Romantic Relationship Well-being Research Articles

A Dyadic Analysis of Sexual Assertiveness and Sexual Outcomes in Adolescent Romantic Relationships

ABSTRACTAmid adolescence, youth are developing the relational skills necessary to form and maintain positive intimate relationships. Sexual assertiveness is a key skill that could be related to couples’ sexual outcomes (i.e. sexual satisfaction, sexual concerns, and sexual function). However, dyadic studies are lacking, and associations between sexual assertiveness and adolescents’ sexual health and well-being remain underexplored. This cross-sectional dyadic study examined associations between dimensions of sexual assertiveness and sexual outcomes in adolescent romantic relationships. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model guided analyses of self-reported questionnaires from 110 romantic dyads (aged 14–19 years; M = 16.51). Participants’ gender was considered in the models, and gender differences emerged in the associations between study variables. Path analyses revealed that sexual needs and desires communication, refusal of unwanted sex, sexual intimacy initiation, and comfort talking about sex have significant actor and partner effects on adolescents’ sexual outcomes in mixed-gender dyads. These findings suggest that authentically expressing one’s own sexual needs, desires, and limits in adolescence may influence not only one’s own sexual satisfaction, sexual concerns, and sexual function, but also their partner’s. The aforementioned dimensions of sexual assertiveness could be important targets for research-based interventions to promote sexual health and well-being in adolescent romantic relationships.

Playing by the rules: The management of WhatsApp surveillance among romantically involved mobile phone users at a South African University

Even though there are high and growing levels of penetration of mobile telephony in South Africa, there is little research into how mobiles are used in romantic relationships to ‘keep tabs’ on partners and inter alia into how those involved in such relationships may be attempting to achieve and maintain privacy. Using the relational dialectical framework, I study how surveillance and privacy related power dynamics are played out in romantic relationships of a selected undergraduate student cohort at a South African University (n=182). The dialectical framework provides the appropriate empirical lens for investigating how romantic partners deal with the need to stay both private and public in the wake of instant messaging application WhatsApp. The study sought to understand how adolescents in these romantic relationships deal with mobile privacy conflicts that are brought on by perpetual contact through WhatsApp. Through a quantitative survey, purposive sampling with a confidence level of 95 per cent and 5 per cent margin of error was utilized in selecting the respondents. Exploratory factor and regression analysis shows that rules for managing WhatsApp communication are important for romantic relationship well-being (SD=1.434), albeit not necessarily linked to relational satisfaction.

(077) Physiological Synchrony and Sexual Satisfaction: A Replication and Extension

Abstract Introduction Physiological synchrony (PS) refers to a pattern of psychophysiological covariation in the context of close relationships that is thought to develop as a function of dynamic, reciprocal exchanges across biological systems over time (for a review, see Palumbo et al., 2017). There is strong evidence to suggest that PS is a marker of well-being in romantic relationships, with research illuminating close associations between PS and domains of relational functioning including overall relationship satisfaction and feelings of closeness, connection, and empathy for one’s romantic partner (e.g., Helm et al., 2014; Palumbo et al., 2017; Timmons et al., 2015; Countinho, 2019). More recent research has extended these findings to sexual relationships, finding that PS predicts attraction to a potential sexual partner (Prozachkova et al., 2022) and, in a laboratory setting, global evaluations of sexual satisfaction (Freihart & Meston, 2019). Objective Taken together, there is theoretical and empirical evidence to suggest that psychophysiological attunement between partners may be relevant for their sexual relationship. Building upon these data, the current project seeks to examine PS in a more ecologically valid context: at-home, during sexual activity. The primary aims of the current project include: (1) replicating previous research suggesting that PS observed during non-sexual interactions predicts sexual satisfaction, (2) illuminating whether physiological synchrony manifests between partners during sexual activity, and finally, (3) examining whether the magnitude of the observed synchrony is stronger during sexual activity than during non-sexual interactions. Methods Heterosexual couples in monogamous, romantic relationships were recruited from the community surrounding (University name redacted for review). Participants’ autonomic physiological response were measured in an ambulatory fashion across a baseline task, three non-sexual interpersonal tasks (i.e. looking into each other’s eyes, actively attempting to mirror one another, and holding hands), and sexual activity as measured in three phases (i.e., foreplay, penetrative sex in a prescribed position, and penetrative sex in any position selected by the couple) using chest straps with impedance cardiography technology. Levels of sexual satisfaction were measured via self-report measures that assessed global sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with a specific sexual encounter. Results Data analyses are ongoing with an anticipated completion date of January 2023. Results will be updated with an addendum upon data analysis. Conclusions This is the first dyadic psychophysiological study to examine autonomic linkages between partners during sex. Results may illuminate a candidate mechanism for variation in couple-level sexual satisfaction and, to that end, may provide rationale for future treatment development research utilizing psychophysiological attunement to optimize dyadic sexual outcomes. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: SST

A Systematic Study of Ambivalence and Well-Being in Romantic Relationships

People in close relationships can, and often do, experience ambivalence (i.e., mixed feelings) toward their romantic partner. Although ambivalence is common and consequential, research on this phenomenon is fragmented. The present work examines how four different types of ambivalence (i.e., objective, subjective, implicit-explicit, and implicit ambivalence) relate to well-being. In four intensive studies (N = 1,134) and internal meta-analyses, ambivalence was related to lower personal and relational well-being, but this association was only statistically significant for explicit (i.e., objective and subjective) types of ambivalence, with subjective ambivalence showing the strongest association, particularly for relationship outcomes. This work is the first systematic study of ambivalence and well-being in relationships and highlights the importance of capturing mixed feelings in relationship research and how such focus can benefit research on attitudinal ambivalence and well-being more broadly.

The Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness in the Relationship Between Subjective Well-Being and The Level of Self-Disclosure to Partner in Romantic Relationships

The main purpose of the current research is to examine whether perceived partner responsiveness has a mediating role in the relationship between the level of self-disclosure and subjective well-being in the context of romantic relationships. In this context, the sample of this study consisted of 226 participants; 159 women and 67 men, who were between 18-33 and currently in any type of romantic relationship. The data collected by "Level of Self-Disclosure in Romantic Relationship Scale (LSDRR)", "The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)", "Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)", "Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale (PPRS)" and Demographic Information Form. Mediation analyzes were tested with four different models. Results revealed that the level of self-disclosure (openness, communication, and affection) to the romantic partner positively affected one’s subjective well-being through perceived partner responsiveness. In other words, it was shown the mediational role of perceived partner responsiveness on the associations between level of self-disclosure and subjective well-being in romantic relationships. It is thought that the results of the present study will contribute to the intervention programs to be carried out to understand and strengthen the relationship dynamics that will contribute to the subjective well-being of the individual in the concept of romantic relationships. Keywords: Level of self-disclosure, subjective well-being, perceived partner responsiveness

Links between Best Friendship, Romantic Relationship, and Psychological Well-Being in Emerging Adulthood

Best friendships and romantic relationships are linked to psychological well-being in emerging adulthood, but few studies have assessed their contribution simultaneously. This research (n = 190; 64.4% women) examined the links between intimacy and conflict with the best friend and the romantic partner on psychological well-being (self-esteem, depression, loneliness). Results showed that both relationships were independently linked to well-being, while also interacting with one another. Among participants reporting a less intimate or conflictual romantic relationship, an intimate best friendship was linked to higher self-esteem. Moreover, a conflictual best friendship was related to higher depressive symptoms only among those having a conflictual romantic relationship. Thus, best friendships and romantic relationships show distinct and combined contributions to well-being in emerging adulthood.

Intimacy, attachment to the partner, and daily well-being in romantic relationships

Self-disclosure ordinarily benefits individual well-being; however, if someone discloses with an unresponsive listener, self-disclosure may fail to enhance well-being. Because prior research has primarily studied the additive effects of disclosure and listener’s responsiveness on well-being, this study investigated their interactive effects on well-being in romantic relationships. Because attachment orientation is closely associated with needs for intimacy, we further inquired into moderating effects of attachment on associations between intimacy and well-being. One-hundred fifteen cohabiting couples completed 21 daily diaries in which they recorded their experiences interacting with their partners. High self-disclosure during interactions that lacked expressed understanding yielded negative rather than positive outcomes. Multiple interactions between participants’ and partners’ attachment insecurity and intimacy were especially associated with depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction. Results highlight the importance of the relational context of self-disclosure and well-being.

Comparing the effects of a mindfulness versus relaxation intervention on romantic relationship wellbeing

There is increasing scientific interest in the potential association between mindfulness and romantic relationship wellbeing. To date, however, experimental studies using active control groups and testing dyadic effects (i.e. examining both actor and partner effects) are lacking. In the current study, romantically involved individuals engaged for 2 weeks daily in either guided mindfulness exercises, or guided relaxation exercises. Participants, and their partners, completed measures of relationship wellbeing at pre- and post-intervention, and at 1-month follow up. The mindfulness intervention significantly promoted relationship wellbeing, for both participants (i.e. actor effects) and their partners (i.e. partner effects). However, these findings did not significantly differ from changes in relationship wellbeing in the relaxation condition. Theoretical implications of these findings for understanding the association between mindfulness and romantic relationship wellbeing are discussed. Moreover, the findings are discussed in light of recent debates about the relative lack of proper control groups in mindfulness research.

Childhood emotional maltreatment and couple functioning among women across transition to parenthood: A process model.

Research on the implications of childhood emotional maltreatment for later romantic relationship well-being has been accumulating. More efforts are needed to systematically delineate the etiological chains of the more proximal processes explaining why childhood emotional maltreatment, as a more distal risk factor, might ultimately result in later romantic relationship malfunctioning. Using multiple-wave data from a diverse community sample of primiparous women across the transition to parenthood (N = 159), we conducted a process model in which adult attachment, emotion regulation difficulties, and depressive symptoms were examined as potential mediators for the associations between childhood emotional maltreatment and various aspects of later couple functioning. Results demonstrate that adult attachment anxiety played a key role in accounting for the associations between childhood emotional maltreatment and the negative aspects of later couple functioning (i.e., conflict and ambivalence) through its associations with emotion regulation difficulties and depressive symptoms. In contrast, adult attachment avoidance more directly mediated the associations between childhood emotional maltreatment and the positive dimensions of later couple functioning (i.e., love and maintenance), without other intervening mediators. Overall, the currently identified risk chains contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms via which childhood emotional maltreatment shapes later romantic relationship functioning and also help clinicians specify potential targets for effective interventions aimed at diminishing the detrimental consequences of childhood emotional maltreatment for later intimate relationship well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Exclude me, enjoy us? Unmitigated communion and relationship satisfaction across 7 years.

This study explored 2 key questions at the intersection of care, well-being, and development in romantic relationships. First, what are the links between unmitigated communion (i.e., being overinvolved with meeting a partner's needs to the exclusion of one's own needs) and both partners' relationship satisfaction over time? Second, are there gender differences in the longitudinal links between unmitigated communion and relationship satisfaction? We answered these questions using data from 1,340 couples who participated in the German Family Panel over a 7-year period. Latent change score modeling results revealed that on average, people declined in both unmitigated communion and relationship satisfaction over time, and these declines occurred in concert with each other across each wave: A more rapid decrease in unmitigated communion occurred in tandem with a more rapid decrease in relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, higher initial levels of unmitigated communion predicted a slower rate of decline in relationship satisfaction, and higher initial levels of satisfaction stabilized future declines in unmitigated communion. Lastly, higher initial relationship satisfaction among men predicted a more gradual decline in female partners' unmitigated communion, but women's satisfaction did not predict male partners' unmitigated communion. Overall, this is the first study to demonstrate the codevelopment of and bidirectionality between unmitigated communion and relationship satisfaction in established romantic relationships. Unmitigated communion and relationship satisfaction tend to bolster each other in ways that protect them from steeper declines across time, which may explain why people continue to give in relationships when it is personally costly to themselves. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Are Playboy (and girl) Norms Behind the Relationship Problems Associated with Pornography Viewing in Men and Women?

Research has indicated that pornography viewing is related to romantic relationship problems. However, the correlations across past studies have been small. We tested a model in which playboy norm conformity (i.e. desires to have frequent sex with multiple partners) functions as a confound between pornography viewing constructs on three romantic relationship wellbeing indicators: Relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and infidelity proclivity. Results from men (n = 286) and women (n = 717) indicated that the significant inverse correlations between relationship satisfaction and relationship commitment with pornography viewing constructs becomes non-significant when playboy norm conformity is accounted. Further, the positive relationship between pornography viewing and infidelity proclivity also becomes non-significant in women (no initial connection between pornography viewing and infidelity proclivity was found in men). Though conformity to playboy norms was more strongly related to all romantic relationship wellbeing indicators across genders, pornography viewing frequency was still significantly inversely correlated with relationship satisfaction for women; though the effect size was small. Moderation analyses suggested that pornography viewing frequency was more strongly inversely correlated with relationship satisfaction for women than men. Cumulatively, our results suggest conformity to playboy norms is a significant confounding variable between pornography viewing and romantic relationship wellbeing.

Romantic relationship and psychological wellbeing: the experiences of young individuals with visual impairment

Purpose The sense of vision plays a dominant role in entering a romantic partnership. However, the romantic experiences of individuals with visual impairment have received scant research attention. The study aimed to describe the lived romantic experiences of young adults with visual impairment from various cultural backgrounds and to understand the implications of these experiences on their psychological wellbeing. Method The study was conducted in the Israeli multicultural society. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 24 Jewish and Arab adults (aged 18-40 years) with visual impairment about their romantic experiences and the meanings they attribute to these experiences. We used an inductive thematic analysis. Results Singlehood seemed to be a distressing situation for the Muslim female participants compared to the Jewish participants. Having a romantic partner contributed to the participants' self-acceptance and psychological well-being, especially for Muslim individuals. Conclusions The findings demonstrate the intersection of lifelong disability, gender, and culture in the context of romantic relationships. The findings also highlight the need to support the romantic opportunities and experiences of young individuals with visual impairment, especially those from Arab society. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Young adults with visual impairment often face physical and social barriers in entering and maintaining a romantic relationship. Having a romantic partner contributes to the self-acceptance and psychological wellbeing of young adults with visual impairment. Rehabilitation practitioners should take into consideration personal and environmental factors, such as gender and cultural background, when providing support in a romantic and intimate relationship, for individuals with lifelong disabilities. Rehabilitation practitioners should also engage family members, especially from religious families, to support their relatives with visual impairment in developing a romantic relationship.

Relationship Quality as Mediator of Forgiveness and Psychological Well-being among Transgressors in Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships often blossom in college life. But relationships are not always a bed of roses. One may find themselves to be inflicting hurt towards their partner. The study aimed to explore the role of positive and negative relationship quality as the mediators of forgiveness (seeking and self) and psychological well-being in romantic relationships from the perspective of the transgressors. Data were collected from a sample of 119 college students in New Delhi, India, who have been in a romantic relationship for 6 months at least and who have hurt their partner in the past. They were administered the Seeking Forgiveness Questionnaire, Heartland Forgiveness Scale (self), Positive–Negative Relationship Quality Questionnaire and the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being. The results showed positive relationship quality to be a mediator between forgiveness (seeking and self) and psychological well-being. Additional support for this relationship was provided by the insignificant role of negative relationship quality between forgiveness (seeking and self) and psychological well-being.

Sexual Closeness Discrepancies: What They Are and Why They Matter for Sexual Well-Being in Romantic Relationships.

This study examined the impact of sexual closeness on sexual well-being. We developed a nuanced and multifaceted conceptualization of sexual closeness in the form of a constellation of ideal sexual closeness with a partner, actual sexual closeness, and the discrepancy between the two. Data were obtained from a diverse sample of N=619 participants who took part in the Lives and Relationships Study: A longitudinal survey of men and women in relationships living in the U.S. and Canada. Increases in sexual closeness discrepancies over a period of 1year predicted concomitant decreases in two indicators of sexual well-being: sexual satisfaction and orgasm frequency evaluations. Decreases in sexual closeness discrepancies resulted in improvement in sexual well-being. Individuals who reported no sexual closeness discrepancies and experienced no changes in sexual closeness discrepancies tended to have the highest levels of sexual well-being. Importantly, sexual closeness discrepancies were robust predictors of sexual well-being, above and beyond individuals' actual sexual closeness, general relationship closeness, and other demographic and relationship characteristics known to be associated with sexual well-being. The present findings demonstrate that how close people feel sexually to their relationship partners is part of a general constellation of factors related to relationship closeness that, only when considered together, sufficiently explain the ways in which experiences of closeness impact sexual well-being in romantic relationships.

Extending Individual Psychology Theory and Practice Through Empirical and Scholarly Research

Extending Individual Psychology Theory and Practice Through Empirical and Scholarly Research Jon Sperry and Len Sperry The first article in this issue, “Feeling Equal to Others Predicts Life Satisfaction: Implications for Adlerian Neuro-Counselors,” is by Wilson and Dowda. The authors present their research on predictors of life satisfaction among adults older than age 65. They examined longitudinal data among Americans age 65 and older who completed a survey on Religion, Aging, and Health in both 2001 and 2004 (United States). Through use of logical regression they found that variables such as feelings of having worth at least equal to that of others, looking on the bright side of things, and being optimistic about one’s future predicted life satisfaction at significant levels. Another article, “Predictors of Post-Traumatic Growth: The Role of Social Interest and Meaning in Life,” by Grad and Zeligman, examines the predictive nature of social interest and meaning in life on post-traumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of 531 college students who have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. Participants completed the BASIS-A Inventory, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory. The authors found that social interest and meaning in life served as significant predictors of PTG, together accounting for 8.3% of the variance. Grad and Zeligman concluded that both meaning in life and social interest are important factors that contribute to post-traumatic growth among college students. The links among social interest, adult attachment, and well-being in romantic relationships is explored in a quantitative study by Rennebohm, Seebeck, and Thoburn, “Attachment, Dyadic Adjustment, and Social Interest: An Indirect Effects Model.” From a sample of 246 university staff, faculty, and students, the authors report that social interest assists in better explaining the relationships between adult attachment and well-being in romantic relationships (dyadic adjustment). Hartshorne presents a clinical piece, “An Adlerian Looks at Challenging Behavior in Severe Disability.” The author discusses his experience after [End Page 171] 28 years of having a son with CHARGE syndrome. The article presents an Adlerian understanding of challenging behaviors when working with clients living with severe disabilities. He also discusses how Adlerian constructs, such as courage to be imperfect, psychology of use, purposefulness of behavior, and goals of misbehavior, as well as life tasks, are useful in conceptualizing and treating individuals with severe disabilities. Johansen’s article “Well-Being Therapy and Adlerian Psychology: Revisiting the Task of Self” reviews well-being therapy and how it is compatible with Individual Psychology theory and techniques. Johansen discusses how the task of self has some theoretical overlap with well-being therapy, as both seek to foster a sense of purpose and self-acceptance. Additionally, Johansen recommends applying well-being therapy in the orientation stage of treatment. The final article in the issue, by Eriksson, “Adlerian Psychology and Music Therapy: The Harmony of Sound and Matter and Community Feeling,” adds to the discussion Dreikurs started some 60 years ago when he founded the National Association of Music Therapy. The article provides a framework for how Individual Psychology informs the practice of music therapy, given that music therapy in a group setting can serve as a metaphor for social interest, communication, and community. Eriksson reviews a number of theoretical and practice implications from various Individual Psychology music therapy practitioners. In summary, all the articles in this issue add to the rich philosophical principles articulated by Alfred Adler. The authors have provided a wealth of clinical knowledge and research to extend the theory of Individual Psychology. Next, we enthusiastically welcome a new managing editor to the JIP editorial team, Ali Cunningham, PhD, an assistant professor at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Cunningham brings great enthusiasm and various ideas to promote the growth of the journal. Last, this open issue falls between two special issues edited by the late Dr. Jon Carlson. [End Page 172] Copyright © 2017 University of Texas Press

Attachment, Dyadic Adjustment, and Social Interest: An Indirect Effects Model

This study examined the contribution of social interest to the established link between adult attachment and well-being in romantic relationships (dyadic adjustment). Results from a sample of 246 university faculty, staff, and students indicated that both attachment avoidance ( r = −.496, p r = −.299, p r = .218, p B = −.242, CI95 [−.566, −.033]). These results are consistent with an ecosystemic view of relational functioning and indicate the importance of developing social interest during clinical work with couples.

Is It Good to Be Giving in the Bedroom? A Prosocial Perspective on Sexual Health and Well-Being in Romantic Relationships

Satisfying sexual interactions are a crucial predictor of the quality of romantic relationships and satisfaction with life. At the same time that sex can lift couples up and bring them great pleasure, navigating the sexual aspects of their relationship can be quite challenging for some couples, as conflicts of interest such as desired sexual frequency are among the most difficult types of relationship conflict to resolve. A prosocial perspective on sexuality suggests that partners who are highly motivated to respond to each other’s needs and provide each other with sexual benefits can maintain desire, even over the long term, as well as navigate sexual problems in their relationship with greater success. This article addresses two central questions, including why people are motivated to provide their romantic partner with sexual benefits and the relationship and sexual outcomes of doing so, as well as who is most likely to be giving in the bedroom. This perspective on sexuality has important clinical applications, including unique extensions to individuals with sexual dysfunctions, as well as the psychological and sexual well-being of affected couples.

Hookup Sex Versus Romantic Relationship Sex in College: Why Do We Care and What Do We Do?

Hookup Sex Versus Romantic Relationship Sex in College: Why Do We Care and What Do We Do?

The Course of Well-Being in Romantic Relationships: Predicting Positive Affect in Dating Participants

People use different methods to make themselves happier, but their attempts at lasting happiness are often thwarted by the hedonic adaptation process. We examined changes in well-being over 8 weeks in participants who were involved in romantic relationships and those who were not. On average, both groups declined in well-being over time, but the relationship group experienced more positive emotions overall. High positive affect was predicted by higher aspirations, higher passionate love, and being in a same-ethnicity relationship. None of the variables we measured significantly predicted changes in positive affect over time, which may be due to the short duration of the study.

Perceived social network support and well-being in same-sex versus mixed-sex romantic relationships

A theoretical model was tested, in which better perceived social network support specifically for a romantic relationship was hypothesized to predict higher relationship well-being which, in turn, would predict more positive mental and physical health outcomes for relationship partners. Furthermore, the model was tested on participants in both same-sex (i.e., homosexual, n = 183) and mixed-sex (i.e., heterosexual, n = 275) relationships. Structural equation modelling indicated that the hypothesized model did fit the data very well; furthermore, no differences in model fit were found between the two relationship groups. Support specifically for the relationship remained a highly significant predictor of the outcome variables, even when general social support and support for one's sexual orientation were controlled.