Search

The increased interest on measuring violence in romantic relationships has led to the identification of some risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) in its different forms. Some of them are often present from the onset of the relationships. However, little attention has been paid to the engagement period. This might be, in part, due to the cognitive dissonance that hinders partners reporting intimate violence when they are planning their wedding. The purpose of our study is to test the association between the individual perception of relationship power imbalance (RPI)—a possible indirect measure of intimate violence—and known predictors of IPV. To test this hypothesis, a total of 254 premarital couples taking part in a dynamic prospective cohort study completed a questionnaire with questions about the perception of RPI and referred predictors of IPV. Results showed a positive correlation between the perception of RPI and known predictors of IPV. These findings suggest that RPI is a powerful indirect measure to detect situations that might imply a mild form of IPV and that could evolve into stronger presentations of violence later in marriage. Noticing the presence of RPI before marriage could encourage the prevention and development of personal and relational strategies to avoid the consolidation of violent dynamics within the marital relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prior research suggests that some factors account for the association between marital dissatisfaction and Major Depression. We examined whether personality determines the association between marital dissatisfaction and a First Episode of Major Depression (FEMD), and whether specific personality factors are linked to marital dissatisfaction depending on the outcome of the FEMD. Methods: The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale were administered both at baseline (T1) and six months later (T2), at 6 outpatient settings. We counted on the participation of 59 married couples with one member fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for a FEMD, and a healthy partner. Depressed participants also completed the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. Results: Certain personality factors mediate the association of a FEMD and Marital Dissatisfaction. "Neuroticism" mediates the association both at T1 and T2. However, the relationship between personality factors and Marital Dissatisfaction depends on the outcome of the Episode. If it has remitted by T2, personality might not be associated with marital interaction. However, if depression persists, "openness" and "conscientiousness" are related to less marital dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The most important mediating personality factor between marital dissatisfaction and a First Episode of Major Depression is "neuroticism". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prior research suggests that some factors account for the association between marital dissatisfaction and Major Depression. We examined whether personality determines the association between marital dissatisfaction and a First Episode of Major Depression (FEMD), and whether specific personality factors are linked to marital dissatisfaction depending on the outcome of the FEMD., Methods: The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale were administered both at baseline (T1) and six months later (T2), at 6 outpatient settings. We counted on the participation of 59 married couples with one member fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for a FEMD, and a healthy partner. Depressed participants also completed the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised., Results: Certain personality factors mediate the association of a FEMD and Marital Dissatisfaction. “Neuroticism” mediates the association both at T1 and T2. However, the relationship between personality factors and Marital Dissatisfaction depends on the outcome of the Episode. If it has remitted by T2, personality might not be associated with marital interaction. However, if depression persists, “openness” and “conscientiousness” are related to less marital dissatisfaction., Conclusion: The most important mediating personality factor between marital dissatisfaction and a First Episode of Major Depression is “neuroticism”.

Background and Objective: To validate the best alternative cut-off point of a Spanish version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) for the screening of eating disorders cases in the general population., Subjects and Method: The translated questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of 2,734 female students who ranged in age from 13 to 22 years. Participants who scored above 21 points were interviewed, as were a random sample of participants who scored 21 or below. Internal and external validity parameters were estimated for different alternative cut-off scores below the usual EAT score of 30., Results: The best diagnostic prediction was obtained with a cut-off score of 21 points (sensitivity: 73.3%; specificity: 85.1%). A positive predictive value of 20% and a negative predictive value of 98.4% were obtained., Conclusions: The best diagnostic prediction in a non-clinical setting is obtained with a cut-off score of 21, below that recommended by the authors of the questionnaire.