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The relationship between marital quality and interpersonal sexual communication
Abstract
Compared 22 married couples in marriage counseling with 22 couples who judged their marriages to be satisfactory by administering the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Marital Communication Inventory, and the Sexual Communication Inventory to each S. Results show that there were no significant differences between husbands' and wives' perceptions regarding their marital adjustment, marital communication, or sexual communication, as indicated by Ss' test scores. Findings reconfirm a strong positive correlation between marital adjustment and interspousal communication and between inhibited sexual communication and marital distress. Results support the importance of defining in therapy the specifics of the global complaint (lack of communication). It is suggested that, for couples seeking marital therapy, both sexual and marital communication interventions may be appropriate. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
... A key reason why situations of desire discrepancy may be challenging for couples to navigate may be due to the fact that having one's interests declined by a romantic partner involves being hurt by the person whose acceptance they most desire (Murray et al., 2006). Not only is sexuality a particularly emotionally charged domain of relationships (Banmen & Vogel, 1985;Byers, 2011), but individuals also obtain an important sense of their sexual desirability and attractiveness from their romantic partners. One study found that when respondents were presented with hypothetical scenarios of sexual rejection, they were more uncomfortable and reported greater threats to their self-image and selfesteem when the sexual rejection came from a dating partner than from a friend or an acquaintance (Metts et al., 1992). ...
... Applied to the sexual domain, tenets of risk regulation theory may be particularly relevant for understanding sexual rejection behaviors and how people may be buffered against feelings of rejection. Given the difficulty and sensitive nature surrounding sexual communication in relationships (Banmen & Vogel, 1985;Byers, 2011) as well as the prevalence with which couples experience discrepant levels of sexual interest (Day et al., 2015), situations of sexual rejection may reflect a regularly occurring relationship event in which concerns about a partner's regard are activated. Accordingly, perceived partner responsiveness-the feeling that one is understood, validated, and cared for by a partner-is a core feature of satisfying relationships (e.g., Reis et al., 2004) and should buffer against lower satisfaction in response to sexual rejection. ...
In most long-term romantic relationships, partners experience sexual conflicts of interest in which one partner declines the other partner's sexual advances. We investigated the distinct ways people reject a partner's advances (i.e., with reassuring, hostile, assertive, and deflecting behaviors) in Studies 1 and 2. Using cross-sectional (Study 3) and daily experience methods (Study 4), we investigated how perceptions of a partner's rejection behaviors are linked with the rejected partner's relationship and sexual satisfaction. We found robust evidence that perceived partner reassuring behaviors were associated with greater satisfaction, whereas perceived partner hostile behaviors were associated with lower levels of satisfaction. Perceived partner responsiveness was a key mechanism underlying the effects. Findings for assertive and deflecting behaviors were limited, but the effect of deflecting behaviors was qualified by levels of hostile behaviors for sexual satisfaction. Findings provide the first empirical investigation of the specific ways partners can decline one another's advances to preserve satisfaction.
... Several studies have shown that marital communication is associated with marital quality and satisfaction, explaining 8% (Miller & Kannae, 1999) to 77% (Banmen & Vogel, 1985) of the variance (see also Sprecher, Metts, Burleson, Hatfield, & Thompson, 1995). In studies by Gottman and colleagues (Carrère, Buehlman, Gottman, Coan, & Ruckstuhl, 2000;Gottman & Levenson, 1992), Rogge and Bradbury (1999) and Rogge, Bradbury, Hahlweg, Engl, and Thurmaier (2006), marital communication has been identified as a salient predictor of marital outcomes in newlywed couples. ...
... That is, the association between relationship stress and marital quality is only partially mediated. This assumption is based on Bodenmann's stress model and previous findings indicating that marital quality is similar related to both stress and marital communication (Banmen & Vogel, 1985). ...
The association between daily stress outside and inside the relationship and marital functioning in the form of communication in conflict situations and marital quality is examined. We hypothesized that relationship stress mediates the association between external stress and marital functioning at the individual level, and that the association between relationship stress and marital quality is partially mediated by communication at the dyadic level. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence and Common Fate Model, the results of 345 couples support our hypotheses and reveal that a person’s relationship stress is more strongly related with one’s own external stress than with the partner’s external stress. The findings indicate that both low relationship stress and a high level of positive communication are important in relationships.
Keywords: Stress, communication, marital quality, mediation, APIM, CFM.
... The building of intimacy through open, honest communication about sexual matters, perhaps to an even greater degree than communication about other issues, requires a willingness to be vulnerable. Better sexual communicationisassociatedwithgreatersexual(e.g., Byers &Demmons, 1999;Sprecher, 2006) and overall satisfaction (e.g., Banmen & Vogel, 1985) in close relationships. In what MacNeil and Byers (1997Byers ( , 2005 have called the ''expressive pathway,'' increased sexual satisfaction is achieved through the increased intimacy and closeness with one's partner that comes from sharing or communicating about sexually intimate or private information. ...
... On a more general level, our results echo previous findings on the benefits of sexual self-disclosure to an intimate partner for all couples (e.g., Banmen & Vogel, 1985;Byers & Demmons, 1999;Sprecher, 2006), not just those characterized by higher levels of social anxiety. Along the lines of the model proposed by Fish et al. (1984) and consistent with the expressive pathway of MacNeil and Byers (1997Byers ( , 2005, expressing one's private beliefs, feelings, and preferences, particularly with regard to the sexual domain, may decrease distance between partners, promoting intimacy and ultimately increasing sexual satisfaction in the relationship. ...
This study was conducted to better understand why socially anxious individuals experience less sexual satisfaction in their intimate partnerships than nonanxious individuals, a relationship that has been well documented in previous research. Effective communication between partners is an important predictor of relationship satisfaction. Sexual communication, an important aspect of communication between romantic partners, is especially sensitive for couples given the vulnerability inherent in being open about sexual issues. Because socially anxious individuals characteristically report fear of evaluation or scrutiny by others, we hypothesized that the process of building intimacy by sharing personal information about oneself with one's partner, including when this information relates to one's sexuality and/or the sexual domain of the relationship, would be particularly difficult for socially anxious individuals. The present study examined fear of intimacy and sexual communication as potential mediators of the relationship between higher social anxiety and lower sexual satisfaction. Self-report data were collected from 115 undergraduate students and their partners in monogamous, heterosexual, committed relationships of at least 3 months duration. Multilevel path modeling revealed that higher social anxiety predicted higher fear of intimacy, which predicted lower satisfaction with open sexual communication, which, in turn, predicted lower sexual satisfaction. Additionally, there was evidence of mediation as there were significant indirect effects of the antecedent variables on sexual satisfaction. The path model had excellent fit. Implications for social anxiety, intimate relationships, and couples therapy are discussed.
... Recent studies have also explored the connection between romantic attachment and sexual intimacy. For example, studies have found that partners with weak or insecure attachment bonds often struggle to effectively communicate and express their needs for emotional and sexual closeness (Banmen and Vogel 1985;Susan Johnson and Zuccarini 2010;Soleimani et al. 2015;Theiss 2011). This leads to greater disconnection and dissatisfaction in the relationship and ultimately further bolsters the patterns of insecure attachment in the dyad (Susan Johnson and Zuccarini 2010). ...
There is an abundance of research demonstrating significant relationships between romantic attachment and sexual intimacy, which in this study refers to sexual communication and sexual satisfaction. However, not many interventions specifically and simultaneously target these two important aspects of romantic relationships. Furthermore, there are a lack of affordable and accessible psychoeducational interventions that provide opportunities for couples to gain basic knowledge about romantic attachment and sexual intimacy. To fill this gap, the authors of the current study took a 10-week, eight-session attachment-focused intervention (The Hold Me Tight Program: Seven Conversations for Connection), adapted it into a 1-day workshop, and focused on the role that attachment plays in sexual intimacy. Pilot data was collected to examine treatment feasibility, acceptability, and knowledge acquisition. In addition, exploratory efficacy data was analyzed with respect to changes in couple attachment patterns, sexual communication and satisfaction, and overall relationship satisfaction. Quantitative results revealed that participating couples showed increases in perceived knowledge acquisition and actual knowledge acquisition about concepts related to attachment and sexual intimacy. Qualitative and quantitative pilot data suggested movement in the expected direction for improvements in couples’ romantic attachment patterns, sexual satisfaction, sexual communication, and relationship satisfaction with a trend towards a statistically significant increase in sexual satisfaction.
... Sexual rejection may pose significant threats to relationship quality given that sexuality is a particularly emotionally charged domain of relationships (Banmen & Vogel, 1985). As most relationships are sexually monogamous, partners rely solely on one another to meet their sexual needs (Blanchflower & Oswald, 2004) which can make sexual conflicts particularly difficult to resolve. ...
Romantic partners often have differing levels of sexual interest. In these situations, lower desire partners may engage in sex for avoidance goals (e.g., to avoid disappointing their partner), which are associated with negative relational outcomes. An alternative strategy to sustain relationship quality may be to decline a partner’s sexual advances in positive ways. In two experimental studies and a dyadic daily experience study with a longitudinal follow-up, we examined the relationship outcomes of positive rejection compared to avoidance-motivated sex. Across studies, when people engaged in positive rejection, both they and their partner did not experience lower levels of relationship satisfaction compared to when they had sex for avoidance goals, although this was not true for sexual satisfaction. Chronic pursuit of sex for avoidance goals did, however, have detrimental consequences over time, whereas positive rejection helped sustain relationship satisfaction. Results suggest positive rejection behaviors may be a viable alternative to avoidance-motivated sex.
... Women with complaints of low sexual desire report poorer dyadic adjustment, greater dissatisfaction with conflict resolution in their relationship, and less attraction to and emotional closeness with their partners. [53,54]. Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation of the partner may have a negative impact on the women's sexual desire [55]. ...
Absent or reduced sexual desire and/or arousal is a prevalent and often distressing complaint. In general, women present this problem only when the gynecologist proactively inquires about possible sexual difficulties. Incentive motivation theories, the abundance of evidence that spontaneous sexual desire does not exist, and the knowledge that sexual desire is the result of competent sexual stimuli that activate the sexual response system have changed the way science defines arousal and desire. Desire for sexual activity is more determined by the expectation of rewarding experiences than by a biological “drive.” Biological factors—neurotransmitters and hormones—are not the source of sexual desire but mainly determine the sensitivity of the sexual system for sexual stimuli. Based on these changed views, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5), the distinction between arousal and desire is abandoned. In women experiencing reduced sexual desire and/or arousal, the diagnosis female sexual interest/arousal disorder should not be made if the sexual difficulties are the result of inadequate sexual stimulation. If the problem is situational, a biological cause is most unlikely. Sexuality is a biopsychosocial phenomenon. Whatever may be the most important initial precipitating factors, there always are secondary psychological, relational, and contextual maintaining factors that must be taken into account in the diagnostic and therapeutic process as well. Treatment of sexual desire and arousal disorders therefore by definition is multidimensional, taking into account all these factors. Therapy might include psychoeducation, basic counseling, individual and couple psychosexual behavioral therapy, and hormonal and pharmacological treatment.
... When comparing women with HSDD to women without HSDD, women with HSDD report less attraction and emotional closeness to their partner, more dissatisfaction with resolution of conflicts, poorer dyadic adjustment, and might describe that relationship factors were associated with their sexual problems. 33,56,57 However, if relationship factors appear to be the cause of the low desire, it is important to note this would not be diagnosed as generalized HSDD. ...
Introduction:
Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) definitions of sexual dysfunction do not identify all sexual problems experienced clinically by women and are not necessarily applicable for biologic or biopsychosocial management of female sexual dysfunction. A unified nomenclature system enables clinicians, researchers, and regulatory agencies to use the same language and criteria for determining clinical end points, assessing research results, and managing patients.
Aim:
To develop nomenclature with classification systems for female sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm disorders with definitions pertinent to clinicians and researchers from multiple specialties who contribute to the field of sexual medicine.
Methods:
Key national and international opinion leaders diverse in gender, geography, and areas of expertise met for 2 days to discuss and agree to definitions of female sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm disorders and persistent genital arousal disorder. The attendees consisted of 10 psychiatrists and psychologists; 12 health care providers in specialties such as gynecology, internal medicine, and sexual medicine; three basic scientists; and one sexuality educator, representing an array of societies working within the various areas of sexual function and dysfunction.
Main outcome measure:
A unified set of definitions was developed and accepted for use by the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and members of other stakeholder societies participating in the consensus meeting.
Results:
Current DSM-5 definitions, in particular elimination of desire and arousal disorders as separate diagnoses and lack of definitions of other specific disorders, were adapted to create ISSWSH consensus nomenclature for distressing sexual dysfunctions. The ISSWSH definitions include hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female genital arousal disorder, persistent genital arousal disorder, female orgasmic disorder, pleasure dissociative orgasm disorder, and female orgasmic illness syndrome.
Conclusion:
Definitions for female sexual dysfunctions that reflect current science provide useful nomenclature for current and future management of women with sexual disorders and development of new therapies.
... In the past, evaluations of marital quality which utilize domainspecific items have suffered from the problem of redundancy-that is, the construct used to "explain" variance in marital quality is measured by items that tap the same concept as a subset of the items used to measure marital quality. For example, Banmen and Vogel (1985), as cited in Fincham and Bradbury (1987), report a significant association between communication (Marital Communication Inventory, 1970; e.g., "Do the two of you argue a lot over money?") and marital quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale; Spanier, 1976; e.g., "Indicate the extent of agreement or disagreement between you and your partner on: ...
The present study examined the effect of family of origin characteristics on current marital satisfaction, within a sample of newlywed couples, using dyadic and mixed methods approaches to conceptualization, data collection, and data analysis.
The data used to investigate this process—sometimes called intergenerational transmission—was collected in two phases. First, quantitative data in the form of close-ended questions was collected separately from each member of 190 newlywed couples via hard-copy questionnaires. These questionnaires included measures of family of origin characteristics (e.g., interparental conflict), current marital processes (e.g., conflict resolution style), and marital outcomes (e.g., marital satisfaction). Second, in-depth and open-ended questions were asked of 18 couples in semi-structured couple interviews. The 18 couples who were interviewed in phase two of the data collection represent a purposive sub-sample of the original 190 couples from phase one of data collection.
Results of structural equation modeling of a conceptual model based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Cook & Kenny, 2005) indicated that the family or origin characteristics measured predicted a decrease in marital satisfaction, especially for wives. In addition, mixed evidence was found for the potential meditational role of conflict resolution style. Results of thematic coding of the interview data revealed that: a) families of origin serve as marriage role models in complex and multifaceted ways; b) there are other important models of marriage, aside from families of origin, that influence marital outcomes; c) it is likely that couples use a combination of different marriage role models to form their ideas of marriage (and therefore their marital outcomes); and d) it is possible that in some cases families of origin do not provide a marriage role model at all.
Finally, results of a configural comparative analysis utilizing both the quantitative and qualitative data revealed that couples negotiate the pathway from their families of origin to their own marriages in diverse ways. Three distinct pathways were identified, including a “modeling” pathway, a “modified modeling” pathway, and a “compensation” pathway. Interpretations and implications of these findings are discussed. In addition, future directions for research in this area are suggested.
... Strong convergent evidence exists for the impact of effective communication on sexual satisfaction. Both sexual and nonsexual communication appear to play important roles in predicting sexual satisfaction (Banmen & Vogel, 1985;Chesney, Blakeney, Cole, & Chan, 1981;Cupach & Comstock, 1990;Larson et al., 1998;MacNeil & Byers, 1997). However, Byers and Demmons (1999) conducted a study that revealed that sexual exchanges and relationship satisfaction mediated the relation between sexual communication and sexual satisfaction. ...
In the literature on sexual satisfaction, correlational studies abound, but there is very little theory tying the findings of these studies together. Of the theoretical models that do exist, the majority have utilized social exchange theories of sexual satisfaction. This study aimed at proposing a theoretical model of sexual satisfaction not grounded in exchange theory but in communal relationships theory. To test a communal model of sexual satisfaction, 189 male and female undergraduates completed the Mutual Communal Behaviors Scale (MCBS; Williamson & Schulz, 1995), the Exchanges Questionnaire (Lawrence & Byers, 1992), a measure of sexual satisfaction, and a measure of relationship satisfaction. The MCBS proved to be a superior predictor of relationship satisfaction as compared to the Exchanges Questionnaire, however, contrary to predictions, the MCBS was not a better predictor of sexual satisfaction. Implications for the construction of a communal model of sexual satisfaction are discussed.
... Effective sexual communication between partners is related not only to sexual satisfaction, but also to overall satisfaction with the relationship (Cupach & Comstock, 1990;Cupach & Metts, 1991;Masters et al., 1986;Metts & Cupach, 1989). For example, in a study comparing married couples in couples' therapy and married couples not in counseling, Banmen and Vogel (1985) found a strong positive relationship between skill in communicating about sexual matters and overall dyadic adjustment, especially for couples seeking therapy. In another example, Cupach and Comstock (1988) found that an individual's satisfaction with his or her own sexual communication as well as with his or her partner's sexual communication was associated with both sexual satisfaction and overall relationship satisfaction. ...
This study examined the impact of general and sexual communication on couples’ overall and sexual satisfaction. Data were collected from 116 heterosexual, monogamous couples in relationships of at least three months’ duration. Open sexual communication accounted for unique variance in both sexual and overall relationship satisfaction; general communication effectiveness did so only for overall satisfaction. The relationship between open sexual communication and overall satisfaction was stronger for males, and the relationship between open sexual communication and sexual satisfaction was stronger for couples who had been together longer. The three-way interaction of open sexual communication, relationship length, and gender significantly predicted overall relationship satisfaction but not sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction mediated the relationship between open sexual communication and overall satisfaction.
... There is some empirical support for the expressive pathway. Past research has found that greater self-disclosure is associated with higher relationship satisfaction and that higher relationship satisfaction is associated with higher sexual satisfaction (Banmen & Vogel, 1985;Cupach & Comstock, 1990;Lawrance & Byers, 1995;Meeks, Hendrick, & Hendrick, 1998). Moreover, Byers and Demmons (1999) found that relationship satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between sexual self-disclosure and sexual satisfaction among daters. ...
We examined two proposed pathways between sexual self-disclosure and sexual satisfaction. According to the proposed expressive pathway, reciprocal sexual self-disclosure contributes to relationship satisfaction, which in turn leads to greater sexual satisfaction. According to the instrumental pathway, own sexual self-disclosure leads to greater partner understanding of sexual likes and dislikes, which in turn leads to a more favorable balance of sexual rewards and costs and thus to higher sexual satisfaction. Seventy-four heterosexual dating couples completed questionnaires assessing self-disclosure, sexual and relationship satisfaction, as well as own and partner positive and negative sexual exchanges. Support was found for the instrumental pathway for both women and men and for the expressive pathway for women. For men, the expressive pathway was between own nonsexual self-disclosure and sexual satisfaction. These results are interpreted in light of the more instrumental role for men in sexual relationships.
... These theories propose a diversity of variables that affect marital interaction or marital life that are located within the psychological and cognitive contexts of the marital relationship. These variables of marital interaction are marital and sex roles by Bem (1974) and Antill (1983); intimacy by Warring (1984); power, decision making and marital locus of control by Quinn and Davidson (1986) communication by Banman and Vogel (1985); companionship, understanding, and emotional well-being, division of household work, affinity maintenance by Bell, Daly, and Gonzalez (1987); and affective styles by Broderick and O'Leary (1986). ...
The Epigenetic model of understanding marital expectations of Bhatti focuses on the domains of (a) expectations from the partner,
(b) expectations from marriage, (c) expectations of and from the partner’s family of origin, (d) expectations of the institution
of marriage, and (e) the concept of an “ideal partner,” and helps in understanding how martial expectations are influenced
by various factors in the person’s life. The underlying assumption is that the spouses enter the marriage with expectations
(on all the above mentioned domains), which are facts and exist at a conscious level in the social reality. These indicators
further evolve, refine, and change across the span of the marriage. This model has formed the framework for marital therapy
and other interventions. This paper highlights the application of this model in marital therapy with couples with marital
dysfunction.
... There is some support for the relationships proposed in the expressive pathway for couples in long-term relationships. Previous research has found significant relationships between relationship satisfaction and self-disclosure in general (Hendrick, 1981;Litzinger & Gordon, 2005), sexual self-disclosure specifically (Banmen & Vogel, 1985), and sexual satisfaction (Byers, 2005;Cupach & Comstock, 1990;Haavio-Mannila & Kontula, 1997). In addition, there is some evidence that mutual NSD contributes to both relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction (Larson, Anderson, Holman, & Niemann, 1998;Markman, Renick, Floyd, Stanley, & Clements, 1993). ...
This study examined two proposed pathways between sexual self-disclosure (SSD) and sexual satisfaction in a sample of 104 heterosexual couples in long-term relationships. According to the proposed instrumental pathway, disclosure of sexual preferences increases a partner's understanding of those preferences resulting in a sexual script that is more rewarding and less costly. A more favorable balance of sexual rewards to sexual costs, in turn, results in greater sexual satisfaction for the disclosing individual. According to the proposed expressive pathway, mutual self-disclosure contributes to relationship satisfaction, which in turn leads to greater sexual satisfaction. Support was found for the instrumental pathway for both men and women. Support also was found for an expressive pathway between own SSD and partner nonsexual self-disclosure (NSD) and men's sexual satisfaction, and between own NSD and women's sexual satisfaction. These results are interpreted in terms of mechanisms for establishing and maintaining sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships in men and women.
The interface of sexual behavior and evolutionary psychology is a rapidly growing domain, rich in psychological theories and data as well as controversies and applications. With nearly eighty chapters by leading researchers from around the world, and combining theoretical and empirical perspectives, The Cambridge Handbook of Evolutionary Perspectives on Sexual Psychology is the most comprehensive and up-to-date reference work in the field. Providing a broad yet in-depth overview of the various evolutionary principles that influence all types of sexual behaviors, the handbook takes an inclusive approach that draws on a number of disciplines and covers nonhuman and human psychology. It is an essential resource for both established researchers and students in psychology, biology, anthropology, medicine, and criminology, among other fields. Volume 3: Female Sexual Adaptations addresses theory and research focused on sexual adaptations in human females.
Despite consistent evidence that sexual communication positively correlates with relationship and sexual satisfaction, there has been empirical murkiness regarding which aspects of sexual communication matter more or less for relationship and sexual satisfaction. A systematic meta-analysis was conducted to investigate if the strength of the association between sexual communication and relationship and sexual satisfaction varied by dimensions of sexual communication and individual, interpersonal, and cultural factors. The meta-analysis included 93 studies with 209 unique effect sizes, which represented 38,499 unique individuals in a current relationship. The multilevel meta-analysis evidenced a positive association between sexual communication and both relationship (r = .37) and sexual satisfaction (r = .43). For relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction, the effect size for quality of sexual communication (r = .43; .52) was larger compared to the frequency of sexual communication (r = .31; .31) and sexual self-disclosure (r = .28; .39). After controlling for the average age and relationship length of the sample, samples with married participants (r = .49) had larger effect sizes compared to samples with mixed relationship statuses (r = .35). Higher levels of individualism (b = .003) strengthened, and higher levels of gender inequality (b = -.06) weakened, the association between sexual communication and sexual satisfaction. Finally, when sociosexuality was low, sexual communication had a large association with relationship satisfaction for men (r = .69) and a small association for women (r = .16). Measurement, sample characteristics, and cultural factors have an important role in understanding the link between partners' sexual communication and their relationship and sexual satisfaction. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Marriage is a continuous process of adjustment and is based on the cooperation between husband and the wife. However, growth in technology and intellect has made life seemingly complicated, leading to loss of serenity and thereby manifesting in forms of marital disharmony and increased rates of divorce. There is a need to acquire inner peace by striking a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of one's being. The Art of Living programs offer spiritual techniques to eliminate stress, improve vitality and expand awareness. The contents of the program are a combination of the best of mind sciences from ancient Vedantic-Yogic traditions and modern paradigms-drawing out the individual's full potential, grounded on conscious holistic living and well-being. The importance of spiritual based relaxation interventions in reducing stress is well proven. The present study was undertaken to investigate the impact of the Art of Living programs on the marital adjustments of Indian women. The sample consisted of 240 married women. The independent variables investigated were the levels of the 'Art of Living programs' undertaken and the 'age' of the women. The dependent variable being 'Marital Adjustment'. Tools used for the study was the 'Marital Adjustment Questionnaire'(MAQ) constructed and standardized by Dr. Pramod Kumar and Dr. Kanchana Rohatgi (Chandigarh 1976). The mean (M) and standard deviation (S.D.) for the scores on the MAQ for each of the levels of the Art of Living programs cross classified by age was calculated. The data was statistically analyzed through both parametric and non-parametric tests: Duncan's test and Chi squared (χ 2) tests. χ 2 was also applied on the consolidated scores obtained on 'sexual', 'emotional' and 'social' components pertaining to the MAQ. Results indicated that women less than or equal to 40 years of age and having undertaken the Silence Retreat Programs (SRP) showed the highest marital adjustment as compared to women across all other groups. Further, χ 2 was significant on better 'social' adjustments for women more than or equal to 41 years of age and having undertaken the SRP as compared with women less than or equal to 40 years of age and having undertaken 'No Program' inthe present investigation. These findings signify that spiritual interventions may foster marital adjustment meaningfully and especially in areas of social adjustment. Marriage and Adjustment : Marriage is a process of adjustment and is based upon cooperation between both husband and the wife. A happy marriage is realized only when both husband and wife make a determined effort to make their marriage a success. (Kumar and Dhyani, 1996) Happily married couples have been found more relaxed and emotionally stable than couples showing poor marital relationship. (Kumar and Rohatgi, 1985)
Empirical evidences on the understanding of marital satisfaction as a multidimensional construct in the context of a multicultural multi-religious society are found to be limited. In this study, an attempt has been made to predict and hypothesize the factors in influencing marital satisfaction, communication and coping strategy in marriage among Malaysian married couples. Using 5-Likert scale agreement, the new Marital Satisfaction Scale has been constructed and administered among 150 respondents in a cross-sectional survey, Descriptive statistics and backward Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) were adopted to ensure the models were estimated based on the contributions from each predictor to determine the model specification. The results have shown that the best predicted models of Marital Satisfaction and Communication are explained by 76% of variance while the prediction of Coping strategy is explained by 30% of variance. This study has recognized the usefulness of multiple regression analysis in model testing before further research on model prediction via Structural Equation Modeling is conducted. A newly hypothesized Marital Satisfaction Model was initiated by integrating the VSA Model of Marriage (Karney and Bradburry, 1995). This study is significant in contributing to pre/post-marital education and counseling fields as well as in crafting a better intervention strategy to promote a more satisfying marital institution.
We examined the mediating roles of communication and marital affect in the association between marital quality and neuroticism. Guided by the social investment theory and the personality-relationship transactions model, we tested the actor-partner interdependence mediation model to examine the associations among the variables. Participants were 268 Chinese newlywed couples who were a maximum of 3 years into their first marriage. The path model indicated that, first, both spouses’ marital quality at Time 1 was related with their own neuroticism at Time 3 after controlling for confounding variables. However, after controlling for neuroticism at Time 1, husbands’ marital quality was not directly associated with their own neuroticism. Second, for wives, communication and marital affect at Time 2 fully mediated the association between marital quality and neuroticism. Conversely, for husbands, the multiple specific indirect effects were not significant. These findings suggest that communication and marital affect are mediators underlying the association between marital quality and neuroticism. Moreover, the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship effects differ between husbands and wives. The implications and future directions of these results were discussed.
Using data from a sample of 235 female nurses, this study focused on marital and sexual satisfaction as important criteria in maintaining a healthy disposition, high life satisfaction, and positive sexual relationship characteristics. A cluster analysis identified five different profiles of marital and sexual satisfaction within the total sample. Of the two most positive profiles, one group of women was defined by high scores in both areas, the other by high sexual satisfaction but only moderate marital satisfaction. In two other profiles, the women were very dissatisfied with either sex or marriage. Subsequent analysis showed that the profiles were meaningfully associated with measures of psychological symptoms and overall life satisfaction. The profiles were also associated with measures of sexual desire, sexual stress, sexual compatibility and sexual assertiveness which reflected the sexual characteristics of the relationship. The strongest univariate profile discriminator was the level of sexual desire. A discriminant function analysis revealed that the level of sexual desire was even more powerful when it was compared to the level of sexual compatibility.
In this book, the authors discuss two of the most fundamental of human experiences: loneliness, and belonging. There have been other publications, over the years, about each of these topics separately, but none about how they interact and influence one another, in one integrated volume. Loneliness is an existential and basic human experience that all those who ever walked on this earth have experienced. Loneliness is always painful, subjective, all consuming, and an experience which we all try to avoid. This book reviews the most updated literature, research, and experimentation involving loneliness, human alienation, and separation. Covered are definitions and an understanding of what is loneliness, loneliness in philosophy, literature and the Bible, loneliness of marginalized populations, the difference between essential and transient loneliness, loneliness of the seriously ill and the dying, what causes loneliness, and how can we cope with it successfully. Addressing humans' great desire to belong, the book covers that overwhelming wish and need to be part of a community, a family and a romantic dyad, to belong and be valuable.
This investigation assessed two competing hypotheses regarding the relationship between self‐disclosure in marriage and the marital satisfaction of husbands and wives: an interaction‐effect hypothesis, which suggests the relationship between self‐disclosure and marital satisfaction for either spouse is contingent on the level of self‐disclosure of the other, and a direct‐effect hypothesis, which suggests that the marital satisfaction of each spouse varies directly as a function of the level of self‐disclosure of both self and other in marriage. The simpler, lower‐order, direct‐effect hypothesis is concluded to account adequately for the data.
This study examined dating individuals' self‐disclosure about their sexual likes and dislikes to their partner. Forty‐seven college men and 52 college women in a dating relationship of 3 to 36 months completed a questionnaire measuring sexual exchange variables, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual communication satisfaction, and sexual and non‐sexual self‐disclosure with their partner. Both sexual and nonsexual self‐disclosure were at the level of revealing some detail but not fully disclosing personal attitudes and feelings. Participants reported self‐disclosing significantly more about non‐sexual than about sexual topics. Sexual and nonsexual self‐disclosure were related to sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and sexual communication satisfaction. Sexual self‐disclosure was uniquely related to sexual communication satisfaction when nonsexual self‐disclosure was controlled, but was not uniquely associated with relationship satisfaction or sexual satisfaction. The study provided evidence that both sexual exchanges and relationship satisfaction mediate the relationship between sexual self‐disclosure and sexual satisfaction as proposed by Cupach and Metts (1991). The results of a series of analyses suggest that self‐disclosure affects sexual satisfaction through two routes. First, sexual self‐disclosure may increase sexual rewards in the relationship. Second, it may increase overall relationship satisfaction. Both increased sexual rewards and increased relationship satisfaction, in turn, enhance sexual satisfaction.
Several theories of intimate relationship satisfaction have been proposed to explain which relationship processes truly provide for a happy relationship. The literature suggests three main variables as central to relationship satisfaction: interpersonal communication, sexual communication, and communication affect. Each factor has been shown to relate to relationship satisfaction, but they have not been directly compared with each other in a single sample, nor have they been tested on young, exclusive dating relationships. Questionnaires derived from these three approaches were given to 40 college students in exclusive intimate relationships, and were correlated with scores on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, a well validated inventory assessing overall relationship adjustment and satisfaction. Relationship communication skills proved to be the most reliable predictor of concurre nt relationship satisfaction. Implications for this finding are discussed.
Objetivos: Establecer las características biopsicosociales y la frecuencia de relaciones sexuales enembarazadas que asisten al programa de control prenatal en la ESE Prudencio Padilla Clínica Sur(Barranquilla), julio octubre, 2003.Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo; se tomaron 140 gestantes en su segundo y tercertrimestre que asisten al programa del control prenatal de la ESE Prudencio Padilla Clínica Sur(Barranquilla), julio octubre, 2003.Resultados: El 67.8% de las embarazadas tienen alguna creencia que influye en la frecuencia derelaciones sexuales durante el embarazo, y se encontró significancia estadística entre las ideas: lasrelaciones sexuales le hacen daño al bebé (Test de Fisher 2 colas; P 0.04) y las relaciones sexuales pueden hacer que el parto se adelante (OR: 2.8; IC: 0.87-9.13; X2:3.84; P 0.049) y la variable trimestre del embarazo y frecuencia de relaciones sexuales calculando un coeficiente rho deSpearman de 0.78 con una p
Introduction:
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is defined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition as persistent or recurrent deficiency (or absence) of sexual fantasies/thoughts, and/or desire for or receptivity to sexual activity, which causes personal distress. As a largely subjective experience, sexual desire may or may not be accompanied by externally observable changes in sexual behavior.
Aim:
Describe the models of understanding HSDD and the contributing factors to provide the basis for a diagnostic interview and guidance for care for healthcare professionals as a standard operating procedure method. Review of the literature.
Results:
There are several models which have been developed to describe sexual desire, although there is still no universally accepted definition or description of it. The models are generally divided into more general two-factor models (e.g., excitation-inhibition, appetitive-consummatory) or more specific multifactorial models (in which the different components of sexual activity and their interaction are delineated). The etiology of the disorder is generally considered as multifactorial. Biomedical factors like diseases, drugs, and hormones, and psychological factors like life events, sexual biography, affective state, etc., as well as interpersonal factors like partner satisfaction, communication, duration of the relationship, and sociocultural factors interact with each other and contribute to the individual experience of desire or lack or absence of desire. In analogy to the multifactorial pathogenesis the therapeutic approach is usually multidimensional and includes basic counseling, individual and couple psychotherapy, hormonal and psychopharmacological treatment.
Conclusion:
The standard operation procedure for HSDD in women must be based on a biopsychosocial, multidimensional, and integrative perspective.
This investigation explored the role of sexual attitude similarity in sexually involved romantic couples. Findings indicate that sexual attitudes of partners are positively correlated, and that partners exhibit significantly greater levels of similarity than randomly generated couples. Similarity in sexual attitudes did not vary as a function of length of relationship or length of sexual involvement. Gender differences were evident in the correlations between certain types of sexual attitudes and the four indicators of relationship quality: sexual satisfaction, relational satisfaction, commitment, and sexual communication satisfaction. In addition, sexual communication satisfaction mediated the effect of sexual attitude similarity on both males' and females' sexual satisfaction.
This article examines aspects of the marital relationship and its assessment relevant to scholars of child development. The case for attending to marriage in child research is outlined before reviewing what is known about the construct of marital quality, behavior, emotional responding, and cognition in marriage. Practical recommendations are made for assessing each of these areas before arguing that the child's perspective of the marriage is critical for understanding children's behavior. Several limitations and promises of marital research for understanding children are also discussed.
The purpose of the study was to investigate current sexual attitudes and behavior patterns of rural Chinese elderly and to
assess the effects of spouse relationships. The subjects were interviewed by village doctors and social workers in six villages
selected along the Yellow River in central China utilizing a structured questionnaire. The symbolic interaction perspective
and ecological developmental approach provide theoretical frameworks for understanding the interactional, associational, and
transformational nature of sexuality. The findings confirmed that aging itself abolishes neither the need nor the capacity
for sexual activity. However, sexual attitude, interest, and activity were directly affected by spouse relationships. Chinese
culture for thousands of years has sought to narrow sexual activities to the purpose of reproduction and, therefore, has likely
suppressed sexual needs. This study is among the first investigations in shaking the traditional taboo of talking about sex.
It is not only to provide information about Chinese elderly who constitute one-fifth of the world population of the aged,
but also adds to the body of knowledge of elderly sexuality, especially to the gerontological literature of non-Western traditions.
A committee of five was convened to update the chapter on women's sexual dysfunctions from the perspective of diagnostic issues, pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment.
To review the literature since 2003 and provide recommendations based on evidence.
Research databases, conference proceedings, and articles in press were read for relevant new data on these topics for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), female orgasmic disorder (FOD), and persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).
Recommendations by five experts from five countries were formulated with associated grades.
The definitions of HSDD, FSAD, and FOD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text-Revised are imperfect and have been criticized over the last decade. Proposed new criteria that take into account empirical findings and the diversity across women are recommended. There has been a flurry of new epidemiological studies on women's sexual dysfunction; studies also assessing distress consistently find a much lower prevalence of dysfunction if distress is considered. Assessment of sexual difficulties is best achieved through a biopsychosocial clinical interview of the woman and her partner (if possible); though laboratory investigations, a physical examination, psychophysiological measurement, and self-report questionnaires can often supplement the interview information. There are currently no approved pharmacological treatments for women's sexual dysfunction in North America, though a number of promising agents have been studied. Evidence for the efficacy of psychological treatments is based on limited studies. There is an urgent need for more data on the assessment, etiology, and treatment of PGAD.
Specific recommendations for the assessment and treatment of women's desire, arousal, and orgasm disorders are forwarded; however, more research into these domains is needed.
The purpose of this study was to contribute to the need for empirical studies of the ethnic and cultural issues associated with the decline of committed heterosexual relationships in African Americans. This dearth of research indicates a lack of awareness of issues related to African American couples, as well as the residual effects of cultural influences on their intimate relationships. This research investigated patterns of African American couples’ positive and negative stereotyping and perceptions of couple adjustment, and examined the relationship between demographic variables and African American couples’ positive and negative stereotyping of each other, as well as couple adjustment. Conceptual frameworks of social exchange theory and symbolic interactionism are discussed with application to African American couples. Respondents (n = 142; 101 females, 41 males) were 18 years or older, at least second generation African Americans, and in a heterosexual relationship. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), reliability scales for the two main variable instruments (the Stereotype Scale and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale), and correlations were conducted. EFA produced three Stereotype factors: Negative Black Female, Negative Black Male, and Positive Black. Multiple Regressions were conducted to examine whether Negative Black Female, Negative Black Male, or Positive Black Stereotypes predict Total DAS score, Demographics predict Total DAS score, and Demographics predict Stereotype scores. These were further examined, controlling for gender of the respondent. The significant findings in this study yielded the following: 1) older age is correlated with negative stereotypes of black females and negative stereotypes of black males; 2) women who had a higher education (completed college) endorsed more stereotypes of Negative Black Females than those who didn’t complete high school; 3) females had higher negative stereotypes of Black women and Black men than males; and 4) both being in a committed relationship and holding positive stereotypes related highly to overall adjustment in this sample of African Americans. Implications for further research and clinical work with African American couples is discussed.
This study investigated sexual dysfunction and selected related characteristics attributed to female adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs). Using a variety of established measures, data were collected on 30 female ACOAs and 30 non-ACOA control subjects from the general population. The results indicated that female ACOAs manifested lower self-esteem, more distrust, and more sexual dysfunction, compared to the control subjects. These findings provide strong empirical evidence that female ACOAs may be at high risk for experiencing sexual problems.
Previous research has demonstrated that male and female who are self-actualized and have a purpose in life tend to have satisfying sex lives. However, some research has suggested that self-actualized male partners tend to have dissatisfied female partners due to high levels of egocentricity in self-actualized males. Two alternative approaches to assessing meaning in life were utilized to further test this hypothesis. Forty-eight married couples were administered the Purpose in Life Test (PIL), Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), Selfism Scale, Sexual Interaction Inventory (SII), and Crowne-Marlowe Social Desirability Scale. The findings show that persons high on PIL and POI scores reported higher levels of sexual enjoyment. Egocentricity was positively correlated with dissatisfaction, however this result was significant for females but not males. Although no relationship was found between personality factors in the female spouse and male enjoyment, male self-actualization, but not egocentricity, was indicative of female dissatisfaction. These results are discussed in light of existing theory and research.
Single college‐educated females have received very little attention from researchers who are concerned with chronicling the apparent changes in sexual behavior occurring in American society. A widely held impression suggests that the so‐called sexual revolution has led to a new sexual morality characterized by an increased emphasis on sexual enjoyment and sexual satisfaction among never‐married and divorced/separated females. Thus, the purposes of the study were to ascertain what differences exist between never‐married, married, and divorced/separated females with regard to sexual activities, sexual satisfaction, and desired changes in their sex lives.An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to professional women who were employed in administrative and/or teaching positions in various academic institutions and possessed at least a baccalaureate degree. The data indicate that divorced/separated females, in comparison to married and never‐married females, have a greater number of sex partners, a higher frequency of sexual intercourse, and a greater willingness to experiment with various sexual arousal techniques to achieve orgasm. These findings demonstrate that women are increasingly accepting the idea that current marriage is not a prerequisite for achieving sexual enjoyment and sexual satisfaction.
Using a step-wise multiple regression analysis, this study examined the role, in nondistressed marriages, of such sexual variables as frequency of sexual activity, number of orgasms, sexual desire, and sexual excitability in the prediction of female sexual satisfaction as compared to the role of such personality and relationship variables as sexual assertiveness, sexual attitudes (erotophobia-erotophilia), and relationship closeness. The findings suggest that individual and relationship variables (sexual assertiveness, erotophilia, and relationship closeness) aid in the prediction of female sexual satisfaction over and above what can be learned from knowing about the frequency of sexual activity, the number of orgasms a woman has, her level of sexual excitability, and how much she desired the sexual activity. Findings, methodological advances in the use of sex diaries, and limitations of the study are explored.
This article examines aspects of the marital relationship and its assessment relevant to scholars of child development. The case for attending to marriage in child research is outlined before reviewing what is known about the construct of marital quality, behavior, emotional responding, and cognition in marriage. Practical recommendations are made for assessing each of these areas before arguing that the child's perspective of the marriage is critical for understanding children's behavior. Several limitations and promises of marital research for understanding children are also discussed.
This study examined select premarital factors from the ecosystemic perspective hypothesized to influence marital sexual satisfaction in the first year of marriage. A sample of 70 couples was administered by the Preparation of Marriage Questionnaire (PREP-M) a few months prior to marriage to measure premarital levels of empathy, self-disclosure, open communication, relationship stability, and self-esteem. At 1 year of marriage, their sexual satisfaction was assessed using the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). Using multiple regression analyses it was found that the best premarital predictors of husband's marital sexual satisfaction were wives' self-esteem, wives' open communication, and wives' relationship stability. The best predictors for wives' marital sexual satisfaction were wives' self-esteem, wives' open communication, and husbands' empathic communication. Conclusions and implications for premarital counselling and family life education are discussed.
The current study explored the relationship between communication and assertiveness in general and sexual contexts and examined each construct's differential ability to predict reported condom use among college students. The results suggest that the constructs are positively related to each other, but general communication does not predict sexual assertiveness. Although sexual assertiveness is a better predictor of condom use than general assertiveness, general communication, and sexual communication, it needs to be considered within the context of other variables (e.g., normative beliefs regarding condom use). HIV prevention programs and models of health behavior should incorporate individual characteristics such as sexual assertiveness. The results of this study suggest that sexual assertiveness, social norm perceptions of condom use, self-efficacy for HIV prevention, and condom attitudes are among the critical variables that should be examined in an integrated model of sexual health behavior.
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore Taiwanese women's experience of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy. Twelve participants were recruited through purposive sampling of outpatients registered in the antepartum clinic of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews and tape recordings. A modified phenomenologic methodology and narrative analysis of transcripts yielded four essential themes related to the personal meaning of sexually satisfying experiences in pregnancy: 1) improvement of self-identity, 2) empowerment through sexual relations, 3) strengthening the marital bond, and 4) reinforcement of the value of sexuality. This woman-centered view of the significance of sexually satisfying experiences in pregnancy can help health care professionals understand and educate their clients about women's sexuality during pregnancy.
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