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de la Rosa PA, Nakamura J, Cowden RG, Kim E, Osorio A, VanderWeele TJ. Longitudinal associations of spousal support and strain with health and well-being: An outcome-wide study of married older U.S. Adults. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 39289893 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the prospective associations of both spousal support and spousal strain with a wide range of health and well-being outcomes in married older adults. Applying the analytic template for outcome-wide designs, three waves of longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 7788, Mage = 64.2 years) were analyzed using linear regression, logistic regression, and generalized linear models. A set of models was performed for spousal support and another set of models for spousal strain (2010/2012, t1). Outcomes included 35 different aspects of physical health, health behaviors, psychological well-being, psychological distress, and social factors (2014/2016, t2). All models adjusted for pre-baseline levels of sociodemographic covariates and all outcomes (2006/2008, t0). Spousal support evidenced positive associations with five psychological well-being outcomes, as well as negative associations with five psychological distress outcomes and loneliness. Conversely, spousal strain evidenced negative associations with three psychological well-being outcomes, in addition to positive associations with three psychological distress outcomes and loneliness. The magnitude of these associations was generally small, although some effect estimates were somewhat larger. Associations of both spousal support and strain with other social and health-related outcomes were more negligible. Both support and strain within a marital relationship have the potential to impact various aspects of psychological well-being, psychological distress, and loneliness in the aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Antonio de la Rosa
- Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Nakamura
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Richard G Cowden
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Kim
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alfonso Osorio
- Institute for Culture and Society, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- School of Education and Psychology, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Tyler J VanderWeele
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Uzun K, Arslan G. Rumination and Forgiveness in Emerging Adults: Mediating Role of Mindfulness and Humility. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241256641. [PMID: 38768414 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241256641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine whether mindfulness and humility mediate the influence of rumination on forgiveness among emerging adults. The sample consisted of 392 individuals in the emerging adulthood stage, residing in Türkiye, with 69.10% females and 30.90% males, aged between 18 and 25 years (M = 20.19, SD = 1.77). Data were collected through a demographic information form and four self-report scales. In addition to descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient and bootstrap analysis were employed for data analysis. According to the study's findings, it can be inferred that ruminative thoughts among emerging adults hinder their ability to forgive. Furthermore, the study revealed that mindfulness and humility serve as mediators in the relationship between ruminative thoughts and forgiveness in emerging adults. In this context, it can be concluded that leveraging the positive effects of mindfulness and humility can mitigate the adverse impact of rumination on forgiveness among emerging adults, thus enhancing their inclination towards forgiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kıvanç Uzun
- Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Uşak University, Uşak, Türkiye
| | - Gökmen Arslan
- Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Türkiye; Centre for Wellbeing Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Lafontaine MF, Bolduc R, Lonergan M, Clement LM, Brassard A, Bureau JF, Godbout N, Péloquin K. Attachment Injury Severity, Injury-related Stress, Forgiveness, and Sexual Satisfaction in Injured Adult Partners. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:1138-1147. [PMID: 35723589 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2086677] [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
An attachment injury can occur when one partner violates the assumption that they will provide comfort and caring during a moment of increased need. For injured partners, unresolved attachment injuries can underlie an enduring stress reaction and lower relationship satisfaction. However, no research has examined the associations between the perceived severity of the injury and sexual satisfaction, a central component of relationship well-being. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the direct and indirect associations between the perceived severity of the attachment injury and sexual satisfaction via injury-related stress symptoms and levels of forgiveness, in injured partners. A total of 145 adults who reported having experienced an attachment injury in their current relationship completed self-report questionnaires measuring injury severity, event-related stress, forgiveness, and sexual satisfaction. An indirect association between the perceived severity of the attachment injury and sexual satisfaction through higher injury-related stress and lower forgiveness was found via a path analysis. Results suggest that fostering forgiveness and attending to injury-related stress may be key toward sexual satisfaction in couples where a partner reports an attachment injury. Clinical implications of these results are discussed in light of theory and potential treatment strategies for addressing an attachment injury in couple's therapy.
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Leavitt CE, Price AA, Smedley D, Eyring JB, Yorgason JB, Holmes EK. The Power of Mindfulness: Examining Power Imbalances, Mindfulness, and Couples' Relational and Sexual Well-Being. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:18-34. [PMID: 37565708 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2243929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Perceptions of power imbalance are common in relationships. We used the relational model of mindfulness to examine links between marital perceptions of power, relational and sexual well-being and to evaluate whether trait mindfulness and sexual mindfulness moderate these associations. Using a nationally representative sample (N = 1,519 couples at Wave III) of mixed-sex newlywed couples, an actor-partner-interdependence model indicated that trait mindfulness and state sexually mindful awareness buffered the link between men's and women's own perceived power imbalance and relational well-being. Sexually mindful non-judgment, however, accentuated the negative association between perceived power imbalance and sexual well-being for men. We discuss the need for therapists to consider the need to encourage mindful awareness to attenuate perceptions of power imbalances and to evaluate how sexually mindful non-judgment influences men's feelings of sexual well-being. Therapeutic implications of these findings are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelom E Leavitt
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Amber A Price
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Daniel Smedley
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - J B Eyring
- Spencer Fox School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jeremy B Yorgason
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Erin K Holmes
- The School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
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Morin L, Laurin JC, Doucerain M, Grégoire S. Dyadic Association Between New Parents' Mindfulness and Relationship Satisfaction: Mediating Role of Perceived Stress. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:1448-1470. [PMID: 37255719 PMCID: PMC10226006 DOI: 10.1177/02654075231156404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The transition to parenthood is marked by increased potential stressors and relationship satisfaction declines among new parents. Recently, it has been suggested that people with greater mindfulness perceived their environment as less stressful during difficult times in life, which in turn, is associated with greater relationship satisfaction. Accordingly, this dyadic diary study evaluated if perceived stress explains the link between new parents' mindfulness and relationship satisfaction. A total of 78 new parent couples (N = 156 participants; M = 6 months postpartum) provided ecologically valid perceived stress and relationship satisfaction data by responding to a questionnaire on their smartphones, between 7 p.m. and midnight, for 14 consecutive days. Data were analyzed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM). Results revealed that parents with higher mindfulness reported lower perceived stress, which in turn was associated with them reporting higher relationship satisfaction. In addition, one's mindfulness was directly positively associated with their partner's relationship satisfaction. Lastly, when all partner effects between mindfulness, perceived stress and relationship satisfaction were tested together without defining specific partner paths, one's mindfulness was positively associated with their partners' relationship satisfaction. Our findings extend current knowledge on the dyadic association between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction during the transition to parenthood by highlighting perceived stress as a key variable underlying this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Morin
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie C Laurin
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marina Doucerain
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Grégoire
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Fraser AM, Leavitt CE, Yorgason JB, Price AA. "Feeling It": Links between elements of compassion and sexual well-being. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1017384. [PMID: 36687821 PMCID: PMC9846806 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1017384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Compassion may be a particularly important component of a sexual relationship as it facilitates needed self-awareness, understanding, and connection to frame deeply intimate expressions of sexual emotion and vulnerability. Given the lack of research on how broad concepts of compassionate elements may be linked to sexual well-being, we examine how mindfulness (an ability to maintain awareness in the present moment), compassionate relational attitudes (i.e., accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement), and compassionate relational behaviors (i.e., forgiveness and gratitude), are linked to sexual well-being (sexual harmony, orgasm consistency, and sexual frequency), and sexual mindfulness (a state of being mindful during sex) for oneself and one's partner. Methods We constructed an actor partner structural equation model with newly married couples (n = 2,111) and regressed sexual outcomes at time 1 and time 2 on each partner's compassionate attitudes, behaviors and mindfulness reported at time 1. Results Results showed that cross-sectionally, nearly all elements of one's compassion related to one's own sexual well-being for both partners. Strongest paths included positive significant relations for women between mindfulness and non-judgment and from compassionate relational attitudes and behaviors to sexual harmony. Men's compassionate behaviors were positively related to their own sexual awareness. Perhaps more importantly, women's and men's compassionate behaviors had significant effects on their partner's sexual well-being longitudinally. Discussion Implications include an emphasis on compassion as a key mechanism that can increase sexual satisfaction and strengthen relationships, particularly in the critical time of early marriage where patterns of interconnectedness are being established.
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Lenger KA, Mitchell E, Garcia DJ, Amer Z, Shorter RL, Gordon KC. Is mindfulness one-size-fits-all?: Consulting community members and stakeholders to adapt mindfulness for communities with low-income and economic marginalization. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 49:101664. [PMID: 36115295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although stress is pertinent to all people, individuals with low-income and economic marginalization (LIEM) tend to experience greater psychosocial stressors as well as different relationship stressors than individuals with higher income. While mindfulness may be a particularly useful tool for individuals with LIEM, it has yet to be adapted for this community. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the present study conducted focus groups with community members with LIEM to identify effective dissemination strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen individuals with LIEM were recruited to participate in one of two focus groups. The focus groups collected information on how individuals with LIEM cope with stress, how these individuals perceive mindfulness, and how to reduce barriers to participating in a brief mindfulness intervention for stress. Focus groups were transcribed and coded by four coders using thematic analysis within a grounded theory framework. RESULTS Twelve themes were identified: movement-based coping, behavioral/tactile coping, interest in mindfulness, familiarity with mindfulness, tangible mindfulness, narrow understanding of practicing mindfulness, relaxing, affiliation, alliance with healthcare facility, storytelling, breaking bread, and mental health treatment stigma. CONCLUSION Themes derived from the focus groups were discussed with community stakeholders. Findings from this study informed clinical considerations for using mindfulness with individuals with LIEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Lenger
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
| | - Erica Mitchell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Darren J Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Zahra Amer
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Rebecca L Shorter
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Kristina C Gordon
- Department of Psychology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1404 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
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