Intimate Relationships Research Articles

Integrating Sex Therapy with Emotionally Focused Therapy to Treat Sexual Desire Discrepancy

Much has been written about the need for greater integration between the fields of sex therapy and couples therapy, as sex is an integral part of many intimate relationships. Sexual desire discrepancy (SDD) is a common relationship issue that couples therapists are likely to encounter; however, they receive limited and varying degrees of training on how to approach and treat sexual issues like SDD. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported approach to couples therapy that offers a structure for strengthening relational bonds. The current literature on using EFT for sexual issues in general, and desire discrepancy specifically, focuses on adapting EFT to treat sexual issues by mapping out the sexual cycle and using an attachment lens to increase emotional safety. The PLISSIT model and its extension the Ex-PLISSIT model are multi-pronged approaches commonly used in sex therapy that provide a guide for how to initiate and progress therapeutic treatment of sexual issues. This article explores how incorporating the PLISSIT and Ex-PLISSIT models into EFT can offer additional benefits to clients and practitioners alike.

Coercive Control in 2SLGBTQQIA+ Relationships: A Scoping Review.

Existing measures and theories of intimate partner coercive control largely evaluate men's coercion of women. The extent of knowledge pertaining to intimate relationships among other genders and sexual identities is unclear. Guided by a theoretical framework of intersectionality, we examined and synthesized original studies on coercive control by (perpetration) or against (victimization) Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals within intimate partner relationships. We searched eight academic databases for records from 2014 through 2022 and hand-searched review articles' reference lists, supplemented with gray literature and website searches. Using duplicate screening, we identified 1,774 unique documents; 526 met preliminary eligibility criteria and 277 were retained for data extraction in duplicate. Coercive control was more common among minority individuals and was related to mental health challenges. Few studies reported on gender- or sexual-identity specific forms of coercive control, and an intersectional focus was uncommon. This review revealed a lack of agreed definition of coercive control or accepted standard of measurement, and a gap in research with individuals who identify as gender diverse, gender fluid or intersex, or those identifying their sexuality as asexual, pansexual, or sexually diverse.

Self‐improvement or hedonic enjoyment? Effect of romantic experiences on consumer product preferences

AbstractRomantic experiences are positive emotional experiences that significantly affect people's lives and consumption behaviors. Extant research merely conceptualizes romantic experiences as intimate relationships between lovers and investigates their impact on the consumption of specific products (e.g., sweets, movies, and tourist destinations). In this study, we extend the concept of romantic experience beyond romantic love and demonstrate how romantic experience influences consumers' preferences for self‐improvement products based on the broaden‐and‐build theory through four experiments. Specifically, we show that romantic experiences (vs. neutral experiences) increase consumers' preference for self‐improvement products, even in areas unrelated to the initial romantic stimuli (Study 1). This greater inclination toward self‐improvement products is mediated by a heightened sense of meaning in life (Studies 2 and 3). Moreover, the focal effect is moderated by self‐construal (Study 4). These findings complement those of previous studies on how romantic experiences influence consumption choices.

Sexual harassment, abuse and intimate relationships between coaches and athletes: a systematic review

ABSTRACT While sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) can be perpetrated by various individuals in sport, coaches have been studied as one of the most frequent perpetrators due to their physical and emotional proximity to athletes. This systematic review attempted to evaluate the past 20 years of research (2003–2023) examining SHA and inappropriate intimate relationships between coaches and athletes. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline, 20 studies that met the eligibility criteria were identified using four databases (PubMed, PsycNET, ScienceDirect and SportDiscus). Findings reveal common thematic measures among the studies reviewed, including characteristics of SHA (n = 9), coach-athlete sexual relationships (CASR; n = 7) and grooming (n = 4). Based on the narrative synthesis of each thematic measure, SHA in sport is experienced and/or perceived as various forms of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment (e.g. sexual jokes, unwanted comments, fondling) to abusive behaviors (e.g. kissing, showing coach's private body parts, sexual intercourse). Although some studies show the acceptance of CASR especially when athletes are above the age of legal consent, the strong majority of studies suggest that CASR in general is harmful and unacceptable given the unequal power dynamics between the two parties. Additionally, grooming was often involved as a conscious strategy to cross athletes’ personal boundaries for eventual sexual misconduct through building trust and manifesting seemingly innocuous behaviors. Overall, these findings shed light on the current state of research on SHA occurring between coaches and athletes and have implications for sport governing bodies and organizations to be better aware of the issue, which in turn can result in creating a safer environment for youth athletes.

Doubly marginalized? Japanese gay men with interracial desires

Postwar Japan has built a new self-image as a peaceful, ethnically homogeneous island nation, obscuring the imperialist past. In this context, same-ethnic/racial partnering or so-called ethnic endogamy has been reinforced, whether gay or straight, as a normative sexual desire and practice. Japanese people who engage in intimate relationships with foreigners are potentially considered deviant and subject to social marginalization. Drawing on in-depth interview data, this research focuses on the experiences of Japanese gay men with such peripheral desires, examining how they negotiate their partner preferences when encountering social disapproval or stigma. Further, this research also discusses how their racialized desire intersects with their queer sexuality, simultaneously resisting and perpetuating same-ethnic/racial partnering normativity.

The Relationship Between Dominance and Cyber Dating Abuse in Dating as Early Adults

Technology has various applications, including communication with partners. However, cyber dating abuse can negatively impact relationships. This behavior victimizes partners through online media and can stem from dominance in the relationship. Early adulthood is a time when individuals begin to engage in more intimate romantic relationships, which may increase the risk of cyber dating abuse. This correlational quantitative study aims to determine the relationship between dominance and cyber dating abuse in early adults who are dating. The sample consisted of 255 early adults who are dating and was selected using accidental sampling. The study employed the dominance and cyber dating abuse scale instruments for data collection, each comprising of 27 valid items. The reliability coefficient values for the dominance and cyber dating abuse scales were 0.913 and 0.970, respectively. The data was analyzed using Spearman Rho with a significance value (p) of 0.000 and a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.709. The analysis results indicate that dominance falls within the moderate category, while cyber dating abuse falls within the low category. Therefore, we can conclude that the hypothesis stating “There is a relationship between dominance and cyber dating abuse in early adults who are dating” is accepted. In other words, the higher the dominance in the relationship, the higher the cyber dating abuse in early adults who are dating, and vice versa

Emotional Construction and Consumer Retention in Otome Game Brands: A Case Study of Crisis Public Relations in "Light and Night"

In recent years, with the awakening of female consciousness and the flourishing of the gaming industry, otome games targeting female groups have emerged. These games stimulate continuous emotional consumption by guiding players to build virtual intimate relationships with game characters, thus unleashing enormous commercial potential. This paper, based on the Theory of Parasocial Interaction, selects two typical crisis events in the game production and consumption conversion process. By conducting text mining and public opinion analysis, this paper aims to analyze the emotional marketing, public relations strategies, and feasible measures of otome game brands.

Relational gendered dimensions of emotions in heterosexual cisgender Men’s intimate partnerships

Illuminating relational gendered dimensions of emotions in heterosexual cisgender men’s intimate partnerships, this study addresses a significant knowledge gap in masculinities, emotionality and health work. Thematic analyses of individual photovoice interviews with 92 men from diverse locales and ethnocultural backgrounds revealed a trilogy of men’s practices regarding emotions. Emotional restraint was embodied by men withholding rather than freely expressing emotions, wherein participants justified diverse practices as the by-product of not understanding women partners’ emotionality and working to balance emotions in the relationship. In coached emotions men spoke about needing to unlearn suppressing their emotions while relying on women partners’ expertise for becoming more emotionally expressive and available. This included work around reading and accommodating their partner’s emotions. Emotionally orientated men positioned themselves as relationship ready, whereby they were equally or more emotional than their partners. This emotionality was claimed as an asset and strength integral to building contemporary intimate partner relationships. The findings highlight most men as operating across the three themes, revealing how wide-ranging socially constructed emotions are influenced by gender relations and a plurality of masculinities. Also afforded by these results are directions for working with heterosexual cisgender men to advance gender equity in heterosexual intimate partner relationships.

Value-consistent rehabilitation is associated with long-term psychological flexibility and quality of life after traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Meaningful steps have been taken toward using holistic approaches in outpatient rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury (TBI) (i.e., treating the whole individual); however, research and practice continue to disproportionately focus on adapting to physical and cognitive changes. Research suggests treatment focusing on individual values may be important for psychological adjustment after TBI. The current study sought to explore individual values across multiple life domains in those with TBI as well as what values outpatient rehabilitation was helpful for, and to examine discrepancies between these factors (i.e., value-consistent rehabilitation) in relation to important long-term treatment outcomes. 215 adults with a history of TBI who had participated in outpatient rehabilitation completed online surveys assessing how consistent outpatient rehabilitation was with individual values, psychological flexibility, and quality of life. The life domains with the greatest discrepancies between individual importance and rehabilitation helpfulness were spirituality, intimate relations, and family relations. Greater value-consistent rehabilitation was associated with higher levels of psychological flexibility and quality of life beyond demographics and injury characteristics. Our findings provide further support in favour of holistic, client-centred approaches that are facilitated by neurological rehabilitation programs.

Effect of COVID-19 infection on female sexual function: A prospective controlled study.

This prospective controlled study investigates the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on female sexual function, comparing recovered COVID-19-positive women with those uninfected by the virus. It aims to elucidate the broader impacts on sexual health and psychological well-being. This prospective controlled study included nonpregnant women of reproductive age and their partners, divided into COVID-19- positive (recovered) and negative groups. Data collection took place on average 6 months after COVID-19 recovery. Information was collected on the number of people exposed to COVID-19 and the severity of infection (mild, moderate or severe). Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing sexual function (female sexual function index [FSFI]), anxiety (state-trait anxiety inventory [STAI]) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory). We compared sexual function, psychological well-being and demographic characteristics between the groups using statistical analyses to identify significant differences. The study reveals significant resilience in sexual function, psychological well-being, and demographic characteristics among the participants, regardless of COVID-19 status. No marked differences were found in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, or pain during sexual activity between the groups. Psychological assessments indicated uniform anxiety levels across both cohorts, underscoring a theme of psychological resilience. The analysis of partners' sexual function highlighted minimal indirect impacts of the pandemic on intimate relationships. Despite the extensive global health implications, this study demonstrates resilience in female sexual function and psychological health among those affected by the virus. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing research and targeted interventions to support individuals navigate the pandemic-evolving challenges, highlighting resilience and adaptability as key factors in maintaining well-being.

A Qualitative Content Analysis of Perceived Individual and Relational Consequences of Sexual Compliance and Their Contributors

Sexual compliance (i.e., consensually engaging in sex despite a lack of desire for it) is common in committed intimate relationships, but the consequences of compliance for the well-being of the individual and the relationship are poorly understood. We investigated the perceived consequences of sexual compliance and perceptions of factors contributing to negative/positive consequences by applying qualitative content analysis to free-text retrospective survey responses from 107 (mostly) Finnish adults. We identified five themes of personal consequences (emotions and mood, sexual experience, sexual desire, pressure and violations, and physical pain), four of relational consequences (relationship satisfaction, partner’s response, relationship interaction, and value alignment), and nine of possible factors contributing to negative/positive consequences (communication, self-esteem, motives for sex, relationship factors, agency and self-knowledge, mental health and stress, psychological flexibility, societal norms, and past negative experiences). Perceived consequences varied widely across individuals, both in terms of whether any positive or negative consequences were experienced and whether compliance was perceived as improving or worsening specific domains of well-being. We discuss the themes identified in relation to previous theories of sexuality and intimate relationships and offer hypotheses that can be tested in future quantitative studies.

The Mediating Role of Marital Intimacy in Relation with Midlife Crisis with a Tendency toward Infidelity in Middle-Aged Men

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of marital intimacy in relation between midlife crisis and the tendency to infidelity in middle-aged men. Methods: This was a correlational research with structural equation modeling method. The statistical population of this research was made up of all men aged 40 to 60 in Razavi Khorasan province, 200 of whom were selected by convenience sampling and answered the questionnaires of marital intimacy, mid-life identity crisis, and tendency to infidelity. Data analysis was done using structural equation method using SPSS and AMOS softwares. Findings: The results of this research showed that the assumed model has a good fit. Also, the results of the analysis indicated a direct relationship between the tendency to infidelity and the midlife crisis, and there was an indirect relationship between the midlife crisis through marital intimacy on the tendency to cheat. Also, marital intimacy has an inverse and significant relationship with the independent variable of the midlife crisis, as well as marital infidelity. It has a direct and significant relationship with midlife crisis, and there is an inverse and significant relationship (-0.643) between marital infidelity and marital intimacy. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that marital intimacy has been able to play a mediating role between midlife crisis and the tendency toward infidelity. So, marital intimacy and midlife crisis can play an influential role in married life and the tendency of people to commit marital infidelity. Therefore, it is necessary to provide appropriate knowledge and training to couples who are exposed to these injuries.

"I always know she cannot betray me." Disclosure of abortion and methods of abortion used in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.

Despite abortion being stigmatized and legally restricted in Kenya, women still disclose their abortions within their network. Evidence has shown how stigma can influence and regulate individual abortion disclosure decisions and behaviors. This paper seeks to understand why and how women make the decisions to disclose their abortion and the associated methods used. The data are from a qualitative formative study and a respondent-driven sampling survey conducted between 2020 and 2021 in two informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. The data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis approach for the quantitative data, and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Our findings reveal that information sharing about abortion is enclosed in a social dynamic of secrecy. This dynamic contributes to making abortion a secret that respondents decided to share with confidants in 81% of the abortion cases. These confidants include intimate relationships such as trusted friends (62%), followed by female relatives. Information was shared in many cases either to get support (i.e. method to use), or because participants had close ties with the confidants. Regarding the methods used, unidentified pills were the most used regardless of the confidant; followed by traditional methods especially among those who sought help with their mothers/aunts/grandmothers (33%), while Medical Abortion and Manual Vacuum Aspiration were rarely used, mostly by those who confided in friends or sisters/cousins. Our findings show that the disclosure of abortion is a complex process embedded in existing codes regarding the circulation of information on sensitive issues and "help" seeking. Our findings show that the need for information on safe abortion and lack of financial resources frequently empowers them to overcome the fear of stigma and disclose their abortion. However, this often resulted in use of unsafe procedures. The findings suggest the need for strengthening the circulation of information on safe methods within communities, using community champions and intermediaries to increase the likelihood of women being directed through safe methods to enhance their use.

Holistic Care for People Living With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: The Relevance and Importance of Sexual Function.

Considering sexual function as a valued functional activity, together with other activities of daily living, will assist physical therapists to provide more holistic and person-centered care. This article covers the main considerations for raising sexual function and intimate relationship issues with people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain, as well as management options and potential referral pathways. Physical therapists are encouraged to seek targeted training to improve their confidence and skills in this area, and to use inclusive, respectful language for discussions around sexual function and intimate relationships.

One psychopathic route to an unsuccessful life. Psychopathy and life outcomes in Generation 3 of the Cambridge study in delinquent development

PurposeThis study aims to examine whether psychopathic traits are associated with “unsuccessful” life outcomes in a community sample. While it is not easy to define what a successful life is, as it varies by context and developmental stage, there is a consensus in psychological research on what constitutes an unsuccessful life, as measured by the revised Unsuccessful Life Scale. This concept of unsuccessful life encompasses areas such as family and health, alcohol and drug use and work and job satisfaction, which, when compromised, are essential components of an unsuccessful 21st-century life.Design/methodology/approachThe study continues the work carried out in the prospective longitudinal Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development by including the offspring (n = 551 G3 females and males) of the original 411 G2 males.FindingsA small proportion of G3 individuals (6.5%, n = 36) were having an unsuccessful life, and 23.3% (n = 124) of them were exhibiting a high level of psychopathic traits as measured by the PCL:SV. The results suggest that some psychopathic traits are an integral part of an unsuccessful mix. For instance, for both males and females, drug use and physical fights were significantly associated with psychopathic traits. However, there were some differences, where a wider range of unsuccessful outcomes was associated with psychopathic traits in males (e.g. unsatisfactory accommodation) compared to females (e.g. unsatisfactory intimate relationships).Originality/valueIt seems that the costs of psychopathic traits outweigh the benefits when it comes to success in life. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Emerging Ideas. Suicidal ideation among partnered U.S. adults by sexual identity

AbstractObjectiveWe estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation among partnered U.S. adults overall and by sexual identity using a population‐representative sample of cohabiting and married adults.BackgroundIntimate partner problems and other aspects of intimate relationships are substantial precipitating factors to suicide. Even so, there are currently no family‐based interventions targeting suicide risk among adults; this may be because little is known as to how prevalent suicidal ideation and behaviors are in the context of intimate relationships. Sexually diverse adults show higher proportions of suicidal ideation than heterosexual adults.MethodWeighted logistic regression was used to analyze data from a subsample of the National Couples' Health and Time Study (n = 3,618), a population‐representative sample of cohabiting and married adults. Unadjusted and model‐adjusted prevalence estimates for suicidal ideation (thoughts and plans) were calculated.ResultsThe model adjusted prevalence estimates for suicide thoughts and plans were similar to estimates among general population samples. Bisexual and queer+ respondents had double the odds of reporting suicide thoughts and plans compared with gay, lesbian, and heterosexual respondents.ConclusionsCohabiting and married adults showed a similar prevalence of suicidal ideation as the general population. Bisexual and queer+ adults are a growing U.S. population and require unique attention because they confront higher suicide risk compared with not only heterosexual but also gay and lesbian adults.ImplicationsFamily‐based interventions are needed to target suicidal ideations and behaviors among adults, including those who are married or cohabiting. Sexually diverse adults should not be treated as a monolithic group when tailoring interventions for sexually diverse populations.

Listening to the Virtual Greenhouse: Musics, Sounding, and Online Plantcare

Abstract Plantcare is having a moment. Recent years have seen an outpouring of audiovisual content across several social media platforms, wherein humans film and photograph themselves taking care of houseplants. These self-proclaimed “plant moms” build community through their shared passion for caring for houseplants and showing this form of tree-hugging to a wider community. In this contribution, I theorize this plant-filled digital terrain as a virtual greenhouse, a space where humans can perform with and show off their collections of houseplants. This virtual greenhouse points to how plantcare becomes a space to play with expectations of humanness apart from human–animal boundaries. Furthermore, contrary to notions of plants as being silent or inaudible lifeforms, this virtual greenhouse is rich with music and sound. Following an exploration of the overarching features of plantcare content and other kinds of digital human–nonhuman representations, I describe how creators in the virtual greenhouse use ASMR-like techniques, acousmatic narration, and reinterpretations of popular music to make their intimate relationships with nonhuman life audible. This contribution demonstrates how these human–plant assemblages engage with a “back-to-nature” environmentalism and present opportunities to reframe human–nonhuman relationships through creative practice.

Companionship goals and marital goal concordance contribute to relationship satisfaction partly through dyadic coping in dating couples

ABSTRACT Background Marital goals reflect individuals’ understanding of the purpose of marriage and could influence the dyadic interactions and satisfaction in intimate relationships. The current study examines how each partner’s marital goals and the concordance of marital goals between the partners influence dating couples’ relationship satisfaction through dyadic coping. Method The sample consisted of 200 heterosexual dating couples from Hong Kong. Both partners completed a survey that assessed three types of marital goals, dyadic coping, relationship satisfaction, and other background variables. Path analysis was conducted to estimate the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) with each partner’s three types of marital goals and marital goal concordance between the two partners as the predictors, each partner’s dyadic coping as the mediators, and each partner’s relationship satisfaction as the outcomes. Results Women’s dyadic coping significantly mediated the effects of women’s companionship goals and marital goal concordance on both partners’ marital satisfaction. Meanwhile, men’s dyadic coping significantly mediated the effects of men’s companionship goals and marital goal concordance on their own relationship satisfaction. Conclusion The current study offered the first evidence supporting the importance of marital goals, the goal concordance between the partners, and dyadic coping in dating relationships.

The Impact of Coercive Control Legislation for Transgender People in Australia

Legislation criminalising coercive control in intimate relationships is being considered in Australia. Currently, there is no consensus on the contents of such legislation, let alone an understanding of how coercive control manifests in LGBTQ+ relationships, and even less data specifically concerning transgender relationships to inform this legislation. This article aims to review what is known so that before legislation is drafted, its effects on transgender people can be considered to make sure that their unique requirements are addressed. Targeted research on the experiences of coercive control in transgender people’s relationships is necessary to ensure their perspectives are considered in national legal responses. In addition, recommendations will be made for how to avoid further disadvantages for transgender people.

Nine years on from the Serious Crime Act 2015: Reflections on hopes, fears, progress and challenges around coercive control within a legislative framework, and on the importance of a feminist analysis of domestic abuse… in conversation with Polly Neate

Polly Neate is the CEO of Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, and was previously the CEO of Women’s Aid from 2013 to 2017. Under her leadership Women’s Aid campaigned for, and helped bring legislation criminalising coercive and controlling behaviours in intimate and family relationships into law in England and Wales with The Serious Crime Act 2015. She has sat on several panels advising on domestic abuse in the UK, and is a regular commentator on women’s rights and social justice issues.