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BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) impacts both individual and relational functioning. Veteran couples are at increased risk of relationship distress due to military stressors such as deployment, family reintegration, and traumatic stress. Although both Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) and its brief version (bCBCT) consistently have large effects on reducing PTSD symptoms, these treatments have more variable effects on relational outcomes. Given the impact of relationship functioning on the overall health of veterans, improving the effect of PTSD treatments on relationship functioning is an essential area of research. One promising path is the role of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted therapy in augmenting the relational impact of established therapeutic interventions such as bCBCT. METHOD/DESIGN: This is a single site, open-label study assessing the preliminary efficacy, safety, and acceptability of MDMA-assisted therapy in combination with bCBCT in 8 veterans with PTSD and their intimate partners (N = 16). Therapy teams trained in bCBCT and MDMA-assisted therapy will deliver bCBCT combined with two MDMA sessions and two couple emotion focused integration sessions. PTSD symptom severity and relationship functioning outcomes will be evaluated. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to examine the efficacy of MDMA-assisted bCBCT for improving PTSD and relationship functioning among a sample of U.S. military veterans and their partners. This project could provide an opportunity to pilot a scalable model of treating PTSD within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system and leverage the benefits of MDMA for veterans with PTSD, as well as the downstream benefits to their partner on both individual and relationship functioning. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05979844.

Objective: To test the reliability and validity of the Online Jealousy Scale. Background: Romantic jealousy is often examined in online and social media settings and a validated measure of online jealousy is needed. Method: Across two studies, the present research tests the psychometric properties of the Online Jealousy Scale (adapted from the Facebook Jealousy Scale) on an undergraduate (Study 1, N = 111) and two broader community (Study 2, N = 200; Study 3, N = 143) samples. Results: Data across all studies provide evidence of strong inter-item and test–retest reliability; and construct, convergent and discriminant validity. Consistent with other jealousy measures, evidence of three factors emerged: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral jealousy. Discussion: These studies indicate that the OJS is a reliable and valid instrument. Implications: This measure fills the need for a valid, reliable assessment of online jealousy and can be used in research about online jealousy across age and relationship type. It may also be useful for individual or couple therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the overwhelming support for the importance of sexual communication to intimate relationships, there is limited information about what motivates someone to engage in or avoid sexual communication. Motivational frameworks have been applied to various aspects of intimate relationships, serving as strong predictors of different behavioural processes and playing a crucial role in facilitating behavioural change. As such, we aimed to elucidate the motivations for sexual communication and explore how they relate to other aspects of the process of sexual communication. A total of 373 participants were recruited from online crowdsourcing websites across two studies, and they completed online questionnaires using a mixed methods approach. In Study 1, open-ended responses regarding participants' motivations for sexual communication were inductively coded and aligned with the Regulatory Focus Theory, which describes two distinct modes of goal pursuit depending on if the person is focused on growth and advancement (i.e., promotion-focused) or safety and security (prevention-focused). This coding structure was replicated in Study 2, and we expanded the results to examine the predictive ability of the coded motivations. We found that those higher in attachment avoidance were more likely to have prevention-focused motivations, and those with relationship-oriented promotion-focused motivations reported more depth of both sexual and nonsexual communication as well as more relationship and sexual satisfaction. The implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building upon the evidence supporting the interpersonal benefits of trait mindfulness, efforts to understand mindfulness in the context of intimate relationships (i.e., relationship mindfulness) have been made to better predict relationship outcomes. To further understand the relationship benefits of mindfulness, it is crucial to take a closer look at for whom and under what conditions trait mindfulness translates into relationship mindfulness. In this study, we examined the moderating effects of one's own and their partner's mental well-being on the positive link between trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness. Specifically, we expected this link to be weaker for those who themselves or their partners reported worse mental well-being as poor mental well-being may pull couples inward, away from showing up mindfully in relationships. A sample of 115 different-sex married couples completed an online questionnaire that included measures of trait mindfulness, relationship mindfulness, and markers of mental well-being (i.e., depression, anxiety, loneliness). A series of actor-partner interdependence moderation models showed that, consistent with our hypotheses, the link between husbands' trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness was weaker if husbands or their wives reported higher depression or anxiety. Therefore, couples may benefit more if mindfulness-based couple interventions directly target how partners can use mindfulness skills to stay connected even when facing mental health challenges. This study also further highlights the importance of considering various relational contexts for mindfulness research and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Witnessing violence between parents during childhood has an impact on individuals' attachment and romantic relationship behaviors. As a result, individuals have expectations according to the attitudes, beliefs, and values that constitute a healthy and unhealthy relationship, which they developed both their early and childhood experiences, and they can act accordingly. Therefore, this study aimed to qualitatively explore the way in which adult women who witnessing inter-parental intimate partner violence (IPV) in childhood, qualities characterize a romantic relationship in terms of being healthy and unhealthy, and their self-reflective statements about their relationships. The research was carried out according to a descriptive phenomenological design. The participants of the study consisted of 16 females aged between 23–58 (M = 40.62, SD = 11.67), 12 of whom were married and 4 of whom have a romantic relationship. According to the results of the analysis, the participants were able to reveal the characteristics that make up healthy and unhealthy relationships, but they stated problems with verbal and psychological violence in their relationships, open communication, and investment in the relationship. In addition, the participants expressed the conflict behaviors that they and their partners use. The findings are discussed with the literature studies and suggestions for future research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent decades have seen an increasing gap occurring between the 'desired' and 'actual' family size of middle-class and professional women. This situation of 'unrealised fertility' and 'incomplete families' carries implications at a population, but also couple and individual level. This paper explores how middle-class professional women make decisions about partnering and parenthood and how these are shaped by a contemporary neoliberal feminist discourse which articulates the possibility of 'having it all' through engagement in careful life planning, appropriate self-investment, and by drawing on new technologies of reproductive biomedicine. Informed by semi-structured interviews with UK and US women conducted at two different points in time, it explores how they approach and experience the process of relationship formation in the face of age-related fertility decline. It also examines how the use of social egg freezing shape their romantic and family building expectations but also their interactions with (potential) partners. In doing so, it explores how gendered cultural dating scripts and unequal gender power relations shape the formation and progression of intimate relationships in a manner which can disempower women as they age. It therefore questions whether egg freezing may be the 'great equaliser' that some have hoped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper examines the association between the level of similarity in the “Big Five” personality traits of the partners in different-sex couples and their risk of union dissolution. Prior research has mainly focused on homogamy in socio-economic, demographic, and cultural characteristics, such as age, education, employment, and religion. The few studies on the effects of homogamy in the personalities of the partners on separation find mixed results. We extend on this by analysing the moderating effect of education. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) for the 2005–2019 period, we follow 3958 coresidential couples and observe 534 separations. Personality is measured via the “Big Five” personality traits. We estimate discrete-time event history models for union dissolution. In addition to reporting the main effects, we calculate interactions between personality and the level of education of the partners. Our results indicate that greater dissimilarity with regard to the personality trait “openness” is associated with a higher probability to separate. However, analysing interaction effects reveals that this is relevant mainly among medium educated men. Moreover, persons with high education seem to be less likely to separate if they are dissimilar from their partner in their level of “extraversion”. These findings suggest that relationship dynamics differ across educational groups.

Abstract Background The concept of recovery has become internationally widespread. To promote personal recovery of individuals with mental disorders, it is important that they live life on their own terms. Many people with mental disorders wish to build intimate relationships and marry. However, people with mental disorders face obstacles in building such relationships and communicating with their partners. The program AIRIKI, which means “power to love,” was developed to help people with mental disorders gain confidence in building intimate relationships. The AIRIKI pilot study with one-group pre post test showed positive effects on self-esteem, hope, and communication. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the effects of the videoconferencing program on self-esteem, hope, and self-confidence in communication among un-married people with mental disorders. Methods The proposed randomized controlled trial has two arms (intervention group and control group). After baseline questionnaire assessment, participants will be allocated randomly. Within two months of allocation, the intervention group will participate in videoconferences about intimate relationships and marriage with 2–5 participants and 3 facilitators, which will last 3 h, for two days. Three facilitators will support participants in each session. The intervention group will complete a questionnaire for outcome assessment at termination and one month after the program. The control group will complete the outcome questionnaire at one month after baseline and two months after baseline. The questionnaire will include the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Self-confidence in Communication Scale (SCS). Control group members can participate in a videoconference program, which will be held separately from the intervention group, after completing their outcome assessments. Discussion This trial is the first randomized controlled trial of which we are aware to test the effects of an online program for un-married people with mental disorders to consider and discuss their romantic relationship and marriage. The results will provide information on the effectiveness of an online program for people with mental disorders to imagine their romantic relationships and marriages. Trial registration This trial has been registered with the UNIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000052027; 2023/08/28).

Existing research indicates that 'partner phubbing' is associated with heightened conflict and lower relationship satisfaction. However, previous studies have relied on cross-sectional designs involving subjective self-reports of only one partner. In this study, the main hypothesis entailed that the link between partner phubbing and relationship quality will be mediated by conflict over smartphone use. We utilized experience sampling (ESM) with objective smartphone logging measures collected over 14 days from 35 mixed-gender intimate dyads from Belgium (N = 70). An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model revealed that perceived relationship quality was negatively predicted by partner's smartphone use in husbands only, but there were no indirect effects via smartphone conflict. We reported a low occurrence of smartphone frustration and conflict in couples. An outstanding dyad analysis revealed some incongruencies between partner's smartphone use and its perception within couples. The design allowed us to distinguish between phone use frequency and screen time, which facilitated a nuanced understanding of smartphone use impact, and gender differences, to some extent refuting the previous literature. The findings prompt us to debate whether co-present smartphone use ought to be associated with negative outcomes exclusively, a rare notion to be explored in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reports on cyber dating violence in adolescent populations vary significantly depending on whether the focus is on directly aggressive behaviours or behaviours designed to control one's partner. In contrast to direct aggression, which is often clearly identified by adolescents, there is a greater degree of ignorance, and even a certain degree of normalisation, of controlling behaviours. Such behaviours may include, for example, insisting on knowing the whereabouts of a partner at all times or sharing social media passwords. This study aims to explore adolescent perceptions of cyber dating violence and to identify the differential characteristics of cyber-violent relationships using the Iramuteq software program for text analysis. Methods: Participants were 466 second- and third-year secondary school students. Data were collected through surveys, and responses were analysed using the Iramuteq program. This software tool enabled the identification of common terms and themes linked to cyber dating violence, as perceived by participating adolescents. Results: The analyses revealed the repeated appearance of terms associated with violent behaviours, online media, toxic relationships, and victim coercion. However, there was a notable lack of recognition of controlling behaviours as a manifestation of cyber dating violence. Adolescents frequently normalised behaviours such as insisting on knowing a partner's whereabouts at all times or sharing social media passwords. Conclusions: The findings suggest a significant gap in adolescents' understanding of what constitutes cyber dating violence. In contrast to direct aggression, which is easily identified, controlling behaviours are often normalised, indicating a need for educational and preventive measures to address this issue. By improving adolescents' understanding of controlling behaviours as a form of cyber dating violence, preventive efforts can be more effectively tailored to address and mitigate this problem. To prevent the normalisation of certain behaviours indicative of cyber dating violence, early education is recommended in areas such as healthy relationships, communication skills, respect for privacy, and recognition of signs of excessive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do some perceive a partner's response as heartening while others interpret the same response as demoralizing? This study examined how attachment anxiety and avoidance influence perceived partner responses toward capitalization attempts (PRCA) and perceived mattering (PM) among married couples (N = 103 dyads). Dyadic analyses delineating the actor and partner effects revealed that wives' attachment avoidance predicted own PRCA, PM, and their husbands' PRCA. Whereas husbands' attachment avoidance predicted own PM and their wives' PRCA and PM, husbands' attachment anxiety predicted only their PRCA and PM. The interaction between wife and husband attachment anxiety also predicted the husbands' PRCA and PM. Husbands, but not wives, perceived the lowest level of PRCA and PM when both couples had high attachment anxiety. The results were discussed in the context of the interplay between attachment orientations and partner responsiveness in Turkish culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The concept of recovery has become internationally widespread. To promote personal recovery of individuals with mental disorders, it is important that they live life on their own terms. Many people with mental disorders wish to build intimate relationships and marry. However, people with mental disorders face obstacles in building such relationships and communicating with their partners. The program AIRIKI, which means "power to love," was developed to help people with mental disorders gain confidence in building intimate relationships. The AIRIKI pilot study with one-group pre post test showed positive effects on self-esteem, hope, and communication. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the effects of the videoconferencing program on self-esteem, hope, and self-confidence in communication among un-married people with mental disorders. Methods: The proposed randomized controlled trial has two arms (intervention group and control group). After baseline questionnaire assessment, participants will be allocated randomly. Within two months of allocation, the intervention group will participate in videoconferences about intimate relationships and marriage with 2–5 participants and 3 facilitators, which will last 3 h, for two days. Three facilitators will support participants in each session. The intervention group will complete a questionnaire for outcome assessment at termination and one month after the program. The control group will complete the outcome questionnaire at one month after baseline and two months after baseline. The questionnaire will include the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Self-confidence in Communication Scale (SCS). Control group members can participate in a videoconference program, which will be held separately from the intervention group, after completing their outcome assessments. Discussion: This trial is the first randomized controlled trial of which we are aware to test the effects of an online program for un-married people with mental disorders to consider and discuss their romantic relationship and marriage. The results will provide information on the effectiveness of an online program for people with mental disorders to imagine their romantic relationships and marriages. Trial registration: This trial has been registered with the UNIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000052027; 2023/08/28). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the association between the level of similarity in the "Big Five" personality traits of the partners in different-sex couples and their risk of union dissolution. Prior research has mainly focused on homogamy in socio-economic, demographic, and cultural characteristics, such as age, education, employment, and religion. The few studies on the effects of homogamy in the personalities of the partners on separation find mixed results. We extend on this by analysing the moderating effect of education. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) for the 2005–2019 period, we follow 3958 coresidential couples and observe 534 separations. Personality is measured via the "Big Five" personality traits. We estimate discrete-time event history models for union dissolution. In addition to reporting the main effects, we calculate interactions between personality and the level of education of the partners. Our results indicate that greater dissimilarity with regard to the personality trait "openness" is associated with a higher probability to separate. However, analysing interaction effects reveals that this is relevant mainly among medium educated men. Moreover, persons with high education seem to be less likely to separate if they are dissimilar from their partner in their level of "extraversion". These findings suggest that relationship dynamics differ across educational groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respect serves as a protective factor for the quality of intimate relationships. In the current paper, the potential loss of respect for the male partner as a predictor for the female partner's use of physical intimate violence was examined. The analysis drew upon the perceptions and experiences of 25 African men who sought medical assistance following episodes of physical intimate violence. Additional perspectives from five specialists who worked with the victims were also included. Findings demonstrate that the quality of a relationship is positively predicted by mutual respect toward partners. The loss of respect for the male counterpart is positively predicted as a risk factor for the female partner's use of physical intimate violence. The results and their implications are discussed within the scope of the related literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not having an intimate partner constitutes a common state in contemporary post-industrial societies. The current research aimed to address the question of whether single people score higher than mated people in various dimensions of quality of life. For this purpose, we employed quantitative research methods, measuring different aspects of quality of life that we treated as the dependent variables, with relationship status as the independent variable. In a sample of 1929 participants from Greece and Turkey, we found that relationship status was not significantly associated with physical health, relationships with friends and family, self-development, independence, recreation, or participation in social and communal activities. On the other hand, it was significantly associated with material goods, disposable income, social support, sexual satisfaction, and having children, with mated people scoring higher than single people. Despite using different methodologies for data collection, similar results were obtained in the two cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veteran and intimate partner perceptions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may differ, and little is known about how agreement or disagreement on symptom severity is related to relationship satisfaction. Veterans and their partners (N = 199 couples) completed a baseline assessment for a clinical trial evaluating two couple‐based PTSD interventions. Veterans completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5). Partners completed the collateral PCL‐5 (PCL‐5‐C), which asked them to rate the severity of the veteran's PTSD symptoms. Both partner and veteran completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI‐32). Intraclass correlations (ICC) assessed agreement between PCL‐5 and PCL‐5‐C total and subscale scores, which was low for total PCL and for all subscales (ICC = 0.15–0.46). Actor‐Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs; actor‐only pattern) tested associations between relationship satisfaction and PTSD symptom severity (total PCL and subscales), and the magnitude and direction of difference between PCL‐5 and PCL‐5‐C (total and subscales). For veterans, more severe total PTSD and negative cognition/mood scores were associated with lower relationship satisfaction, and the direction of discrepancy for negative cognition/mood (i.e., higher veteran‐rated PTSD symptoms relative to partner's collateral report) was also associated with lower satisfaction. For partners, more severe collateral‐reported symptoms for total PTSD and all four subscales were associated with lower relationship satisfaction; further, a larger discrepancy between veterans' and partners' reports of total PTSD, negative cognition/mood, and hyperarousal were associated with lower satisfaction. These results suggest that partners may have different perceptions of PTSD symptoms, and support the potential of fostering a shared understanding of PTSD symptom severity in couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study asked U.S.‐based participants to describe how the pandemic had changed their relationship with their intimate partner during the initial lockdown in March–May 2020, and then again in February–March 2021. Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has been a major stressor for couples and families. Method: The study includes 592 partnered individuals drawn from a larger study evaluating the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on life at home. Participants were 84.5% women, and 89.8% were White. Responses were coded by a four‐person team using a pragmatic coding approach with good reliability. Results: Codes were grouped together into five categories: stated emotion words, positive changes, negative changes, changes described with mixed emotional descriptors by different participants, and changes in parenting (that did not always have a specific valence). At Time 1, 52% of respondents noted positive changes and 60% of respondents described negative changes. At Time 3, 68% indicated positive changes and 65% indicated negative changes. Conclusion: Findings suggest great variability in experiences that couples and families have had over the past few years. Implications: This combination of open‐ended inquiry and longitudinal study offers a unique perspective on the effects of the pandemic on family life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT Aim Background Method Results Conclusion Relevance to Clinical Practice Reporting Method The aim of this literature review was to explore women's experiences of their intimate and sexual relationships during menopause.Evidence shows that the menopause transition can be a difficult time for women due to symptoms of menopause. There is little research evidence about how menopause‐related symptoms impact women's intimate and sexual relationships.A qualitative synthesis was carried out on research published between May 2005 and July 2023 using five electronic databases: ASSIA, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science. We also searched Google Scholar and used backward and forward chaining methods to identify results not listed in the databases and ensure that no relevant literature was omitted.Eighteen qualitative studies were included in this review. Six main themes were identified: the meaning of menopause to women in different cultures; factors affecting women's sexual lives; changes in sexual desire and orgasm; talking about sexual issues; women's attempts to overcome the impact of ageing and menopause on their sexual lives; and concerns about partner sexual satisfaction during the menopause.During the menopause transition, women can experience sexual difficulties that have an impact on their lives and intimate relationships. Qualitative studies showed that sexual changes associated with menopause can be difficult to manage and must be viewed in the social and cultural contexts of the women's lives.The results of this review will be of interest to nurses to assess patient needs while offering health services to women in menopause. In addition, the results can be used to inform education and support programmes for women.We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and used the PRISMA‐ScR reporting method. No patient or public contribution was required for this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the extent to which individuals deliberately avoid the topic of pornography use with their partner and how such avoidance influences the association between pornography use and sexual satisfaction. We reasoned that such communicative avoidance may account for some of the negative relational effects associated with pornography use. A sample of 191 participants in mixed-sex relationships completed online measures of pornography use, sexual satisfaction, and domain-specific and overall measures of communicative avoidance. Men tended to avoid the topic of pornography use more than other topics that have the potential to cause relationship conflict. Women did not avoid the topic of pornography use more or less than other relationship topics. Controlling for pornography use, men and women who were more likely to avoid the topic of pornography use were less likely to be sexually satisfied; this association remained significant for men (but not women) after controlling their overall communicative avoidance. Lastly, men who were high pornography users and reported high levels of overall communication avoidance were most likely to report lower sexual satisfaction. Our findings underscore the need to pay careful attention to relational processes and dynamics when investigating the influence of pornography use on intimate relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study of LGBTQ+ college students highlights and amplifies the experiences of their healthy intimate relationships. College represents a pivotal time for personal and relationship development for many students, and seeing the positive ways students with historically minoritized gender and sexual identities navigate relationships has value for understanding how sexuality manifests within the current culture. Using a critical constructivist perspective and photo elicitation methods, the study includes students’ narratives and visual presentations of their lived experiences thriving in healthy intimate relationships. The findings included three specific areas that supported students’ thriving: self-work and self-awareness, fluidity and flexibility, and communication. These findings, and students’ relationship images highlight the ways that they thrive through continual affirmative consent and responsibility to themselves and their relationships. Together, these findings provide possibility models to support imagining and educating about LGBTQ+ students’ healthy intimate relationships. Findings have potential for informing trainings and resources for LGBTQ+ students, enhancing relationship education by challenging oppressive norms that influence all students, and for questioning the ways university regulations inhibit participants’ agency for celebrating their intimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article I explore the potential of practical reflexivity of handling categories applied by social researchers, drawing on my ongoing doctoral project in which I employ a qualitative ethnographic approach. By integrating various ways of perceiving reflexivity, including migration studies, research on intimate relationships, and feminist theory, I demonstrate ways to view research settings as encounters that enable dialogue and an atmosphere of listening. Two categories, Afghan and marriage, which emerged as significantly multifaceted in my doctoral project serve as examples for this exploration of practical reflexivity. I illustrate the impact of individuals' perception of being seen as Afghan in a broader societal and political context, and I show the opportunity to reflect on the category of marriage during interview settings using dialogue with interlocutors. By establishing practical ways to incorporate reflexivity, I contribute to the growing research field of intimate relationships in a migration context, where a critical stance towards categories is infrequently employed. This also contributes to the field of applied reflexivity in migration studies. I argue that an unreflexive use of categories may lead to the reproduction of discriminatory practices and Eurocentrism, and that scholars, especially when working with marginalized groups, must assume the responsibility of questioning categories often taken for granted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo test the reliability and validity of the Online Jealousy Scale.BackgroundRomantic jealousy is often examined in online and social media settings and a validated measure of online jealousy is needed.MethodAcross two studies, the present research tests the psychometric properties of the Online Jealousy Scale (adapted from the Facebook Jealousy Scale) on an undergraduate (Study 1, N = 111) and two broader community (Study 2, N = 200; Study 3, N = 143) samples.ResultsData across all studies provide evidence of strong inter-item and test–retest reliability; and construct, convergent and discriminant validity. Consistent with other jealousy measures, evidence of three factors emerged: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral jealousy.DiscussionThese studies indicate that the OJS is a reliable and valid instrument.ImplicationsThis measure fills the need for a valid, reliable assessment of online jealousy and can be used in research about online jealousy across age and relationship type. It may also be useful for individual or couple therapy.

Abstract Background Rejection is a highly stressful experience and individuals tend to avoid it whenever possible. In intimate relationships, experiences of rejection can shape the interaction dynamics between partners. Highly rejection sensitive people fear that their romantic partner will reject them and they overreact to any ambiguous cues that might indicate rejection. Furthermore, because they focus on the threat of rejection, they may have difficulty disengaging from rejection-related emotions, persevere in a rejection-focused state and have a reduced capacity to regulate their emotions. The prolonged experience of strong negative emotions, together with maladaptive attempts to respond to rejection, may undermine key relationship maintenance processes that contribute to relationship functioning and lead to negative reciprocity in interactions. The goal of the present study was to shed light on how individuals experience rejection-related emotions and determine whether, following perceptions of negative interactions, rejection sensitivity was associated with stronger negative responses and less efficient downregulation of negative emotions. In addition, we examined whether dyadic patterns of rejection sensitivity were associated with negative emotion dynamics following perceptions of negative interactions. Methods The participants (N = 298) were couples experiencing the transition to parenthood. A multilevel modelling approach was used to assess the associations between rejection sensitivity, perceptions of negative interactions and emotional states. The analyses included repeated daily reports for both rejection and emotions. Results The results suggest that rejection sensitive individuals do not report higher negative emotions when they perceive negative interactions. Moreover, rejection sensitive men and women did not remain longer in a negative emotional state after they perceived negative interactions with their partner. Finally, when both men and women partners reported higher levels of rejection sensitivity, neither reported having higher negative emotions after experiencing negative interaction perceptions. Conclusions Our findings provide further insights into emotional dynamics and rejection sensitivity in romantic relationships. Our results do not provide evidence for a link between rejection sensitivity and higher negative emotions or slower recovery after reports of negative interactions. If individuals suppress their emotions, they may not benefit from regulation with their partner and instead may protect themselves over their relationships. However, in this context, rejection sensitivity might also not constitute a strong predictor of daily emotion fluctuations, but other variables– such as relationship satisfaction – might. Future research may investigate emotional responses in a sample with higher levels of rejection sensitivity and use more diverse measures of perceptions of negative interactions.

Considerable research confirms that romantic relationships and their quality are one of the top priorities in the lives of individuals, especially as they enter the emerging adulthood stage. It is indisputably relevant to revisit relationship quality factors in research, even though there is generally plenty of interest in this topic across the research literature. The present study concerns the antecedents of relationship quality in a research-excluded region of Central Eastern Europe, namely Slovakia, where no similar research has been published to date, presuming the cultural specificities of Slovak youth. The study intends to approximate individuals' perceptions, not to fit them into predefined theories; thus, the research is inductive with an experiential orientation to the data. A reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews (37) or written self-moderated accounts (74) from 104 participants in a cohort of 18- to 35-year-olds resulted in the creation of four themes. These reflect the participants’ accounts of the antecedents of relational quality, which are i) external circumstances, ii) partners’ mutual attitudes and feelings, iii) the degree of sharing, and iv) individual contributions to relationship quality (personality, character traits, emotionality). Although the results can be formulated as a positive versus negative duality of oppositional influences, the degree phenomenon is strongly present. The idea that “everything in excess is bad” certainly applies.

AbstractBackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionsDiscrimination in intimate relationships (IR) is frequently reported among persons with schizophrenia. Despite ongoing effort of international organizations to combat mental illness stigma, there remain a limited understanding of specific IR-related stereotypes.The study aimed to i) identify the stereotypes related to IR of persons with schizophrenia held by Mental Health Professionals (MHP), health students and the general population, and ii) explore the effects of several factors associated with these stereotypes.This study used a mixed-methods approach. A survey developed collaboratively with persons with lived experience of mental health conditions (PWLE) was disseminated among MHP, health students and the general population.The majority of the nine IR-related stereotypes previously identified by PWLE were endorsed by the participants (N = 532). PWLE were perceived as particularly incompetent in the domain of IR (e.g. to achieve couple project). Stereotypes endorsement varied among the groups. Continuum beliefs, perceived similarities and recovery beliefs were negatively associated with stereotype endorsement.The general population, MHP and health students endorsed several stereotypes regarding IR of persons with schizophrenia. The results provide support for the role of theoretical beliefs in IR stigmatization, suggesting they may be relevant targets for evidence-based stigma reduction programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People living with chronic primary or secondary musculoskeletal pain conditions such as low back pain, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory arthritis typically experience wide-ranging impacts on their physical function, activity participation, and psychosocial wellbeing. These can extend to negative impacts on a person's sexual function and their intimate relationships. While sexual function is an important component of wellbeing, it is often not considered within musculoskeletal pain care. Without awareness or targeted training, physical therapists may lack the confidence and skills to screen, assess, and manage the impacts that pain may be having on a person's sexual function and can miss the opportunity to tailor their care and optimize wellbeing. This article seeks to raise awareness among physical therapists of how living with chronic musculoskeletal pain can impact a person's sexual function and intimate relationships, and provide guidance on how to consider these issues within a person-centered approach to care. It describes why considering sexual function and intimate relationship issues as part of a person's lived musculoskeletal pain experience may be relevant, outlines the use of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess sexual dysfunction, and suggests practical strategies for sensitively raising sexual function in consultations. Management approaches and possible referral pathways are also presented, to assist physical therapists in understanding available care options. This article seeks to support holistic care by improving physical therapists' knowledge and understanding of sexual dysfunction and its management in people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Impact 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: A good intimate relationship (IR) can relieve the psychological distress of patients with cervical cancer and promote a sense of well-being during stressful times. Researchers have found that IR is related to illness perception (IP) and dyadic coping (DC). Therefore, this study aimed to (1) describe the IR of patients with cervical cancer, (2) identify the relationships and pathways among IP, DC and IR in patients with cervical cancer and (3) explore the mediating role of DC between IP and IR in cervical cancer patients. Methods: A total of 175 patients with cervical cancer were recruited at a tertiary hospital in China from September 2021 to January 2023. The data were collected through a general demographic and disease-related information questionnaire, the Locke­Wallace Marriage Adjustment Test, the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire of Cervical Cancer and the Dyadic Coping Inventory. Results: The mean score for intimate relationships was 107.78 (SD = 23.99, range 30–154). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that intimate relationships were positively correlated with IP (personal control) and DC (stress communication, supportive DC, delegated DC and common DC) and were negatively correlated with IP (consequence, timeline acute/chronic, timeline cyclical and emotional representation) and negative DC. As for the results of the structural equation model, DC fully mediated the influencing effects of both positive and negative IP on IR. Conclusions: The level of IR of patients with cervical cancer in China should be improved. DC has a significant mediating effect on the link between the IP and IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop and validate the Intimate Relationships Happiness Questionnaire (IRHQ). Methods: Firstly, interviews were conducted with 20 participants, investigation were conducted with 100 participants, and vocabulary scoring were conducted with 100 participants formed the originally items. Secondly, 801 participants were recruited to finished the initial scale for items analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Thirdly, 480 participants were conducted with the IRHQ, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SLS), Subjective Authentic-Durable Happiness Scale(SA-DHS), Chinese Happiness Inventory(CHI) and Marital Happiness Scale (MHS) for confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity and internal consistency analysis. Finally, 100 participants were assessed with IRHQ after 2 weeks for test-retest reliability. Results: After items analysis and exploratory factor analysis, 29 items were selected as the final scale with a total of four factors that accounted for 63.76% of the variance in all for IRHQ, 4 factors including body harmony, mental harmony, fitting-value and sexual relationship satisfaction. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the four-factor model had a goof structural fit (x² / df = 2.8, P < 0.001, TLI = 0. 93, CFI=0.94, RMSEA =0.04). The scores of IRHQ was positively correlated with the scores of SLS, SA-DHS, CHI and MHS ( ICC = 0.27 0.72, Ps <0.001). The internal consistency reliabilities of the total score of the scale and the score of the 4 factors were 0. 74, 0. 73, 0.72, 0.78 and 0. 90. The retest reliabilities were 0.87, 0. 83, 0. 88, 0. 88 and 0. 90. Conclusion: The Intimate Relationships Happiness Questionnaire meetsthe psychometric standard and could be used to assess the intimate relationship well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ngũgĩ's propagation of his socio-political vision depends importantly on the representation of intimate relationships across his fiction. Intimate relationships characterised by romantic love seem to be a consistent focal point in Ngũgĩ's oeuvre. However, in Matigari (1987), the penultimate novel he published, Ngũgĩ's narrative suggests the possibility of the exploration of another central romantic relationship, but, unexpectedly, the novel commutes romantic love into friendship. This is the case since friendship serves as the foundation on which almost all the intimate relationships that have been identified in the earlier novels is built. This paper focuses on friendship rather than romantic love in the novel, Matigari. There is an exploration of a strong bond between Matigari and Gũthera to fight the oppressor and to set the oppressed free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from Moral Foundations Theory, in this article I hypothesize that higher scores on binding moral foundations are related to having children or being in a committed relationship. I support this assumption by presenting empirical evidence gathered from one meta-analytical analysis involving of nineteen studies about moral foundations and marital status (k = 27; N = 38,044), one meta-analytical analysis involving ten studies about moral foundations and parental status (k = 12; N = 24,521), and four independent samples t test, involving a subsample of eight studies (k = 8; N = 6,982). The results support my hypothesis for parental status, and partially support my hypothesis for marital status. Limitations regarding the scarcity of available data and others, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the extent and characteristics of cyber intimate partner violence (IPV) and in-person IPV (IP-IPV) in a sample of 214 women aged 18–60 years in Jordan. A cross-sectional, correlational design was implemented, using the Cyber Aggression in Relationships and Revised Conflict Tactics Scales to evaluate both in-person and cyber IPV. The findings revealed that 65.4% of participants reported experiencing some form of cyber IPV, while 98.7% reported experiencing IP-IPV within the previous six months. Some demographic factors were linked to the prevalence of two cyber IPV types (cyber-stalking and cyber psychological aggression). Psychological and physical abuse were the most prevalent forms of IP-IPV. Exposure to cyber IPV was a predictor of psychological, physical, and injury types of IP-IPV. Overall, this study highlights the alarming prevalence of both IP-IPV and cyber IPV against women in Jordan and their interrelatedness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survivors of adult sexual violence frequently encounter physical, reproductive, psychological and socio-economic difficulties in the aftermath of sexual violence. However, an in-depth understanding of survivor's post-assault intimate relationship experiences is lacking. The aim of the current study was to gain a better understanding of survivors' intimate dating and romantic relationship experiences following sexual violence. Fourteen sexual violence survivors (four men and ten women) completed a semi-structured interview regarding the psychosocial impact of sexual violence including how it affected their intimate relationships. Thematic analysis revealed several key themes including the decision to (temporarily) avoid intimate relationships, changes in the qualities survivors look for in a relationship, the space sexual violence takes up in the relationship, and the healing effects of being in a relationship. Having experienced sexual violence can affect survivors' post-assault relationship experiences in multiple ways supporting a need for further work focused on understanding how to help survivors manage the relational impact of sexual violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Obstructive sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked chronic sleep disorder with significant health implications globally. Bedpartners play a vital role in motivating individuals with obstructive sleep apnea to seek medical help, though their sleep quality may suffer, straining the couple's relationship. From September 2023 to January 2024, utilizing PubMed, Scopus, BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and www.clinicaltrials.gov databases, this systematic review meticulously examined data from 27 studies to investigate how continuous positive airway pressure therapy, recognized as the gold‐standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea, may positively influence psychological dynamics within couples. Additionally, a meta‐analysis was conducted on nine studies, to assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure on erectile function, which is often compromised in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The PRISMA checklist and specific quality assessments were followed to ensure methodological rigour and transparency. Findings reveal positive changes in conflict resolution for patients with obstructive sleep apnea post‐ continuous positive airway pressure adaptation (p < 0.05). Emotional functioning (p = 0.002) and social relationships (p < 0.001) also show improvements in bedpartners. While six subjective assessments indicate enhancements in sexual quality of life for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, challenges related to continuous positive airway pressure use as a barrier to intimacy are acknowledged. Focusing on male patients with obstructive sleep apnea, findings demonstrated a substantial improvement in erectile function post‐continuous positive airway pressure utilization, with a Z‐score of 4.84 (p < 0.00001). Female patients with obstructive sleep apnea using continuous positive airway pressure show no significant improvements in sexual functioning, while female bedpartners report positive changes. These insights emphasize the importance of holistic approaches in addressing the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on both individuals and their relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rejection is a highly stressful experience and individuals tend to avoid it whenever possible. In intimate relationships, experiences of rejection can shape the interaction dynamics between partners. Highly rejection sensitive people fear that their romantic partner will reject them and they overreact to any ambiguous cues that might indicate rejection. Furthermore, because they focus on the threat of rejection, they may have difficulty disengaging from rejection-related emotions, persevere in a rejection-focused state and have a reduced capacity to regulate their emotions. The prolonged experience of strong negative emotions, together with maladaptive attempts to respond to rejection, may undermine key relationship maintenance processes that contribute to relationship functioning and lead to negative reciprocity in interactions. The goal of the present study was to shed light on how individuals experience rejection-related emotions and determine whether, following perceptions of negative interactions, rejection sensitivity was associated with stronger negative responses and less efficient downregulation of negative emotions. In addition, we examined whether dyadic patterns of rejection sensitivity were associated with negative emotion dynamics following perceptions of negative interactions. Methods: The participants (N = 298) were couples experiencing the transition to parenthood. A multilevel modelling approach was used to assess the associations between rejection sensitivity, perceptions of negative interactions and emotional states. The analyses included repeated daily reports for both rejection and emotions. Results: The results suggest that rejection sensitive individuals do not report higher negative emotions when they perceive negative interactions. Moreover, rejection sensitive men and women did not remain longer in a negative emotional state after they perceived negative interactions with their partner. Finally, when both men and women partners reported higher levels of rejection sensitivity, neither reported having higher negative emotions after experiencing negative interaction perceptions. Conclusions: Our findings provide further insights into emotional dynamics and rejection sensitivity in romantic relationships. Our results do not provide evidence for a link between rejection sensitivity and higher negative emotions or slower recovery after reports of negative interactions. If individuals suppress their emotions, they may not benefit from regulation with their partner and instead may protect themselves over their relationships. However, in this context, rejection sensitivity might also not constitute a strong predictor of daily emotion fluctuations, but other variables– such as relationship satisfaction – might. Future research may investigate emotional responses in a sample with higher levels of rejection sensitivity and use more diverse measures of perceptions of negative interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has extensively studied adult attachment theory, a fundamental psychological framework, particularly regarding its implications for adult attachment and sexual dynamics. The previous literature has established relationships between adult attachment and various sexual behaviours as well as communication patterns. Specifically, individuals with secure attachment styles typically engage in open communication and cautious sexual behaviours, whereas individuals with anxious or avoidant attachment styles exhibit less sexual communication and engage in riskier sexual activities. That said, limited research has explored the relationship between adult attachment style and perceived knowledge regarding partner sex history. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating how adult attachment style relates to perceived knowledge about partner sexual experiences. A sample of 237 undergraduate students completed surveys assessing attachment style and their perceived awareness of their partner's sexual past. Attachment style was evaluated using the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS) and perceived knowledge was measured using the Partner Sexual History Scale (PSHS). The results indicated a significant correlation between adult attachment style and perceived knowledge of a partner's sexual history. Specifically, individuals with secure and avoidant attachment styles demonstrated greater perceived awareness of their partner's sexual experiences compared to those with an anxious attachment style. This research contributes to our comprehension of the complex interplay among adult attachment, sexual knowledge, sexual communication, and relationship dynamics in young adult populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To deepen our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate and/or sexual relationships, we conducted a qualitative study among 26 South African women and men aged 21–30 years in Durban and Soweto between September 2020 and March 2021. Overall, 13 women and 12 men who had been in an intimate and/or sexual relationship since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their relationships with their current or most recent primary partners. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The three most common impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationships were on (i) communication and connection; (ii) strained relationships; and (iii) job and economic loss. Both women and men discussed how COVID-19-related lockdowns provided opportunities to foster better communication, connection and support to one another. However, too little or too much time together strained relationships. Finally, income loss among young men meant that some young women became the primary income earner, changing relationship power dynamics. Findings highlight the importance of young people's relationships and the need for action to support young people in building positive relationships in challenging times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are intimate partners similar in how accurately they infer each other's feelings and thoughts, and if so, does this similarity predict their relationship well-being? To answer this question, we analyzed data from two laboratory-based studies (n = 155 and n = 172 couples) in which couples participated in a conflict interaction task and afterwards reported on their own feelings and thoughts and inferred those of their partner. Relationship well-being was measured on both a global (i.e., relationship satisfaction) and a situational level (i.e., post-interaction closeness and satisfaction with the outcome of the interaction). We found that intimate partners were more similar in their empathic accuracy than randomly-paired individuals. This similarity predicted the extent to which partners reported that the conflict interaction had led to a positive outcome for their relationship, but was not associated with partners' global relationship satisfaction or their post-interaction closeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationship satisfaction has consistently been associated with numerous important intrapersonal, interpersonal, and familial outcomes. In accordance with affection exchange theory, positive interaction between romantic partners should contribute to greater relationship satisfaction. However, what is less understood is the specific theoretical mechanism through which this process might occur. This study's findings reveal that affectionate communication (given and received) positively predicted relationship satisfaction indirectly via the serial mediation of partner commitment and couple quality. This model was tested using a sample of participants of the ELEVATE relationship education program (N = 2235). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, including a call for further exploration of other theoretical pathways that may impact relationship education program evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable research confirms that romantic relationships and their quality are one of the top priorities in the lives of individuals, especially as they enter the emerging adulthood stage. It is indisputably relevant to revisit relationship quality factors in research, even though there is generally plenty of interest in this topic across the research literature. The present study concerns the antecedents of relationship quality in a research-excluded region of Central Eastern Europe, namely Slovakia, where no similar research has been published to date, presuming the cultural specificities of Slovak youth. The study intends to approximate individuals' perceptions, not to fit them into predefined theories; thus, the research is inductive with an experiential orientation to the data. A reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews (37) or written self-moderated accounts (74) from 104 participants in a cohort of 18- to 35-year-olds resulted in the creation of four themes. These reflect the participants' accounts of the antecedents of relational quality, which are i) external circumstances, ii) partners' mutual attitudes and feelings, iii) the degree of sharing, and iv) individual contributions to relationship quality (personality, character traits, emotionality). Although the results can be formulated as a positive versus negative duality of oppositional influences, the degree phenomenon is strongly present. The idea that "everything in excess is bad" certainly applies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In intimate relationships, which are characterized by emotional interdependence, partners act as attachment figures which serve emotion regulation functions. The experience of emotions as well as the strategies that partners use to regulate them and to respond to relational experiences, especially during stressful periods, differ greatly according to their attachment orientation. An important aspect in emotion dynamics is emotional inertia, which reflects the degree to which a person’s current affective state is resistant to change on a moment-to-moment basis. Inertia has been related to maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, like suppression and rumination, preferentially used by highly anxious and avoidant individuals. The aim of this study is to examine associations between attachment orientations and reports on the experience of positive and negative affect, and their dynamics in daily life across the transition to parenthood. Methods Longitudinal data from a sample of 152 mixed-gender couples collected across the transition to parenthood was analyzed. We predicted that individuals with a more insecure attachment would report more negative and less positive affect, and that their emotional experience would be more resistant to change over time. We explored effects when participants reported feeling stressed. Results The data suggested that attachment anxiety was associated with less positive and more negative affect and that attachment avoidance was associated with more positive affect. Anxious individuals showed lower emotional inertia and not higher as we expected. Reported stress for anxious and avoidant individuals was significantly associated with more negative but not less positive affect. Conclusions Results are discussed in the light of their impact on couples during stressful periods. Differences between anxiety and avoidance are found, emphasizing the importance of attachment insecurities on the experience of emotion. Furthermore, our findings on momentary fluctuating affect offer complementary insight into the emotional functioning of individuals with different attachment orientations.

The degree to which romantic and sexual feelings correspond to one's sexual identity may signify how a person comes to embrace a specific sexual identity. People who endorse an essentialist perspective may expect to see a high degree of concordance between feelings and identity, and a lack of concordance may be associated with negative consequences. People who endorse a social constructionist perspective may view sexual identity as constructed in situ; a lack of concordance is inevitable and may not be associated with negative consequences. This research tests the levels of concordance of feelings and identity by comparing those with and without romantic and sexual feelings using risk ratios and odds ratios. A representative sample of college students in Taiwan was recruited (N = 3882, with 2440 females and 2988 who identified as heterosexual). The findings suggest that (1) people's romantic and sexual feelings largely correspond to their sexual identity, with all risk ratios and odds ratios higher than 1; (2) the concordance was at its lowest level among those with different-sex feelings; (3) gender differences in concordance were trivial; (4) individuals who were questioning their identity were the least clear about what they expect and want in intimate relationships; and (5) no general negative consequences in intimate relationships were observed among discordant/branched individuals. Implications regarding romantic and sexual feelings, sexual identity, and intimate relationships are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the expansion of social media and the multiple possibilities for communication they offer, flirting is increasingly developing online. The aim of this article is to analyze how the adolescent population uses Instagram to initiate and develop courtship. For this, the results of 14 focus groups held in Secondary Education Institutes in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), in which a total of 114 students between the ages of 12 and 17 participated, are analyzed. The results show that the online courtship game has its own rules and strategies. The most common Instagram strategies are: "best friends," the use of songs, and direct appeal for audience response. The results show that social interactions continue to be influenced by regulated and stereotyped social patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]