for females). Besides, "virtual friend anxiety" and "online relationship satisfaction" should be considered separately for preventive care when dealing with males (NIRA = 1.07) and females (NIRA = 1.37). The findings offer significant implications for gender-specific strategies to alleviate PSNS use and OAB linkage.

Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by individuals setting excessively high standards for themselves and those around them and avoiding making mistakes. In recent years, the effects of perfectionism on romantic relationships have received increasing academic interest. This study comprehensively reviews the current literature on the effects of perfectionism on interpersonal relationships and its relationship with various variables such as relationship satisfaction, marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, forgiveness/unforgiveness, relationship adjustment, etc. in romantic relationships. In this context, the effects of perfectionism on both interpersonal and romantic relationships are discussed. In the reviewed studies, it has been stated that, in particular, other-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism are associated with interpersonal conflict, social disconnection, and hostility. In addition, there are many empirical studies that specifically maladaptive/negative perfectionism, socially prescribed perfectionism, and partner-focused and partner-determined perfectionism negatively affect relationship dynamics. It is recommended that future research examine the relationships between different dimensions of perfectionism and romantic relationship processes, examine intervention strategies to reduce the negative effects of perfectionism on romantic relationships, and provide evidence on how this factor can be addressed in therapy processes. In conclusion, balancing perfectionism plays a critical role in maintaining healthy relationship dynamics, and interdisciplinary approaches need to be developed in this area.

The mediating effect of self-esteem and relationship satisfaction on the relationship between body perception and surgical demand in young adults planning aesthetic surgery.

ABSTRACT Sexual communication has consistently been linked to sexual and relationship satisfaction, yet its role in queer couples who navigate unique relational norms and challenges remains understudied. The current dyadic study investigated how three dimensions of sexual communication – sexual self-disclosure, quality, and frequency – related to sexual and relationship satisfaction among 112 queer couples. Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) analyses showed that both the quality of sexual communication and sexual self-disclosure predicted actors’ and partners’ sexual satisfaction, but only actors’ relationship satisfaction. The frequency of sexual communication was associated with both partners’ sexual satisfaction, but not with relationship satisfaction. When all three dimensions were modeled simultaneously, only the quality of sexual communication remained a significant predictor of actors’ sexual and relationship satisfaction, with no partner effects. Exploratory mediation analyses provided actor-level evidence consistent with both instrumental and expressive pathways, showing that sexual satisfaction mediated the link between communication and relationship satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction mediated the relationship between communication and sexual satisfaction, while cross-partner indirect effects were minimal. These findings broaden existing models of sexual communication by centering queer relationships and highlighting the importance of high-quality communication for sexual and relational well-being in diverse partnerships.

Women experiencing infertility report heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and distress. However, access to affordable mental health care is limited in most areas of the world. Self-directed interventions, including bibliotherapy and mobile app-delivered interventions, provide a potentially cost-effective option for the treatment of infertility-related distress. This study assessed the efficacy of an 8-week self-directed mindful self-compassion intervention in reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life. Fifty women experiencing infertility agreed to participate in a pre-post single-group intervention study. Fertility-related quality of life, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, self-compassion, and relationship satisfaction were assessed immediately after the intervention and again 1 month later. The intervention was well accepted. Only 5% dropped out of the program prematurely, and participants read an average of 18 out of 25 assigned book chapters. Expectancy and credibility scores were high, as were treatment satisfaction ratings. Reported levels of fertility-related quality of life (d = 0.81), mindfulness (d = 0.79), and self-compassion (d = 0.84) all increased, while levels of anxiety (d = 0.64) and depression (d = 0.69) significantly declined following the intervention. These changes were maintained at the 1-month follow-up. Compassion for others and relationship satisfaction were high at baseline and did not change following completion of the intervention. This 8-week self-directed mindfulness self-compassion intervention appears to be a promising treatment for emotional distress related to infertility.

Supplemental Material for Mediators of the Bidirectional Association Between Depression and Relationship Satisfaction Among Older Adults

Introduction: Parenting is widely recognized as a meaningful and rewarding experience, yet it also entails significant demands and stress. Major family transitions, beginning with the transition to parenthood and extending to later life changes, profoundly reshape family dynamics and are often associated with elevated parental stress. Therefore, reliable measures are essential to effectively capture the sources and effects of this stress. Aim: The current study aimed to examine parental stress in a Hungarian sample by validating the Parental Stress Scale (PASS; Berry &amp; Jones, 1995). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 838 Hungarian speaking parents (75.5% women; mean age = 37.50 years). Participants completed the Hungarian version of the Parental Stress Scale along with additional measures of perceived stress, depression, life satisfaction, parental resilience, and relationship satisfaction. Results: Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis with systematic model comparison supported a robust two-factor structure (Parental Stress and Parental Satisfaction) yielding a 13‑item solution with acceptable fit indices. Both scales demonstrated good internal consistency. Parental stress was positively associated with perceived stress and depression, and negatively associated with life satisfaction, parental resilience, and relationship satisfaction, whereas parental satisfaction showed the opposite pattern. Higher educational attainment and a greater number of children were associated with higher parental stress, while older age and male genderwere associated with lower parental satisfaction. Conclusions: The Hungarian version of the Parental Stress Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing parental stress and satisfaction. It serves as a useful tool for research and intervention programs aimed at supporting parental well-being in Hungary.

ABSTRACT The transition to parenthood brings about changes in new parents’ lives that may impact the attachment system. We examined how new mothers’ internal, social and relational, and infant factors shaped initial levels and trajectories of attachment avoidance and anxiety from pregnancy through 2 years postpartum. Using a sample of 259 first-time mothers, we found that both attachment styles were relatively stable over time. Remembered supportive parenting experiences and relationship satisfaction were related to lower levels of initial attachment avoidance and anxiety, whereas depressive symptoms, were related to higher levels of initial avoidance and anxiety. Social support was related to a steeper decline in attachment avoidance over time. Observed infant distress and maternal-reported infant negative emotionality were related to a higher initial level of attachment avoidance, and infant distress was related to a steeper decline in attachment avoidance. Findings support need for multi-dimensional care of new mothers that begins during pregnancy.

A gender-based study of sociosexual orientation and relationship satisfaction among IT professionals

ABSTRACT This study examines the association between locus of control (LoC) and quality of life (QoL), focusing on the mediating role of social inclusion. Survey data (n = 69) were collected from two Finnish state forensic psychiatric hospitals and analyzed using mediation analysis. Participants were in long-term involuntary care wih chronic psychotic disorders. Results show that stronger LoC and greater social inclusion are linked to higher QoL. Social inclusion mediated the relationship – partially for happiness and relationship satisfaction, and fully for life satisfaction – underlining its importance in recovery within involuntary psychiatric care.

Plurisexual (a person with more than one gender attraction) people represent the majority of parents under the LGBTQ+ umbrella and embody a unique group of parents with distinctive experiences and outcomes. Past research on plurisexual individuals suggests that there are differences in mental health and relational outcomes depending on the gender and/or sexual orientation of a plurisexual person’s romantic partner. However, this research has not been focused on parents who are an important subset of individuals with unique outcomes that may impact well-being. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine differences in resilience, positive identity, parenting self-efficacy, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction among plurisexual parents in different-gender partnerships and those in same-gender partnerships. The present study included a sample of 605 plurisexual parents in a relationship with at least one partner. Data were collected via online social media and Qualtrics Panels. Results indicated that after controlling for age, number of children, and relationship length, partner gender composition (same-gender partnership or different-gender partnership) predicted lower parenting self-efficacy for plurisexual women. There were no differences based on gender of partners for plurisexual men. Findings provide insight into the lived experiences of plurisexual parents and have implications for clinicians working with plurisexual parents and their partners.

Purpose Serial arguments are conflict episodes that recur in a relationship about the same issue. Given empirical inconsistencies produced by a conventional conception of seriality (e.g. duration and frequency), this study aims to reconceptualize seriality as a cognitive schema that arises from past conflict experiences, stores knowledge and guides arguers in the interpretation and production of behaviors in serial arguments. Furthermore, the authors theorized that the seriality concept manifests in a trait form (i.e. general belief that conflicts are serial) and a state form (i.e. a particular episode continues from past conflict). This study is a first test of a schematic conception of seriality. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted two cross-sectional surveys that asked respondents to report on a conflict episode and the relationship in which it occurred, as well as their general beliefs about interpersonal conflict. Findings Across two studies, trait seriality was positively associated with generalized constructive and destructive beliefs about conflict. State seriality was associated with trait seriality, relationship satisfaction, issue ownership and the duration and occurrences of serial arguments. Both trait and state facets of seriality corresponded with lower perceived resolvability; state seriality covaried with self-reported behaviors within recalled conflict episodes. Originality/value By explicating seriality as a cognitive schema, this study contributes to the ongoing theorizing about the causal processes related to serial arguments as a common and consequential occurrence in personal relationships.

ABSTRACT This paper reports on core competencies needed by social work students to work in sexual health settings (e.g. physical/reproductive aspects) and/or sexuality wellness, broader aspects inclusive of emotional, mental, relational, sexual justice, pleasure, and overall satisfaction. Whilst social work sexuality-focused placements provide opportunities for students to become familiar with sexuality issues, we argue that, prior to placement, students should be prepared with a sexuality-informed practice lens. The mixed methods study draws from data collected from participants working in 41 Australian sexual health agencies. Descriptive analysis of surveys and inductive analysis of the focus groups resulted in three overarching themes: (1) sexuality is part of holistic social work practice; (2) generalized social work education should increase student sexuality knowledge, skills, and comfort or confidence; and (3) core competencies required for social workers in sexual health settings. Finally, implications are presented.

Hope, or positive expectancies to meet desired goals, may shape romantic couples' goal attainment and well-being. The current work tested a new theoretical model of hope that extends beyond the intrapersonal domain to examine interpersonal hope for goals focused on a partner and relationship. In Study 1 (N = 214 couples), we tested the associations of relational hope on goal outcomes during a goal conversation in the lab and at a follow-up 3 months later. Individuals higher in relational hope viewed their goal more positively in the moment and made more progress on their goal 3 months later. In Study 2 (N = 164 couples), a 3-month longitudinal study, we tested whether hopeful individuals' goal pursuit facilitated long-term changes in relationship well-being. Relational hope predicted long-term increases in relationship well-being (i.e., constructive conflict behavior, commitment), and these changes were mediated by viewing one's relationship goals more positively. Results were consistent across the characteristics of relationship goals, including whether goals were shared and their degree of importance and difficulty. Across studies, results could not be fully explained by alternative explanations of optimism or relationship satisfaction, indicating that relational hope may be an added resource for couples beyond feeling generally happy or satisfied. Altogether, this work elucidates the benefits of feeling relationally hopeful for pursuing relationship goals and boosting well-being over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Informal caregivers of people with heart failure play a critical role in the self-management of heart failure in the community. The quality of the caregiving dyad relationship is associated with a range of well-being outcomes for the caregiver, including those associated with social and emotional needs. Our aim was to explore the social and emotional challenges of informal caregivers of people with heart failure in Australia and to consider the impact of the relationship within the caregiving dyad on these challenges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 informal caregivers of people with heart failure, exploring concepts of dyad typology, relationship satisfaction, and emotional and social needs. Data were analyzed using the Braun and Clarke reflexive thematic analysis approach. The majority of participants were in spousal relationships, identified their dyad typology as collaborative, and had positive relationship satisfaction. Five themes were identified from the data: pressure and burden, psychological impact, help seeking, caregiving for life, and consistency of change. Participants were able to separate both their emotional and social needs and identify how they could be met. The lived experience of informal caregivers of people with heart failure in Australia is complex. While managing the burden associated with caregiving, caregivers experience a broad range of emotions, from anxiety, fear, and guilt, in an ever-changing environment. When addressing the emotional and social needs of informal caregivers, it is crucial to understand that social and emotional needs are separate concepts and meeting one set of needs will not necessarily meet the other.

Adolescent girls affected by displacement face substantial mental-health risks. The Sibling Support for Adolescent Girls in Emergencies (SSAGE) is a 12-week, gender-transformative, family-based program designed to improve adolescent girls’ mental health in humanitarian settings. This mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed SSAGE’s feasibility, acceptability and potential effects among 186 Venezuelan migrant and Colombian returnee families in Colombia. Adolescent girls aged 13–19 years, their male siblings and caregivers participated in parallel sessions on gender dynamics, communication and relationships. Implementation outcomes drew on the Mental Health Implementation Science Tools (acceptability and feasibility subscales), attendance records and qualitative interviews. Analyses followed an intent-to-treat approach using adjusted linear and logistic regression models. Quantitative analyses did not identify measurable changes in adolescent girls’ mental health outcomes at endline; however, attendance was modest, with only ~10% of families meeting the predefined protocol threshold. Implementation findings revealed strong participant satisfaction and high acceptability of SSAGE content and mentor relationships. Engagement was constrained by economic hardship, transportation and venue barriers, and some caregivers’ acute emotional distress, which likely limited feasibility and potential impact. SSAGE shows promise as a gender-transformative, family-based approach, but successful delivery in urban migrant settings will require tailored and refined implementation strategies.