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Fitzpatrick ET, Rosen NO, Dawson SJ. What to Expect When You're Expecting: Perinatal Sexual Education Is Linked with Couples' Sexual Well-Being in Pregnancy and the Postpartum. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:1269-1282. [PMID: 37126465 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2193570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Up to 88% of expectant and new parents report problems with their sexual well-being, yet less than 30% of individuals receive information about potential sexual problems from health-care professionals. Lack of information may contribute to difficulty adjusting to sexual challenges, and in turn, to poorer sexual well-being. The current study examined the following: 1) the amount of perinatal sexual health information individuals receive/access; 2) gaps between desired and received information; 3) barriers to accessing information; and 4) links between the quantity of information received/accessed and sexual well-being outcomes in one sample of pregnant couples (N = 102) and another sample of couples in the postpartum (N = 102). Results revealed that most participants reported receiving/accessing little-to-no sexual health information, despite most participants wanting to receive a variety of information related to their perinatal sexuality. On average, expectant and new parents were indifferent regarding how easy/comfortable they felt discussing their sexuality with health-care professionals. Overall, when gestational parents received/accessed more pregnancy-related sexual health information and when either parent received/accessed more postpartum-related sexual health information, both members of the couples reported greater sexual well-being. Access to information might not only address couples' needs and concerns but may also bolster sexual well-being during a vulnerable period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University
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Dawson SJ, Fitzpatrick ET, Farm GHJ, Rosen NO. Self-Compassion and Compassionate Love Are Positively Associated with Sexual and Relational Well-Being Among Expectant and New Parent Couples. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:3393-3404. [PMID: 37491622 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02658-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be a challenging time for many couples' relationships. Outside of pregnancy and the postpartum period, being more attentive and sensitive to one's own suffering (i.e., high in self-compassion) and showing love that centers on another person's well-being (i.e., compassionate love) has been linked with greater sexual and relationship satisfaction and lower sexual distress. Both self-compassion and compassionate love may benefit couples during the perinatal period by facilitating more adaptive coping and greater responsiveness to one's own and one's partner's needs. The goal of this study was to examine associations between self-compassion and compassionate love and sexual and relationship satisfaction and sexual distress in two samples of (1) expectant (n = 102) and (2) new parent (n = 102) couples. During pregnancy, self-compassion and compassionate love were linked with higher relationship and sexual satisfaction and lower sexual distress. In the postpartum, higher self-compassion and compassionate love were associated with greater relationship satisfaction, but were less consistently linked with sexual satisfaction and sexual distress. Consistent with theory, self-compassion and compassionate love may allow expectant and new parent couples to adjust to the demands of new parenthood more easily, with benefits for their sexual and relationship wellbeing. Given our data and the established benefits of self-compassion and compassionate love for facilitating adjustment during stressful life events, educating couples about the importance of fostering self-compassion and compassionate love during pregnancy, and after the baby is born, may cultivate resilience which, in turn, may promote stronger relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Dawson
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Erin T Fitzpatrick
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Gwen H-J Farm
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Kahn M, Barnett N, Gradisar M. Let's Talk about Sleep Baby: Sexual Activity Postpartum and Its Links with Room Sharing, Parent Sleep, and Objectively Measured Infant Sleep and Parent Nighttime Crib Visits. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:1247-1258. [PMID: 35763039 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2092050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The postpartum period may pose a considerable challenge for both parent sleep and sexual activity. This study assessed the links between partnered sexual frequency and satisfaction postpartum and parent sleep, infant sleep, parent nighttime caregiving, and parent-infant room sharing. Participants were 897 parents of infants aged 1-18-months (M = 8.8 ± 4.3, 49% girls). Parents completed an online survey about their sexual frequency and satisfaction, sleep, relationship satisfaction, depression, and demographic characteristics. Infant sleep and parent nighttime crib visits were measured objectively using auto-videosomnography during 2-weeks, with 8,460 nights assessed. Results indicated that the frequency of partnered sexual activity was 3.8 ± 4.2 times per month. Frequency of sexual activity increased with infant age, yet increases beyond the first 6 months postpartum were non-significant. Adjusted GEE modeling revealed that more parent nighttime crib visits were significantly associated with lower sexual frequency, regardless of infant age. Other parent and infant sleep-related factors were not significantly linked with sexual frequency in adjusted models. Moreover, sexual satisfaction was not associated with parent nighttime caregiving, parent or infant sleep, or parent-infant sleeping arrangements in adjusted models, suggesting that it may not be susceptible to the effects of disrupted sleep in the postpartum period. These findings suggest that it is not infant or parent sleep disruption per se, but rather parent nighttime engagement with the infant that is associated with parent sexual activity frequency. Longitudinal investigations are warranted to examine the directional pathways of these links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kahn
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University
| | | | - Michael Gradisar
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University
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Quinn-Nilas C. Time for a Measurement Check-Up: Testing the Couple's Satisfaction Index and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Using Structural Equation Modeling and Item Response Theory. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:2252-2276. [PMID: 37441630 PMCID: PMC10333968 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221143360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Relationship and sexual satisfaction are two central outcomes in the study of relationships and are commonly used in both academia and applied practice. However, relationship and sexual satisfaction measures infrequently undergo specific psychometric investigation. Ensuring that measures display strong psychometric performance is an important but under-tested element of replication that has come under more scrutiny lately, and adequate measurement of constructs is an important auxiliary assumption underpinning theory-testing empirical work. A measurement check-up was conducted, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test factorial validity, measurement invariance to test for group comparability, and Item Response Theory (IRT) to assess the relationship between latent traits and their items/indicators. This format was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Couple's Satisfaction Index (CSI) and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX), two commonly used scales of relationship and sexual satisfaction with a sample of 640 midlife (40-59 years old) married Canadians who were recruited by Qualtrics Panels. Results of CFA suggested that both models were satisfactory. Invariance testing provided robust support for intercept invariance across all the groupings tested. IRT analysis supported the CSI and GMSEX, however, there was evidence that the GMSEX provided somewhat less information for those high on sexual satisfaction. This measurement check-up found that the CSI and GMSEX were reasonably healthy with some caveats. Implications are discussed in terms of replicability and meaning for scholars and practitioners.
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Allsop DB, Péloquin K, Saxey MT, Rossi MA, Rosen NO. Perceived financial burden is indirectly linked to sexual well-being via quality of life among couples seeking medically assisted reproduction. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1063268. [PMID: 37082570 PMCID: PMC10110993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1063268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionMedically assisted reproduction is a difficult treatment process for couples both financially and sexually. Yet, these two domains have not been examined together among couples seeking treatment, leaving couples and practitioners without guidance on how to address these domains together.MethodsIn line with Couples and Finance Theory, we tested the hypothesis that perceived financial burden and couple income would predict quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which would then predict four domains of sexual well-being (i.e., sexual satisfaction, desire, distress, and frequency). We also examined if the results differed by treatment status—that is, between partners who were receiving treatment and those who were not. Cross-sectional data from 120 couples who had undergone medically assisted reproduction in the past six months were analyzed via structural equation modeling through an actor-partner interdependence mediation model.ResultsAn individual’s greater perceived financial burden predicted their own lower quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which in turn predicted their lower sexual satisfaction, desire and distress, as well as their partner’s lower sexual satisfaction. Household income did not indirectly predict any sexual well-being domains, and results regarding treatment status were inconclusive.DiscussionClinicians can discuss with couples how perceived financial strain of medically assisted reproduction affects their quality of life and what ramifications that may have for their sexual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Allsop
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthew T. Saxey
- School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Meghan A. Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Natalie O. Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Natalie O. Rosen,
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Development of a Japanese Version of the Index of Sexual Satisfaction for Use in Couples with Young Children. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12120503. [PMID: 36546986 PMCID: PMC9774785 DOI: 10.3390/bs12120503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of sexual dysfunction in couples after childbirth is well recognized, yet sexual satisfaction in couples with young children (CYC) has received little research attention. This study sought to enable this construct to be measured by developing and validating a Japanese version of the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) in CYC. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Scale construction and validation were conducted using two independent samples drawn from 316 mothers and 272 fathers in Japan who had at least one child aged 6 or younger. Two underlying factors were identified using exploratory factor analysis: sexual satisfaction, measured by eight items, and sexual dissatisfaction, measured by three. Polychoric ordinal alpha coefficients indicated the reliability of the resulting scale (overall: 0.89, factor 1: 0.89, factor 2: 0.78), and confirmatory factor analysis and testing supported its validity, showing good model fit (goodness of fit index: 0.984, root mean square residual: 0.062) and satisfactory composite reliability (scale: 0.93, factor 1: 0.90, factor 2: 0.81) and average variance extracted (all ≥0.5). The Japanese version of the ISS for Couples with Young Children will be useful for investigating sexual satisfaction, which is essential to marital stability.
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Kelley EL, Sheyn D, Hijaz A, Kingsberg SA, Pope RJ. Sexual Function and Help-Seeking Behaviors following Childbirth: A Cross-Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 49:331-341. [PMID: 36039380 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2117747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study examined 573 postpartum women's perceptions of changes in their sexual function and their help-seeking behaviors. Women residing in Ohio, Michigan, or Pennsylvania, USA, completed an online survey. Most women reported decreased postpartum sexual desire and/or arousal. Among women reporting decreased sexual function, most did not seek help from informal sources of support or health care professions (HCPs). Of those who did seek help from an HCP, in each domain of sexual function, only around half received helpful treatment. Women who did not seek help for their decreased sexual desire or arousal reported greater negative perceived impact of pregnancy/childbirth on their sexual function than women who did seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Kelley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Urology Insttitue, University Hospitals System, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - D Sheyn
- Urology Insttitue, University Hospitals System, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - A Hijaz
- Urology Insttitue, University Hospitals System, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - S A Kingsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Urology Insttitue, University Hospitals System, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - R J Pope
- Urology Insttitue, University Hospitals System, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Rossi MA, Impett EA, Dawson SJ, Vannier S, Kim J, Rosen NO. A Longitudinal Investigation of Couples' Sexual Growth and Destiny Beliefs in the Transition to Parenthood. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1559-1575. [PMID: 35182284 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02267-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Beliefs about sexuality tend to become more salient during sexual challenges and are associated with how individuals respond to these difficulties and, in turn, their sexual well-being. The transition to parenthood is marked by significant changes to couples' sexuality. As such, this period of vulnerability may be an important context in which these beliefs impact how couples manage sexual stressors and may have implications for their sexual well-being. In a longitudinal dyadic study, we examined whether couples' sexual growth beliefs (e.g., beliefs that sexual problems can be resolved through effort) and sexual destiny beliefs (e.g., beliefs that sexual problems reflect incompatibility with their partner) correspond with changes to various facets of couples' sexual well-being over time. First-time parent couples (N = 203) completed online surveys assessing these beliefs in pregnancy (32 weeks) and measures of sexual well-being (satisfaction, desire, and distress) in pregnancy (20 and 32 weeks) and across the postpartum period (3, 6, 9, 12 months). Dyadic latent growth curve models showed that expectant mothers who reported stronger sexual destiny beliefs in pregnancy reported higher sexual distress and lower sexual satisfaction at 3 months postpartum. When partners reported stronger sexual destiny beliefs in pregnancy, both they and new mothers reported greater sexual desire at 3 months postpartum. Unexpectedly, partners' higher sexual growth beliefs in pregnancy predicted mothers' lower sexual desire at 3 months postpartum. Sexual growth and destiny beliefs were not associated with change in couples' sexual well-being beyond 3 months postpartum. Findings shed light on the potential benefits and costs of sexual growth and destiny beliefs for couples' sexual well-being early in the postpartum period, but not over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada
| | - Emily A Impett
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Samantha J Dawson
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Vannier
- Department of Psychology, St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - James Kim
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Tutelman PR, Dawson SJ, Schwenck GC, Rosen NO. A Longitudinal Examination of Common Dyadic Coping and Sexual Distress in New Parent Couples during the Transition to Parenthood. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:278-293. [PMID: 33928639 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
New parents experience significant disruption to their sexual relationships such as lower desire and sexual frequency relative to prepregnancy. Little is known about the sexual distress new parents feel related to these changes, how sexual distress evolves over time, or how coping with stress relates to this distress. New parent couples who engage in more adaptive, joint coping with mutual stressors-common dyadic coping (CDC)-may be better able to manage distress related to their sexuality and thus, experience less sexual distress at 3-months postpartum and experience more marked improvement over time. In 99 first-time parent couples, we examined the link between CDC measured at 3-months postpartum and trajectories of sexual distress across 3-, 6-, and 12-months postpartum. Analyses used dyadic latent growth curve modeling informed by the actor-partner interdependence model. Mothers' sexual distress at 3-months postpartum was clinically elevated and higher than their partner's. Mothers' sexual distress declined significantly over time, whereas partners' sexual distress remained low and stable. An individual's higher perceptions of CDC was significantly associated with their own (but not their partner's) lower sexual distress at 3-months postpartum. No significant associations were found between CDC and change in sexual distress over time. How new parents jointly cope with stressors early in the postpartum period may lessen the distress they have about their sexuality at a time when most couples have just resumed sexual activity. Results identify CDC as a possible novel target for interventions aimed at helping couples manage sexual distress during the transition to parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perri R Tutelman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Samantha J Dawson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gracielle C Schwenck
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Impett EA, Kim JJ, Muise A. A communal approach to sexual need responsiveness in romantic relationships. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10463283.2020.1796079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Impett
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Toronto, Canada
| | - James J. Kim
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Amy Muise
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
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