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Objectives Methods Results Conclusions The accommodation of symptoms of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) by loved ones is highly prevalent and impactful on treatment outcomes; however, little is known about factors that influence accommodation by romantic partners of OCD sufferers. The aim of this preliminary investigation was to explore such correlates.A community sample of 50 patients self‐identifying with OCD (Mage = 29.3; SD = 9.3; 74% female) and 20 individuals self‐identifying as the partner of someone with OCD (Mage = 32.1; SD = 12.4; 65% female) participated in this study via an online questionnaire.Associations were found between partner accommodation of OCD and a range of obsessions and compulsions across the patient and partner samples, as well as patient‐reported symptom severity, functional impairment and negative emotion states. Neuroticism was also positively associated with partner accommodation in the patient sample but did not contribute to its prediction over and above other known correlates of family accommodation. In the partner sample, extraversion was found to be a unique negative correlate of partner accommodation.These findings highlight the vital role both patient and partner factors play in the accommodation of OCD behaviours by romantic partners and the importance of involving loved ones in the treatment of individuals with OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe ripple effect of incarceration on incarcerated loved ones is multifaceted. Studies show imprisonment impacts the well-being of intimate and extended familial relationships, parental involvement, and financial support. Using data from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering, this study examined male responses. The findings revealed an association between bonding, forgiveness, and safety. Further, the results of this study contribute to the growing body of couples research that focuses on romantic relationships that involve incarcerated loved ones. We include clinical implications that suggest integrating forgiveness and safety into bonding techniques used in family and marriage counseling. Future studies should consider that data is disproportionate regarding underrepresentation of racially and ethnically minoritized groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the psychoanalytic perspective that argues our romantic choices are significantly influenced by our early parental relationships, by delving into Sigmund Freud's theory on the selection of romantic partners. This paper, titled, "From Cradle to Cupid: Freud's Take on Romantic Partners as Parental Proxies," addresses key Freudian concepts, notably the repetition of compulsion, transference, and the Oedipus complex, to elucidate why individuals unconsciously seek romantic partners who resemble their parents. This review traces the evolution of these concepts and their implications for understanding romantic attachment by discussing key Freudian texts alongside subsequent psychoanalytic literature. Additionally, it assesses contemporary empirical research that either confirms or refutes Freud's assertions, providing a critical evaluation of the relevance of these theories to modern psychoanalytic practices. The study aims to provide an exhaustive review of the interplay between early childhood experiences and romantic relationships in adulthood, emphasizing the lasting influence and constraints of Freud's theories on psychological research today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social devaluation of being overweight is common in daily life, but little is known about the weight stigma in romantic relationships. The present study investigated the roles of maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies in the relation between the experience of weight stigma in romantic relationships and depressive symptoms in men and women, respectively. Analyses of gender differences and structural equation modeling yielded several findings. First, while men and women experienced similar levels of weight stigma from their romantic partners, women were more likely to use exercise avoidance, disengagement coping, and reappraisal coping strategies, and to exhibit more depressive symptoms than men. Second, men who experienced weight stigma tended to cope with it through exercise avoidance and disengagement coping, which were related to greater depressive symptoms. Men also coped with weight stigma adaptively via reappraisal coping, which was additionally associated with more positive affect. Third, the relation between the experience of weight stigma and depressive symptoms in women was only explained by using disengagement coping. These findings extend the understanding of weight stigma to a specific context and provide some insight that future interventions to reduce the impacts of weight stigma should be tailored accordingly for men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religious individuals often assume that their beliefs promote strong romantic relationships. Yet the empirical evidence is mixed. To better understand this association, this study examined religious orientation as a moderator within the investment model of commitment. A community sample of 84 couples completed measures on religious orientation and commitment as part of a larger study on romantic relationships. The findings indicate that although both religious motivations promote commitment, they do so differently. Specifically, intrinsic religious orientation buffered the negative effects of dissatisfaction in a relationship; whereas an extrinsic religious orientation attenuated the extent to which alternatives to the relationship influenced commitment. Future research in this area should consider religious orientation, rather than overall religiosity, and examine specific predictors of relationship commitment to provide greater clarity on how religiosity influences romantic relationships. Implications for counseling individuals with religious beliefs are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encounter unique social challenges. Resulting from these unique challenges, individuals with ASD experience difficultly maintaining social relationships, particularly romantic relationships. This study examines college students with ASD's experiences maintaining romantic relationships and provides strategies to support counselors assisting this population with sustaining romantic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on romantic relationships has, among other details, focused on matching effect of attachment between dyadic partners, as matching perspective could reveal the interdependence and interplay between partners. However, how attachment matching relates to relationship quality has yielded inconsistent findings. The present study investigated the links between dyadic attachment matching and relationship quality among 434 dating couples and 929 married couples. We found that, in contrast with discrepancy in anxiety, congruence in anxiety does not always relate to a higher quality of relationship. Notably, the association between congruence in anxiety and relationship quality seems to be represented by a U curve, indicating that dyads with two highly anxious partners could cultivate a satisfying relationship. Furthermore, dyads with a larger discrepancy in avoidance were associated with higher relationship quality than dyads with a smaller discrepancy. The discussion focused on the dyadic regulation effect, especially the buffering and thriving effect for dyads with insecure partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical work about love has primarily considered the love of one individual for another. This work uses a novel method to study estimated types of love for self and others based on passionate and companionate theory, and triangular love theory. Two hundred and fifty participants (161 females and 89 males) rated self-estimates and other’s estimates (romantic partners and parents) of global love and several love types. Women self-estimated passionate love, companionate love, intimacy, and commitment more than men did. Gender differences in estimated love types for romantic partners, fathers, and mothers were not evidenced. As regards self-partner differences respondents rated their romantic partners similarly to themselves. Regarding generational differences, children assessed themselves greater in all love types than their parents, except in commitment. Passionate love and commitment significantly predicted global love for self, partners, and parents. Suggestions and limitations are offered.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of need fulfillment given by opposite-sex friends (NFOF) on breakup considerations, the mediating role of love commitment in this relationship, and the moderating role of need fulfillment given by romantic partners (NFRP). A total of 334 unmarried individuals in romantic relationships from Northwest China were invited to participate in the study. The findings revealed the following: (1) NFOF significantly and positively predicted breakup considerations. (2) This relationship is mediated by love commitment (3) The association between NFOF and breakup considerations was moderated by NFRP (in terms of the first mediation path). Specifically, those who hold higher levels of NFRP are appreciably buffered against the negative impact of NFOF on love commitment. These findings emphasize the crucial role of NFOF and NFRP in shaping love commitment and breakup considerations. Moreover, our research has important realistic implications: NFOF, as a trigger, has a negative effects the quality of romantic relationships and leads to breakup considerations. And, the key to maintaining a romantic relationship is to focus on their partners' need fulfillment as much as possible and increasing the level of their love commitment.

Tactics used to perpetrate sexual violence may be crucial to understanding when and why sexual violence occurs. Moreover, most sexual violence occurs between people who know each other—including in the context of dating or sexual relationships. Little is known about the context of sexual violence that occurs with non-romantic partners. To address these research gaps, we examined online survey data from 786 young adults (weighted n = 763) aged 19 to 27 years, living across the United States. Findings suggest that 60% of sexual assault, 40% of attempted rape, 42% of rape, and 67% of coercive sex were perpetrated against a romantic partner, defined as a current or ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or domestic partner. Contextual differences were noted by relationship type: Those who perpetrated against romantic partners were more likely than those who targeted non-romantic partners to report that it occurred because they were feeling sad or angry. They were also more likely to say that the other person was completely responsible for what happened. Conversely, those who aggressed against non-romantic partners were more likely to say that someone else found out about what happened. Making the other person feel guilty was the most common tactic for both groups. The most frequently endorsed reason for perpetrating sexual violence was "feeling really horny," although feeling "good" or being drunk/high were also common reasons noted by aggressors. Afterward, many said they felt guilty or ashamed and were worried about the other person's feelings. Fear of getting caught was universally absent. Findings support the importance of building emotion regulation and emotional awareness skills in sexual violence prevention programming. Prevention programs should also discuss coercion as a violence tactic, since perpetrators may not always recognize this to be sexual violence. More generally, violence prevention programs should also address healthy relationships, consent, and taking responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal projects represent a person's pursuits in different life domains. The present study examines the orientations of adults' personal projects and how these orientations are embedded in the dynamics of romantic relationships. Cross-sectional data from 249 married or cohabitating Hungarian heterosexual couples were collected (mean age 42 ± 10.76 and 39.64 ± 10.21 years for male and female partners, respectively). An adapted version of the Personal Project Assessment procedure was completed by both partners individually. Four of their chosen projects were evaluated based on perceived cooperation and conflict regarding these projects and other predefined aspects. First, after applying a person-oriented approach, four meaningful content domains emerged from the thematically coded data using cluster analysis: (1) Practical, (2) Work-Life Balance, (3) Relationships, and (4) Learning and Growth orientations. For both genders, people with Learning and Growth orientation were younger than those with Practical orientation, and among women, the Work-Life Balance orientation group was older. Second, we linked the content domains to relationship experiences on the dyadic level. Both partners with Learning and Growth orientation goals perceived less cooperation. Female partners whose spouses had Work-Life Balance or Learning and Growth orientation goals perceived less conflict regarding their own goals. Overall, Learning and Growth-oriented goals can be considered more distant from the dynamics of romantic relationships because they involve fewer joint experiences and less cooperation and conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, we examined the effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on perceptions of romantic relationships quality among older, compared to younger, adults. During the first lockdown in Israel which involved strict restrictions on movement and association with others, 280 adults aged 25–81 reported positive and negative qualities of their romantic relationship. Of these, 105 participants completed the survey again once lockdown restrictions were lifted. Contrary to our hypotheses, no evidence for age differences in the effect of the lockdown on positive or negative perceptions of relationship quality was detected. In addition, the lockdown did not influence participants' positive and negative perceptions of their romantic partners. However, we did find that, whereas people of all ages represent positive and negative qualities of their romantic partners as separate constructs, the negative association between the two is weaker for older adults compared to younger adults during (but not after) the lockdown. This finding suggests that in stressful times, older adults are better able to avoid negative perceptions clouding positive perceptions and see positive aspects of relationships with romantic partners in the face of negative ones. Findings extend evidence for age associations with complex emotional experiences to emotional aspects of interpersonal relationships. Findings enrich the theoretical understanding of age-related advantages in emotional well-being and may inform potential interventions for improving emotional health and well-being during times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored potential gender differences in altruism in three hypothetical life-or-death situations in which a romantic partner and a relative (an offspring, a sibling, and a cousin) were involved. Specifically, 200 college students (93 men) responded to a 24-item questionnaire: 12 items focused on the three romantic partner versus relative life-or-death dilemmas; 12 items served as control items and focused on three relative versus relative life-or-death dilemmas (sibling vs. offspring; sibling vs. cousin; cousin vs. offspring). For each main dilemma, four different versions were created by varying the ages of both romantic partners and genetic relatives. Overall, the participants saved their offspring and siblings more often than their romantic partners, and their romantic partners more often than their cousins. In all three dilemmas, the proportion of women who saved their genetic relative over their romantic partner was significantly higher than the proportion of men, with the age of both romantic partners and relatives playing a role. Romantic partners were significantly saved more often when pitted against their cousins than when pitted against their siblings, and when pitted against their siblings than when pitted against their offspring. Young adult males and females exhibit minor, but significant and consistent, gender differences in their altruistic tendencies toward relatives in hypothetical critical situations in which other close non relatives, namely romantic partners, are also involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical work about love has primarily considered the love of one individual for another. This work uses a novel method to study estimated types of love for self and others based on passionate and companionate theory, and triangular love theory. Two hundred and fifty participants (161 females and 89 males) rated self-estimates and other's estimates (romantic partners and parents) of global love and several love types. Women self-estimated passionate love, companionate love, intimacy, and commitment more than men did. Gender differences in estimated love types for romantic partners, fathers, and mothers were not evidenced. As regards self-partner differences respondents rated their romantic partners similarly to themselves. Regarding generational differences, children assessed themselves greater in all love types than their parents, except in commitment. Passionate love and commitment significantly predicted global love for self, partners, and parents. Suggestions and limitations are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of romantic partners' experiences of stress and coping has exploded with nearly 11,000 empirical studies on this topic within the past two decades alone. Despite its prevalence, researchers, clinicians, and policy makers alike are questioning how inclusive is our current knowledge base on partners' stress and coping ? The purpose of this review is to examine literature on this topic from the past two decades to offer perspectives on whose vantage point has the research been conducted and what types of questions have been valued and for whom ? To answer these questions, a scoping review was conducted of articles published in the last two decades (2002–2021) that focused on associations of partners' stress, support, and/or coping with relationship quality and presented research questions on two or more demographic identities. Fifty-six empirical articles met the inclusion criteria. Results were not surprising given the lack of diversity in psychological science; most manuscripts used theories and models that were developed by Western scholars and the research questions focused on general processes independent of peoples' identities or focused on a singular aspect of identity. Limitations and future directions of this review are presented, specifically as they pertain to the need for a more critical analysis of the types of stressors people may experience and how those with diverse identities, particularly multiple minoritized identities, may experience and cope with such stressors in the context of their relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Physical activity is associated with improved health outcomes for cancer survivors and their romantic partners, yet it is unclear if joint exercise programs for survivor-partner dyads are acceptable. This study examined demographic, relationship, exercise, and cancer history correlates of survivors' and their romantic partners' couples-based exercise beliefs and their preferences for program designs. Methods: All participants (survivors n=209, partners n=155, couples n=143) completed an online survey. Correlations and linear regression analyses were used to examine correlates of participants' importance of and interest in couples-based exercise and their likelihood of joining a couples-based exercise program. Intraclass correlations estimated shared variance at the couple level. Results: Most participants believed that couples-based exercise was highly important (51.8%) and were interested in a couples-based exercise program (61.5%), but fewer survivors believed their partner would be interested or would likely join a couples-based program. Across all outcomes, partner support for exercise was most strongly associated with participants' couples-based exercise beliefs (r = 0.19–0.54, p<.05), and couples were significantly aligned in their beliefs (ρ=0.20–0.31, p<.01). Participants were interested in exercise programs involving exercising together (67.3%) as well as exercising separately while sharing activity data on an app or website (48.0%). Conclusions: This novel understanding of couples-based exercise beliefs provides a strong foundation upon which future exercise programs may be designed for survivors and their romantic partners. Impact for Cancer Survivors: Survivors' adoption and maintenance of exercise may be enhanced by the inclusion of romantic partners in exercise programs, and partners' inclusion is appealing to couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Accumulating evidence suggests that mindfulness, as a trait, can be a form of personal resilience to stress. However, mindfulness is considered a present-moment state which makes it important to focus on its state-level (vs. trait-level) effects. Modern theories of stress suggest that coping with stress often involves interpersonal processes, and it is therefore valuable to clarify mindfulness interpersonal (vs. intrapersonal) stress-buffering effects. The current study examined mindful attention awareness as a dyadic protective factor at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A convenience sample of 72 cohabiting romantic couples participated in a 21-day daily diary study. The background (pre-diary) questionnaire assessed their experience of COVID-related stressors (e.g., financial and health-related burdens). The diary assessed state mindful attention awareness, mood, COVID-related stress, relationship satisfaction, and perceived partner responsiveness (PPR). Results: A series of Actor-Partner Interdependence Multilevel Models were used to analyze the dyadic data. Actor state mindful awareness was associated with better daily personal (mood and stress) and relational (PPR and satisfaction) outcomes. Partner state mindful awareness was associated with higher PPR. Actor state mindful awareness also attenuated the association between pre-diary COVID-related stressors and daily COVID-related stress. Conclusion: State mindfulness may serve as a dyadic protective factor when couples face stressful circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the mediating role of self‐compassion and self‐forgiveness among college students who initiated a romantic breakup. Backgrounds: The focus of research on romantic relationship breakups is typically on the rejected partner, while the initiator (responsible or rejector) of the breakup is neglected. To fully understand the romantic relationship breakup, we must look at this event as a whole. Method: College students across eight universities (N = 464) who sought treatment for depression at university psychological service centers after initiation of a romantic breakup were referred for possible inclusion in the research. Of these referred students, 347 (women = 68%, mean age = 22.62 ± 3.69 years, range: 18–35) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed a battery of questionnaires (Enright Self‐Forgiveness Inventory, Self‐Compassion Scale‐Short Form, Breakup Distress Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory—II). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the hypothesized mediation model. Results: We found a strong association between breakup distress and depressive symptoms among romantic breakup initiators mediated by self‐compassion and self‐forgiveness. Self‐compassion influenced the mediating role of self‐forgiveness between breakup distress and depressive symptoms (R2 = 58%). Conclusion and implications: The findings suggest that college students who initiate a romantic breakup are at risk for depression despite the reason for or time since the breakup. Thus, their suffering and pain need to be acknowledged. When initiators choose to be self‐compassionate after a breakup, it may promote self‐forgiveness as a path toward emotional healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romantic partners of unemployed individuals uniquely experience stress due to spillover effects of unemployment and their role as primary support providers for the unemployed individual. The present study drew on the extended theoretical model of communal coping (TMCC) to examine a process of communal coping experienced by romantic partners (N = 285) of unemployed individuals, who completed an online survey. Analyses indicated that stress related to unemployment was negatively associated with a partner's communal coping and communal coping was negatively associated with relational load. Perceived support from friends and family acted as a moderating influence on the relationships among stress, communal coping, and relational load. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Physical intimacy is important for communicating affection in romantic relationships. Theoretical and empirical work highlights linkages between physical intimacy, affect, and physiological stress among young and middle-aged adults, but not older adults. We examine physical intimacy and its associations with positive and negative affect and cortisol levels in the daily lives of older couples. Methods We applied actor–partner multilevel models to repeated daily-life assessments of physical intimacy (experienced and wished) and affect obtained 6 times a day over 7 consecutive days from 120 older heterosexual German couples (M age = 71.6, SD age = 5.94). Physiological stress was indexed as total daily cortisol output, the area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg). Results Physical intimacy experienced and wished were reported at the vast majority of occasions, but to different degrees at different times. Within persons, in moments when participants experienced more physical intimacy, older women reported less negative affect, whereas older men reported more positive affect. Between persons, higher overall levels of physical intimacy experienced were associated with higher positive affect and less negative affect among women and with lower daily cortisol output among men. A stronger wish for intimacy was related to more negative affect among both women and men, and to higher daily cortisol output among men. Discussion Physical intimacy is linked with mood and stress hormones in the daily life of older couples. We consider routes for future inquiry on physical intimacy among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive events play an essential role in people's wellbeing. Capitalisation – disclosing such events to others – bolsters such salutary effects. To understand capitalisation-related motivational processes in romantic partners' daily lives, we adopted Higgins' motivational perspective; namely, that people's primary motivation is to feel effective with respect to Value (achieving the desired outcome), Truth (understanding what is true), and Control (managing what happens). We were particularly interested in clarifying how these aspects of effectiveness are reflected in people's daily positive experiences, their partners' responses to their disclosure, and the matching between the two. The role of subject's motivational regulatory mode (assessment vs. locomotion) in these processes was also examined. The results of a diary study of 83 couples showed that assessors (those with motivation to engage in critical evaluation) characterised their positive experiences as high on truth effectiveness but reported greater benefits from partner's responses focusing on control effectiveness. Locomotors (those with motivation to initiate action) were more likely to characterise their positive experiences as high on control effectiveness, but reported greater benefit from partner's responses focusing on value effectiveness. Finally, response mismatching, in particular an "under-focused" response (partner's response effectiveness focus < recipient's event-related motivational effectiveness focus) was rated as less beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the impact of emotional abuse on self-concealment in a sample of 126 college students currently in a romantic heterosexual relationship. This study also examined whether emotion dysregulation moderated the relationship between emotional abuse and self-concealment. Results showed emotion dysregulation moderated the relationship between emotional abuse and self-concealment. When emotion dysregulation was low, being in an emotionally abusive relationship was positively associated with self-concealment. When emotion dysregulation was high, emotional abuse was not associated with self-concealment. In the context of intimate partner emotional abuse, this study suggests self-concealment is an attempt to cope with unwanted internal events, which may be especially salient among people with low emotion dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romantic relationship experiences have been found to be relevant to body image and weight in adulthood. In this study, we investigated predictors of heterosexual, lesbian, and gay romantic partners' (N = 500, Mage = 29.3) perceptions of their own and their partners' weight at the beginning of their relationship and 4.8 years later, on average. Perceived changes in participants' own weight status was associated with greater body dissastisfaction and longer relationship length. Perceived changes in partners' weight status was associated with their partners' BMI, as well as relationship quality. We also found that gender was important in understanding some of these associations. Implications of weight perceptions for individuals' and their partners' health and well-being and the critical role of relationship quality are discussed in the context of the health regulation model.

Romantic partners have the potential to influence attitudes and behaviors related to body image and disordered eating. However, the role that romantic relationships can play in eating disorder (ED) recovery has not been comprehensively investigated. The present study aimed to explore the ways that people living with and recovering from EDs experience their romantic relationships, with the specific objective of developing a novel theoretical framework, grounded in the experiences of people in diverse romantic relationships, to guide future research on the topic. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 66 people (45 cisgender women, 11 cisgender men, 9 nonbinary people, and 1 transgender man) living with and recovering from EDs while in romantic relationships. Our grounded theory analysis yielded a theoretical model of ED management in romantic relationships, revealing that Individual and Relationship Characteristics intersected with Relationship-Related Stressors and were navigated using Eating Disorder and Relationship Management Strategies. Combined with Partner Support and Tensions, these management strategies were related to Relationship and Mental Health Outcomes , which affected and were affected by Future Concerns. Future researchers should continue to build on, expand, and modify this model and further explore the role of romantic relationships in the experience of people living with EDs. • Research on eating disorders (EDs) and romantic relationships is limited. • Interviews with 66 people living with/recovering from EDs while in relationships. • Grounded theory analysis of how people with EDs experience romantic relationships. • Analysis identified stressors, tensions, management/support strategies, and outcomes. • ED recovery aids in the management of relationship-related stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Romantic partners' emotions show a degree of interdependence, a process that is often described as emotional linkage. The current study sought to test the effects of emotional linkage in emotionally reactive individuals (i.e., those who easily become emotionally aroused and find it hard to regulate their emotions) and their partners. Specifically, we examined the interplay between emotional linkage and reactivity in predicting partners' depressive symptoms over time. Method: To assess emotional linkage and reactivity, we collected daily diary data from two samples of cohabiting couples (Ncouples=76 and 84 in samples 1 and 2, respectively). Partners' depressive symptoms were assessed before and after the diary. Results: In dyads with low emotional linkage men's emotional reactivity predicted their greater depressive symptoms in Sample 1, and women's greater depressive symptoms in Sample 2. Discussion: The study's results suggest that dyads' emotional linkage can moderate the negative effects of men's emotional reactivity on their and their partners' psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated gender differences in how people estimate the intensity and style of love in themselves and in others. The six orientations toward love analyzed were: Eros (sex and passion), Ludus (game-playing), Storge (friendship and intimacy), Pragma (practical ventures), Mania (obsession and possessiveness), and Agape (altruistic love). The sample included 265 students (170 females and 95 males). Respondents evaluated their parents', romantic partners', and own overall love and the six love styles. Women endorsed self-estimates of storge, pragma and agape more than men did. Males assessed their female partners higher in mania. Gender differences in estimates of parental love styles were not found. Concerning self-partner differences, participants estimated their partners as being higher in ludic and manic love. Regarding generational differences, children well-tended to assess themselves higher in love than their fathers and mothers. Multiple regressions indicated that erotic, storgic and agapic love styles were significant predictors of overall love for self, romantic partners, and parents. Results are discussed with reference to previous research and some suggestions for further research are also noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teen dating violence (TDV) affects both males and females, and the negative consequences associated with such violence last into adulthood. This study had three objectives: (a) determine the extent of overlap in TDV offending and TDV victimization, (b) test whether social ties explain the TDV overlap, and (c) assess whether the effects of social ties on teen dating violence are invariant between sexes. This study used data from the 2018 Arizona Youth Study (N = 5,189). The findings confirmed that TDV overlap exists. In addition, social ties appeared to partially explain this overlap. Finally, some social ties appeared more general, predicting TDV for both sexes, whereas others were not. For instance, Paternal Attachment was found to reduce the probability of dating violence among female participants only. The findings lend support to prevention programs that aim to strengthen ties between parents and teens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For those who are in a same-gender relationship, there is likely a negative association between experiences of minority stress and willingness to engage in public displays of affection (PDA). One's willingness to engage in PDA when experiencing sexual minority stress may, however, depend on perceived relationship commitment with one's partner; wherein people who are more committed may be more willing to engage in PDA. Data from 95 same-gender couples were used to examine the association between minority stress and PDA behaviors, and possible moderating effects of relationship commitment. Results showed minority stress was negatively associated with PDA behaviors for those who reported low commitment, but not high commitment. Implications and future directions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stigmatization of suicidal thoughts and behaviors often prevents disclosure to others, including romantic partners. Minimal research has examined the disclosure or withholding of this stigmatized identity, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the benefits or consequences of informing others. Participants (n = 61) were recruited from Reddit and completed open-ended questions about their prior suicidal ideation and behaviors while in a romantic relationship. Responses were separated by disclosers (n = 31) and non-disclosers (n = 30) to romantic partners. After utilizing a thematic analysis, the Disclosure Decision-Making Model (DD-MM) was applied to the results to make sense of decision-making processes. The three primary themes (assessing information, assessing emotional capacity, and assessing the receiver) provide insight into the psychological and communicative progression as well as the differences that arise for each individual. Findings discuss theoretical adaptations, implications, and future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although romantic or sexual attraction is a major research topic in the general population, little is known about people with intellectual disabilities' (ID) views of attractiveness. Methods: Fifty‐eight participants (16–40 years) took part in this exploratory study, 29 with ID and 29 without ID. Participants were shown 50 images of men or women's faces and asked to rate how attractive they thought the faces were. Results: A strong association was found between what men and women with ID and those without ID considered attractive in romantic partners. However, people with ID were more likely to consider themselves desirable to others. Conclusions: The findings suggest that people with mild ID make the same subtle judgements about facial attraction as other individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article examines integration of second-generation migrants from Transcaucasia and Central Asia (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan) in the Tyumen region, namely their social ties, characteristics of their romantic partners and spouses, language competences and ethnic identifications. The empirical basis for the research included 169 interviews with second-generation migrants and experts conducted in eight localities of the region. This fieldwork constitutes a part of a larger project on second-generation migrants in Russia. This project conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods is the first all-Russia endeavour to study second-generation migrants aged 18–35 years old. The term «second-generation migrants» refers to individuals, whose parents moved to Russia and who graduated from a Russian school, regardless of whether they were born in Russia or moved to Russia at pre-school or school age. The history of the settlement/development of the region in the Soviet period, when the State played a significant role in attracting labour force from different parts of the USSR, contributed to a high level of polyethnicity in the region. This is reflected in a high level of ethnic diversity of the social ties of second-generation migrants at different life stages. Starting from the school years, second-generation migrants in the region continue to communicate in mixed social circles. The share of co-ethnic friends and acquaintances varies but never predominates. Apart from educational institutions, there are two other contexts, which may contribute to changes in the ethnic composition of social circles: mosque and sports activities. Self-identification according to ethnic categories is common but, due to the ethnic diversity of the region, relevant not for all the informants. Romantic relations, which are much more characteristic of male second-generation migrants, are mostly with non-co-ethnic partners. Conversely, marriages are much more often co-ethnic, which reflects the attitudes of the informants’ parents, although the attitudes of the second-generation migrants in this regard vary. All the informants speak fluent Russian, while the level of their parent’s language(s) proficiency can vary.

Social contagion theories suggest that adolescents in relationships with same-age high school dropouts should be at a greater risk of dropping out themselves. Yet, few studies have examined this premise, and none have considered all potentially influential same-age intimates, focusing instead on only either friends or siblings. Moreover, a key influence in adolescents' social worlds, romantic partners, has been ignored. The goal of this study was to provide a comprehensive view of dropout contagion by considering occurrences of dropout among friends, siblings, and romantic partners. Data came from a sample of Canadian adolescents (N = 545) comprising one third of high school dropouts; a second third of carefully matched at-risk but persevering schoolmates; and a last third of average, not-at-risk students. As predicted, adolescents were at greater risk of dropping out when a member of their network had recently left school (i.e., in the past year, OR = 3.11; 95% CI [1.78, 6.27]), with independent associations of nontrivial sizes for occurrences of dropout among friends, romantic partners, and siblings (ORs between 1.97 [95% CI 1.25, 3.41] and 3.12 [95% CI 1.23, 11.0]). Moreover, adolescents seemed particularly at risk of quitting school (OR = 4.88; 95% CI [2.54, 12.5]) when their networks included more than one type of same-age intimate (e.g., a friend and a sibling) who had recently dropped out. Findings suggest that social contagion of dropout is a pervasive phenomenon in low-income schools and that prevention programs should target adolescents with same-age intimates who have recently left school. Educational Impact and Implications Statement: An adolescent's decision to leave high school without a diploma is unlikely to be made in a social vacuum, especially in areas characterized by low graduation rates. Our interview-based findings indicate that in comparison with students who stay in school, adolescents who drop out are at a greater risk of having a friend, a romantic partner, or a sibling who had themselves recently left school without a diploma. Dropout thus appears to be socially contagious over a short period of time. In order to prevent this outcome, it may be necessary to limit its spread from one adolescent to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although our bodies change as we age, there is limited research exploring body image among middle-aged and older adults. This study considered 70 adults with diabetes' (M age = 60.01 years) body image and revealed relatively high levels of body dissatisfaction in this sample. Furthermore, participants' own and perceptions of their partners' dissatisfaction with their bodies were moderately associated, and participants' body dissatisfaction was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the need for further research, exploring the social and psychological correlates of body image among men and women in mid-late adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies show that young men's tendency to take risks may be exacerbated or attenuated in different social contexts. Despite widespread evidence that social context influences young men's risk-taking, few studies have examined the impact of romantic partners on risky decision-making. The present study examined risk-taking among young men in relationships with women (n = 134, ages 18–24) randomly assigned to be tested alone (n = 47), in the presence of their romantic partner (n = 44), or in the presence of an attractive female stranger (n = 43). The presence of a romantic partner diminished young men's tendency to take risks. Findings demonstrate that a dampening effect on risk-taking is attributable to the romantic partner's presence and not merely due to knowledge of being in a relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine how interpersonal factors are associated with family, peer, and partner social support among urban female adolescents in sexual relationships.Design: Secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data.Setting: Two urban health clinics and community sites in Baltimore, Maryland.Participants: One hundred sixteen female adolescents (ages 16-19) with 131 heterosexual relationships from the Perceived Risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases cohort.Measures: Interpersonal factors included parental monitoring, friend-partner connectedness, and feelings of intimacy for partner. Social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support with family, peer, and partner subdomains.Analysis: Multivariable linear regression models using baseline data and accounting for clustering of partners.Results: Adolescents perceived high levels of family, peer, and partner support, with the greatest coming from partners (range: 1-5; family mean: 4.0 [95% confidence interval, CI: 3.83-4.18]; peer mean: 4.2 [95% CI: 4.05-4.33]; partner mean: 4.5 [95% CI: 4.36-4.60]). Parental monitoring and friend-partner connectedness were significantly associated with greater family (b = 0.11, standard error [SE] = 0.03, P = 0.001; b = 0.15, SE = 0.06, P = .02) and peer support (b = 0.06, SE = 0.02, P = .01; b = 0.29, SE = 0.07, P < .001). Feelings of intimacy for partner was significantly associated with greater partner support (b = 0.08, SE = 0.03, P = .02).Conclusion: Feeling connected to one's social network and having a connected network is an important contribution to social support for urban female adolescents in sexual relationships. Future research targeting interpersonal factors is warranted, as it may result in increased social support and promote positive sexual health behaviors in an urban female adolescent population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by the communicative ecology model of successful aging (CEMSA), this study examined how older adults' and their romantic partners' age-related communication indirectly predicts older adults' perceptions of aging well, depressive symptoms, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms, via aging efficacy. Older adults were profiled as engaged, bantering, and disengaged agers. Romantic partners were profiled as engaged, bantering–high health, disengaged, and gloomy agers. Bantering older adults, disengaged older adults, and older adults with disengaged partners reported lower perceptions of aging well and more depressive symptoms, via lower aging efficacy (relative to engaged older adults and older adults with engaged partners). Also relative to engaged older adults, disengaged older adults reported more AUD symptoms, via lower aging efficacy. The indirect association involving AUD symptoms suggests that the CEMSA's boundary conditions might be expanded to include more objective variants of successful aging. Results also suggest the merit of future family studies on how age-related communication might predict successful aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four theoretical perspectives grounded this examination of mothers', romantic partners', and friends' interpersonal communication behaviors related to young women's weight management behaviors and body image outcomes. Specifically, behaviors identified by confirmation (i.e., acceptance and challenge), self-determination (i.e., autonomous and controlled motivation), social control (i.e., positive and negative social control), and social support (i.e., esteem and informational support) were predicted to be associated with young women's physical activity, healthy eating, body appreciation, and body satisfaction. Female participants (N = 637) completed online surveys and reported on perceptions of either their mothers', romantic partners', or friends' communication, as well as their own behaviors and self-views. Results identified a number of perceived interpersonal behaviors (e.g., acceptance, autonomous motivation, positive social control) associated with young women's weight management and body image outcomes, with mothers' communication being a particularly consistent predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of need fulfillment given by opposite-sex friends (NFOF) on breakup considerations, the mediating role of love commitment in this relationship, and the moderating role of need fulfillment given by romantic partners (NFRP). A total of 334 unmarried individuals in romantic relationships from Northwest China were invited to participate in the study. The findings revealed the following: (1) NFOF significantly and positively predicted breakup considerations. (2) This relationship is mediated by love commitment (3) The association between NFOF and breakup considerations was moderated by NFRP (in terms of the first mediation path). Specifically, those who hold higher levels of NFRP are appreciably buffered against the negative impact of NFOF on love commitment. These findings emphasize the crucial role of NFOF and NFRP in shaping love commitment and breakup considerations. Moreover, our research has important realistic implications: NFOF, as a trigger, has a negative effects the quality of romantic relationships and leads to breakup considerations. And, the key to maintaining a romantic relationship is to focus on their partners' need fulfillment as much as possible and increasing the level of their love commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three theories are predominantly used to assess romantic partner support of individuals' weight loss: self-determination, social control, and confirmation. Because all theories highlight partner strategies as a primary theoretical element and involve strategies that appear to overlap, the current study sought to create an overarching measure of partner support strategies. Study 1 assessed the items from scales across all three theories, and three overarching strategies emerged: encouragement (e.g., reassurances, understanding, praises), instrumental influence (e.g., requests, reminders, modeling), and coercion (e.g., affection withdrawal, judgment). Study 2 assessed the measurement, predictive, and concurrent validity of this three-strategy scale. Results suggested the three overarching strategies and their combinations explained more variance in weight management variables than the strategies of the individual theories. The goal of this research is not to critique the individual theories or measures but to channel research in this area, thereby expediting progress in combatting obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]