Romantic Relationships Research Articles

The effect of service dogs on veterans’ romantic partners and relationships: A preliminary mixed-methods study

Abstract Romantic partners are often key supports for veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a PTSD diagnosis among veterans is often associated with lower relationship satisfaction and quality. To help reduce their PTSD symptomology, some veterans are more regularly relying on the help of service dogs (SDs). Relatively little is known about how SDs affect romantic relationships and veterans’ romantic partners. The current mixed-methods preliminary study explored the psycho-social effects of SDs on veterans’ romantic relationships and their partners from the romantic partners’ perspective. Romantic partners of veterans ( N = 27) completed the Partnership Questionnaire and seven partners completed interviews. Scale results indicated overall low relationship quality, with relatively lower scores for couples’ tenderness/intimacy and togetherness/communication, and higher scores for their quarreling. Interview results indicated there were perceived relationship problems due to the veterans’ PTSD, but there were some relationship improvements since the SD had been supporting the veteran, including decreased quarreling and increased tenderness/intimacy and togetherness/communication. Romantic partners reported experiencing less resentment and stress, and increased relaxation, calmness, patience, happiness, and hope for the future because of the SDs. This study suggests that SDs can influence other aspects of veterans’ lives beyond their disability, such as helping veterans reconnect with their romantic partners.

A Sibling's Intuition: The Role of Sibling Approval for Romantic Relationships

Research has shown that family and peer relationships have an impact on the stability and quality of one's romantic relationships. According to family systems theory, family dyads are likely to impact the stability of romantic dyads within a system. Yet, little is known if and how one's sibling will impact the development and maintenance of that relationship. Therefore, the goal of this study is to understand how approval of a sibling's romantic relationship impacts the quality of that relationship. Participants ( N = 168) and their siblings ( N = 118) were recruited to participate in an online survey, which included questions regarding their current and previous romantic relationships, if applicable, their relationship with their sibling, and their approval of their sibling's previous and/or current relationship(s). Data was analyzed using moderation analyses and actor–partner interdependence models. Although regression results showed no effects of sibling approval for relationship quality for either current or past relationships, the path analyses revealed that when participants approved their siblings’ relationship, the satisfaction increased, but when the siblings approved of the participant's relationship, the satisfaction trended downward. Path analyses also showed that approval did not predict the satisfaction of either participant's or sibling's last relationship. In both models, sibling and participant approval significantly predicted each other. Last, sibling closeness was not found to moderate any of these relationships. These results show that sibling approval plays a role in romantic relationships, but the impacts vary depending on relationship context.

Subtypes of childhood social withdrawal and adult relationship and parenting outcomes

The aims of the current 30 year prospective study were to determine: (1) whether socially withdrawn kindergarten children are less likely than others to enter serious romantic relationships or become parents by age 34, (2) whether socially withdrawn children parent differently than non-withdrawn individuals when they grow up, and (3) whether subtypes of withdrawal are associated with different adult outcomes. Following Harrist et al. (1997), 558 kindergarten children (81% White, 17% Black) were categorized into one of the five groups: four clusters of social withdrawal ( n = 95 unsociable, 23 passive-anxious, 18 active-isolate, and 25 sad/depressed) or non-withdrawal ( n = 397), using directly observed school behavior and teacher ratings. About 30 years later ( Mage = 34.45 years, SD = 0.62 years), participants self-reported on their romantic relationship and parent status and parenting warmth and harshness. Overall, the group of socially withdrawn children was no more or less likely than the non-withdrawn group to be in a current relationship or a parent, nor did they report any differences in parenting. However, the active-isolate subtype of social withdrawal, characterized by impulsivity and anger, was less likely than the non-withdrawn group to be in a current relationship ( B = −1.24, p < 0.05). This study suggests socially withdrawn children in the United States fare similarly to non-withdrawn peers in adulthood in their romantic relationships and parenting, but a subgroup of active-isolate children may be at risk of not entering adult relationships.

In Defense of Fifty Shades by E. L. James: Does It Really Contain Gender-Based Violence?

This article presents a response to the harsh criticism expressed against E. L. James’s Fifty Shades. Accusations have been made from many sides that it encourages gender-based violence within a romantic relationship, unjustly stereotyping the female character Anastasia (Ana) as a battered, submissive, weak woman and a “sex slave.” However, as this thorough analysis will argue, Anastasia does not fit the profile of a victim of gender-based violence. Rather, she embodies the traits of an empowered woman. From this viewpoint, it is unfair to consider Fifty Shades as promoting violence against women.

Barriers and facilitators of transition of adolescents living with HIV into adult care in under-resourced settings of Southern Ethiopia: a qualitative study

BackgroundAdolescence is commonly perceived as a distinct and typically healthy stage of life. However, in regions with a high prevalence of HIV, like Ethiopia, numerous adolescents are contracting the virus. Upon testing and diagnosis, they encounter care-related issues, particularly barriers and facilitators of the healthcare transition from adolescent to adult clinics. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators influencing the transition of adolescents living with HIV (ALWHs) in the resource-limited settings of Southern Ethiopia.MethodsThe research employed a phenomenological study design with a qualitative methodology. Purposive sampling was used to gather data through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FDGs) involving ALWHs and their parents. The data analysis followed Van Manen’s principles.ResultsFollowing Van Manen’s guidelines, the data analysis revealed a conceptual framework with two major themes: “Barriers” and “Facilitators”. The theme barrier was derived from three sub-themes including behavioral barriers, social barriers, and system barriers in the transition. The theme facilitator was derived from four sub-themes including self-acceptance as an adult, a desire to experience new things, a supportive family, and friendly healthcare services. The study identified three levels of factors influencing the transition into adult clinics: individual, family/peer, and healthcare-related factors. The barriers to transition included lack of knowledge, being in a romantic relationship, psychosocial struggles, perceiving us as immature, stigma, negative peer pressure, lack of timely disclosure, absence of transition guidelines, disrespectful treatment, and absence of separate clinics. On the other hand, facilitators such as self-acceptance as an adult, desire for new experiences, family support, informed support and promising outcomes, flexible appointment scheduling, and psycho-social support groups were found to improve the transition process and enhance the overall well-being of adolescents living with HIV.ConclusionThe study highlights the complex transition process for ALWHs into adult healthcare. Barriers such as lack of knowledge, stigma, and disrespectful treatment pose challenges during this critical period. Conversely, facilitators like self-acceptance, family support, and youth-friendly healthcare services can enhance the transition experience and well-being of ALWHs. Collaborative efforts among ALWHs, families, and healthcare providers are crucial for successful transitions and improved health outcomes. Separated clinics catering to the unique needs of ALWHs are recommended to address privacy concerns.

Couple affection exchange profiles and marital quality in Chinese couples

AbstractAffection plays a crucial role in romantic relationships, as individuals exchange affection with each other to build and maintain relationships. This study applied affection exchange theory (AET) to examine affection exchange patterns within marital dyads, employing couple‐centered approaches. The aim was to identify different types of couple affection exchange profiles based on both partners' affection given and received. The sample consisted of 668 Chinese heterosexual couples. Additionally, this study explored the association between couple affection exchange profiles and marital quality. Through latent profile analysis, three distinct profiles were identified: reserved (47.1%), invisible (10.5%), and highly affectionate (42.4%). Further between‐profile comparisons regarding marital quality indicated that couples in the highly affectionate profile report the most satisfying marriages, whereas the invisible profile represents the least desirable outcome. The findings highlight the diverse nature of couple affection exchange and offer valuable insights for couple therapy interventions focused on affection.

Dating Applications versus Meeting Face-to-Face: What Is Better for Romantic Relationship Quality?

The use of dating applications has increased over time, as recent data illustrate that meeting online is one of the most popular ways for couples to meet in the United States. Yet, the perceptions of using dating applications and how the applications were developed may hinder the quality of relationships that form using dating applications. The goal of this study is to examine the difference in relationship quality based on whether a relationship is initiated in person or using a dating application. Data for this study come from 233 college students who completed an online survey. Of the coupled participants (n = 120), 34 met their current partner through a dating application, and of the participants who had previous dating experience (n = 169), 29 met their last partner on a dating application. Conducting independent-samples t-tests, the means of relationship quality were not significantly different for those who met their current or former partner online compared to in person. Although previously stigmatized, the results of this study illustrate that forming relationships on dating applications may be similar in quality to those that are formed in person.

The theme of love and beauty in the works by Sergei Moskvitin

The theme of love and beauty is key in the work of Sergei Moskvitin. According to Moskvitin, poetry, beauty and love are the three pillars on which the entire planet rests. At the same time, the concepts of “woman”, “beauty”, “inspiration” are inseparable for the author. Woman is identical with love, the author deifies her, belittling himself. The image of a woman is slightly blurry and not specified in Moskvitin’s works, unlike landscape lyrics, where every detail is carefully described. At the same time, landscape lyrics and love lyrics are inseparable: through the prism of describing nature, one can guess the author’s mood, some milestones in the biography. For example, when a romantic relationship with a lady begins, the description of nature is positive; when disagreements occur, the hero and heroine are tormented by doubts, nature and natural phenomena echo these feelings. The author is no stranger to the sensual side of the relationship between a man and a woman. However, platonic love predominates in creativity The description of intimate scenes is always complemented by the chanting of love, the beloved woman, which fully conveys a respectful attitude towards the heroine. The author emphasizes that women are different, but each is beautiful and worthy of love, its own poet who sings of her beauty. The author appreciates not only external beauty, but more spiritual beauty. Moskvitin's love lyrics are autobiographical; they are expressed in poems and messages to the woman he loves, as evidenced by the conclusions drawn by the researchers

Mindfulness and attachment security in romantic relationships: The role of emotion regulation as a mediator

Mindfulness and attachment security in romantic relationships: The role of emotion regulation as a mediator

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence among Male Local Government Workers in Ekiti State

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against men is a global prevalent issue. It is the abuse that transpires within or outside a romantic relationship. It affects men and women equally but the cases of men are under-reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of intimate partner violence among male local government workers in Ekiti State. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive research design using a quantitative method approach of data collection. Multistage sampling technique was used to select two hundred and eighteen (218) respondents from six local government areas in Ekiti State. Data were collected with the aid of adapted questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The result showed that the average age of the respondents was approximately 43 years with 67.9% being within 36-51 years old and 79.4% were married with an average length of 13 years in relationship. The overall prevalence of IPV was 94.5% with psychological violence being the most prevalent (89.0%), followed by psychological violence (78.9%), then by sexual (39.9%) and physical (19.3%). IPV against men is prevalent and it is mostly psychological. The fact that physical assault is minimal does not mean that men are undergoing IPV. Hence nurses and other health workers should screen men who present with psychological symptoms for necessary help.

Erasing women from the Frankenstein culture-text: adapting Elizabeth Lavenza and Justine Moritz

Abstract The Frankenstein culture-text has been dominated by adaptations of Frankenstein’s women in line with the presumption of heterosexuality. This means that the women of Frankenstein are typically adapted in ways which refocus their character’s narrative around their romantic relationships, usually with Victor. Alternatively, they are completely cut from the narrative, despite being narratively significant in the source text. This results in a silence in the culture-text about the presence of women in this story. Addressing this cultural silence requires not only feminist adaptation practice in the effort to make space for these women in future adaptations but a necessarily queer practice which resists the presumption of heterosexuality.

Taking Liberty with Imagination and Gender in Northanger Abbey

In Northanger Abbey Austen presents the evolution and devolution of a romantic relationship that reveals what is lost when shame brings two non-heteronormative partners into a conventional social contract: the witty conversations and imaginative flights of fancy that Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney sustain in their courtship fade and finally disappear as they take their places in the symbolic order. Both experience a turning point in their development when Henry realizes and seemingly rebukes Catherine for suspecting that his father was responsible for his mother’s death. That critical moment changes everything for them, as they surrender their fluidity and pursue a more generic path to marriage that Austen’s metaleptic narrator cagily challenges as the novel concludes.

A closer look at the demographics of same-sex marriage in the United States: Implications for research, practice, and policy.

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, setting in motion a sweeping social change for sexual minority people and their romantic relationships. The United States Census Bureau collects demographic data on same-sex couple households, offering an opportunity to better understand the demographic makeup of same-sex marriage today. This knowledge is essential for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who aim to understand and support same-sex couples' relationships. We used national probability data from the American Community Survey collected in 2021 (the most recent year these data are available) on married and unmarried, cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex households. Respondents reported their own age, race, ethnicity, education, employment, income, home ownership, and whether they had children living with them in their household. Differences between married and unmarried opposite-sex couples were observed in race, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status, consistent with prior research. Many of these demographic gaps also existed for same-sex couples, although these were often smaller. Several of these differences further varied between male and female same-sex couples. Same-sex married couples appear to be more demographically diverse than opposite-sex married couples. However, like opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples from multiple minoritized groups were less likely to be married. Future research is needed to understand drivers of these differences (e.g., different attitudes about marriage or lack of access to marriage) and their impact. Policymakers and clinicians will need to bear these group differences in mind when designing policy and delivering services to support the well-being of sexual minority couples.

Use of meishi by Chinese females in romantic conversation

AbstractThis study explores the major types and main interpersonal functions of meishi (没事, literally ‘I'm fine’) by Chinese females in romantic conversation through analyzing collected posts from Sina Microblog. Results show that meishi by Chinese females in the context of romantic relationships primarily manifests the attributes of “expressive” and “assertive” (“insincere assertive” in particular), with specific functions to express comfort (expressive), to implicitly express negative feelings (expressive), and to avoid self-disclosure of negative emotion (insincere assertive). We hold that Chinese women's use of meishi is not only a realization of gendered discourse but also has a practical function as it detects the sincerity and attentiveness of their male counterparts.

Reclaiming Desire and Defying Conventions: An Analysis of Female Sexuality in Mrs Dalloway and the God of Small Things

The paper offers a detailed analysis of the complexities of female sexuality in Mrs Dalloway and The God of Small Things from a feminist perspective. It investigates how female protagonists overcome and defy societal norms and expectations concerning their sexual desires. The obstacles of conventional sexual norms align with the ‘repressive hypothesis’, coined by Michele Foucault in The History of Sexuality which posits that the modern discourse on sexuality is characterized by repression. This theory is used to depict how societal repression shapes and is shaped by the narratives of Clarissa and Ammu. The paper is qualitative and uses close textual analysis as an analytical tool. For the study, primary data were collected from textbooks, and secondary sources including various books, websites, articles, and journals were used to gather secondary data. The clear finding is that Clarissa has a sexual desire for Sally which is not accepted by post world war British society and Ammu, being a divorcee and upper-class woman, reclaims her sexual agency and attempts to fulfill her sexual desire by making a romantic relationship with Velutha which is prohibited in the post-colonial Indian society. Through the blending of sexual desires with more general societal issues like race, class, and cultural identities, both novels deconstructed conventional depictions of female sexuality. Thus, the study contributes to the ongoing conversation on the role of women’s sexual desires and their place in a postmodern world where autonomy, self-expression, and the deconstruction of conventional norms are of paramount importance.

Sexuality of urologist in training: Does cobbler always wear the worst shoes? Sex AFUF study.

Sexuality is an integral part of well-being. Urologists are a population faced with a significant workload and stress that can affect their sexuality. The purpose of this study is to investigate sexuality in this population and assess factors that may impact it. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2023 among French urology residents and fellows. Data was collected through an anonymous questionnaire sent by the French Association of Trainee Urologists (AFUF) via email. Out of 445 members of the AFUF, 196 trainee urologists responded. Among them, 130 young urologists, accounting for 66% of respondents, were satisfied with their sexual life, and 123 (63%) respondents reported having one or more sexual encounters per week. In univariate analysis, factors significantly impacting the level of sexual satisfaction were gender (p=0.029), level of job satisfaction/well-being (p<0.01), level of professional burnout (p<0.001), and the existence of a romantic relationship. Young urologists are mostly satisfied with their sexual life. Gender, level of job satisfaction/well-being, and level of professional burnout are significant factors impacting the level of sexual satisfaction.

Adolescent and Young Adult Development in Transplant Recipients.

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is the gold standard of therapy for individuals with end-organ dysfunction. Improved survival outcomes after SOT can help adolescent and young adult (AYA) recipients lead long and healthy life. However, successful SOT during adolescence and young adulthood is often complicated by the innate developmental challenges of this age group. The psychosocial tasks of adolescence include identity development, autonomous decision-making, establishing social networks, educational and vocational preparation, and navigating romantic relationships. These goals may be amplified or delayed for pediatric SOT recipients. Adolescence is also marked by rapid physical changes in linear growth and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Yet AYA may experience physical and pubertal delays related to transplantation, as well as exaggerated body image dissatisfaction due to medication side effects. Strict adherence to medication and post-transplant regimens may interfere with adolescents' desire for normalcy and fitting in with peers. Healthcare providers should be aware that AYA value education and self-empowerment in transplant care. Transplant success needs to be defined by both medical and psychosocial outcomes, particularly when it relates to the vulnerable AYA population. Fortunately, investment from the patient, family, and care team can aid in transplant recovery and success. This article will identify the developmental challenges faced by AYA undergoing solid organ transplantation as well as strategies to engage positive outcomes.

Relationship-induced self-concept change and the malleability of attachment security

Romantic relationships have the potential to shape individuals’ self-concepts for better or worse. Because these changes to the self have the potential to modify working models of self and other, they may also be associated with individuals’ levels of attachment security. The current research sought to examine whether relationship-induced self-concept improvement and degradation is associated with attachment security. Across three correlational studies (Studies 1a-1c; overall N = 579) and one experiment (Study 2; N = 196), we found that relationship-induced concept improvement (vs. degradation) is associated with greater state attachment security and lower state attachment avoidance (but not state anxiety). Further, state attachment security and avoidance mediated the association between overall self-concept improvement and relationship quality. Overall, relationship-induced changes to the self-concept appear to modify attachment systems, which cultivate relationship quality.

Parentification and satisfaction of psychological needs in romantic relationships: The mediating role of relational attitudes

Parentification and satisfaction of psychological needs in romantic relationships: The mediating role of relational attitudes

The interpersonal risks of valuing happiness: Links to interpersonal emotion regulation and close others' mental health.

While most people want to feel happy, valuing happiness can paradoxically make people unhappy. We propose that such costs may extend to interpersonal contexts, given that valuing happiness may shape how people (i.e., regulators) manage others' (i.e., targets') emotions (i.e., extrinsic interpersonal emotion regulation). While valuing happiness could motivate regulators to reduce targets' distress using effective forms of emotion regulation, it may also push them to be intolerant toward targets' distress and, in turn, predict worse target well-being. The current investigation examines how two approaches to happiness (i.e., happiness aspiring and happiness concern) predict how regulators manage their children's and romantic partners' distress-two fundamental close relationship types that allow us to address the robustness of our findings. We obtained longitudinal reports across a year from socioculturally diverse regulators (N = 279, including partially overlapping groups of 155 parents and 248 partnered individuals) and cross-sectional reports from partners. We found that people who aspired to be happy were more successful at using reappraisal and distraction to manage targets' emotions, while those who were concerned about happiness were less successful at accepting targets' emotions (i.e., confirmed by partners' reports). In turn, more successful use of reappraisal and distraction predicted better target well-being, and less successful acceptance of targets' emotions predicted poorer target well-being across the next 8 months. These findings underscore the importance of understanding individual differences that shape consequential forms of interpersonal emotion regulation, thereby illuminating who is most likely to help their loved ones and who may be putting them at risk. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).