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Novak JR, Miller K, Gunn HE, Troxel WM. Development of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale: A new tool to assess conflict around sleep in romantic relationships. Sleep Health 2024; 10:308-315. [PMID: 38604936 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale, a new measure designed to identify the extent of conflict around sleep in romantic relationships. METHODS Data from an individual sample (N = 158) and dyadic sample (N = 143 mixed-gender couples) in romantic relationships were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale, including internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and whether the factor structure differed between couples with concordant and discordant chronotypes. RESULTS Results revealed that the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale fit a 1-factor solution of 5 items, a summed or mean score can be used, and that it is reliable for both men and women. In addition, more relational sleep conflict was associated with both their own and their partners' poorer sleep hygiene, worse sleep quality, and more daytime sleepiness as well as more general relationship conflict, lower relationship satisfaction, and higher anxious and avoidant attachment. Finally, we found partial measurement invariance for factor loadings, intercepts, and latent variable variances between couples with concordant vs. discordant chronotypes. CONCLUSION The Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale is a brief measure that can be used in both research and in health care settings to examine how sleep-related conflict can affect both sleep and relationship quality among couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States.
| | - Kaleigh Miller
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States
| | - Heather E Gunn
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
| | - Wendy M Troxel
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Social and Behavioral Policy Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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August KJ, Novak JR, Markey CH, Mason MB, Peak T, Gast J. A dyadic analysis of anti-fat attitudes and partners' diet-related influence among gay married men. Psychol Health 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38419401 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2024.2322069] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The focus on physical appearance among gay men has potential implications for anti-fat attitudes, including those directed toward romantic partners. Partners often influence each other's behaviors including those linked to weight, but most research has examined the consequences of these influence strategies versus their antecedents. To address this research gap, we examined how men's own and their partners' anti-fat attitudes were related to both health-promoting (control) and health-compromising (undermining) types of diet-related influence and whether these associations differed by weight status. METHODS AND RESULTS Analyzing data from a cross-sectional online survey of 450 U.S. adult gay married men (225 couples), Actor-Partner Interdependence Models revealed that individuals' own anti-fat attitudes (all types) were positively associated with more frequent receipt of spousal control and undermining. Additionally, partner's fears about gaining weight were positively associated with more frequent receipt of spousal control and dislike of higher weight people and fear of gaining weight (among those of higher weight status) were positively associated with more frequent receipt of spousal undermining. CONCLUSION Our findings add to the literature on diet-related interactions among gay married men, highlight the value of examining these processes dyadically, and suggest the importance of including both members of couples in health promotion and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J August
- Departments of Psychology and Health Sciences and Graduate Program in Prevention Science, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Josh R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Charlotte H Markey
- Departments of Psychology and Health Sciences and Graduate Program in Prevention Science, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Megan B Mason
- Departments of Psychology and Health Sciences and Graduate Program in Prevention Science, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Terry Peak
- Departments of Social Work and Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Julie Gast
- Departments of Social Work and Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
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Robson M, Riley S, Gagen E, McKeogh D. Love and lifestyle: how 'relational healthism' structures couples' talk of engagement with lifestyle advice associated with a new diagnosis of coronary heart disease. Psychol Health 2023; 38:1606-1622. [PMID: 35187996 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2033240] [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: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthy lifestyle change improves outcomes in coronary heart disease (CHD), but is rarely sustained. To better understand barriers to lifestyle change, we examined couples' talk of engaging with lifestyle advice after one partner receives a diagnosis of CHD. DESIGN A longitudinal qualitative design, in which a poststructuralist discourse analysis was performed on 35 interviews, conducted with 22 heterosexual British people in a long term relationship. The interviews occurred over three months after one partner was referred to a cardiac rehabilitation programme designed to support lifestyle change. RESULTS Couples understood their health as a shared practice underpinned by an ideological framework of healthism, creating a form of 'relational healthism'. Practicing relational healthism was not straightforward because the practices of surveillance, control, and discipline related to healthism often contravened relationship norms of support, acceptance and respect for the other's autonomy. Couples struggled to resolve this tension, dynamically adopting, resisting, and occasionally transforming discourses of health and love in ways that worked for and against engagement in lifestyle change. CONCLUSION In foregrounding the discursive and relational contexts of behavioural change engagement, we show the considerable complexity for couples, including costs related to engagement with lifestyle advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Robson
- Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Sarah Riley
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Gagen
- Department of Geography, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
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Novak JR, August KJ, Wei M, Gast J, Peak T. Examining the link between exercise-specific relational processes and physical activity, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction among heterosexual and gay male couples. J Health Psychol 2023; 28:804-817. [PMID: 36661252 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221150351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the important role of romantic relationships in physical activity, little research has examined the role of gender and sexual orientation in exercise-specific relational processes. Utilizing cross-sectional, dyadic data from 462 heterosexual and gay couples, the present study examined how exercise encouragement, exercise discouragement, and frequency of exercise disagreements are related to physical activity, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction. We included important covariates and examined gender and sexual orientation as moderators. Higher exercise encouragement was associated with more frequent physical activity (for gay men only), lower psychological distress (for women only), and higher relationship satisfaction regardless of gender and sexual orientation. Higher exercise discouragement was associated with more physical activity for all participants and higher levels of psychological distress for gay men only. Finally, more frequent exercise disagreements were associated with more psychological distress for all participants. These findings highlight important implications for physical activity promotion, prevention, and intervention.
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Lee DN, Stevens EM, Patterson JG, Wedel AV, Wagener TL, Keller-Hamilton B. Associations of Perceived Stress and Social Support on Health Behavior Changes in Sexual Minoritized Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:182-190. [PMID: 37096125 PMCID: PMC10122219 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Purpose We examined how perceived stress and social support were associated with changes in health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among sexual minoritized women (SMW). Methods In an online convenience sample of SMW (N = 501, M age = 23.6), we used multinomial logistic regression models to estimate associations of perceived stress and social support (emotional, material, virtual, in-person) with self-reported changes (increased or decreased vs. no change) in fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, sleep, tobacco, alcohol, and substance use during the pandemic. We also tested whether social support modified associations between perceived stress and changes in health behaviors. Models controlled for sexual orientation, age, race and ethnicity, and income. Results Perceived stress and social support were associated with changes in health and risk behaviors. Specifically, increased perceived stress was associated with decrease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, p = 0.01) and increase (OR = 1.12, p = 0.04) in fruit and vegetable intake, and increase in substance use (OR = 1.19, p = 0.04). Receiving in-person social support was associated with changes in decrease (OR = 10.10, p < 0.001) and increase (OR = 7.35, p < 0.01) in combustible tobacco use and increase in alcohol use (OR = 2.63, p = 0.01). Among SMW who never received material social support during the pandemic, increased perceived stress was associated with increased alcohol use (OR = 1.25, p < 0.01). Conclusions Perceived stress and social support were associated with SMW's health behavior changes during the pandemic. Future research may explore interventions to mitigate the effects of perceived stress and appropriately increase social support to promote health equity among SMW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee N. Lee
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elise M. Stevens
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joanne G. Patterson
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amelia V. Wedel
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Theodore L. Wagener
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brittney Keller-Hamilton
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Address correspondence to: Brittney Keller-Hamilton, PhD, MPH, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 3650 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, USA.
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Dailey RM, Lloyd R, Burdick S, Zhang Z, Kurlak R. Romantic partner undermining of weight loss: Links between overweight individuals' weight management efforts and perceptions of their partner's undermining motivations and behaviors. J Health Psychol 2022; 28:583-596. [PMID: 36124728 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221123842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated romantic partners' undermining of weight management (i.e. hindrance of weight loss efforts) and how perceived motivations behind undermining were associated with weight loss progress. Data from 241 overweight individuals currently cohabiting with a romantic partner and trying to lose weight revealed two overarching undermining factors (i.e. verbal criticism/complaint, behavioral interference) and six perceived motivations (e.g. partner believed weight loss was unnecessary, partner relational fears, weight loss was an imposition on partner). Path modeling showed both undermining behaviors were negatively associated with weight management. Yet, only certain motivations (e.g. imposition on partner, weight loss was unnecessary) were linked to weight management, either directly or indirectly, through undermining. Specifically, whereas criticism/complaint mediated the associations between these motivations and weight management, interference only mediated the association between imposition and weight management. Findings are discussed in terms of the theoretical and practical value of distinguishing undermining behaviors and their underlying motivations.
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August KJ, Novak JR, Peak T, Gast J, Miyairi M. Examining foodwork and eating behaviors among heterosexual and gay male couples. Appetite 2022; 172:105953. [PMID: 35121054 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105953] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spouses play an important role in their partner's eating behaviors, including both promoting and impeding healthy eating. The division of foodwork in the relationship (i.e., if there is individual or shared responsibility for food roles) may vary as a function of gender or sexual orientation and may be important in understanding eating behaviors. METHOD Using cross-sectional, dyadic data from 462 heterosexual and gay married couples (N = 921 individuals) residing in the United States, we accordingly sought to examine which partner was most responsible for two food roles, food shopping and meal preparation (Aim 1); whether these roles differed by gender (Aim 1a) and sexual orientation (Aim 1b); whether these food roles were related to the frequency of eating healthy and unhealthy foods (Aim 2); and whether these associations differed by gender (Aim 2a) and sexual orientation (Aim 2b). RESULTS We found that one individual was responsible for these roles in a majority of couples, although meal preparation was more likely to be shared in gay than in heterosexual couples. We also found that, in general, the person responsible for these food roles ate healthy more frequently compared to when their partner was responsible; findings for shared responsibility were more equivocal. These associations did not differ, however as a function of gender or sexual orientation. CONCLUSION Our findings contribute to a further understanding of food dynamics among heterosexual and gay male couples and have important implications for health promotion and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J August
- Department of Psychology and Health Sciences Center, Rutgers University, Camden, 311 N. Fifth Street, Camden, NJ, 08102, USA.
| | - Josh R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, 312 Quad Drive, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
| | - Terry Peak
- Department of Social Work, Utah State University, Old Main 239, 0730 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 85322, USA.
| | - Julie Gast
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, 7000 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
| | - Maya Miyairi
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, 989 S. Main Street, Brigham City, UT, 84302, USA.
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Wilson SJ, Novak JR. The Implications of Being "In it Together": Relationship Satisfaction and Joint Health Behaviors Predict Better Health and Stronger Concordance Between Partners. Ann Behav Med 2021; 56:1014-1025. [PMID: 34849523 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive evidence shows that satisfying marriages boost physical health and longevity. A separate literature reveals strong concordance in couples' health, but the relationship processes that contribute to health concordance remain poorly understood. PURPOSE The current study examined whether relationship satisfaction and joint health behaviors-the extent to which couples eat, sleep, and exercise together-are associated simultaneously with better health and greater health similarity between partners. METHODS Heterogeneous variance multilevel models were applied to data from 234 married couples (Mage = 46, Range = 20-84) reporting on their relationship satisfaction, joint health behaviors, and four health indicators-health satisfaction, depressive symptoms, comorbidities, and medication use. RESULTS More satisfied couples engaged in more joint health behaviors than less satisfied counterparts. When joint health behaviors and relationship satisfaction were examined as separate fixed effects, both predicted greater health satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. More joint health behaviors were also associated with less medication use. When both were modeled together, only relationship satisfaction predicted depressive symptoms. By contrast, in random effects, joint health behaviors predicted greater similarity in health satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and comorbidities. Relationship satisfaction only predicted more similar depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Although more satisfied couples engaged in more joint health behaviors. relationship satisfaction and joint health behaviors uniquely predicted couples' health quality and concordance, suggesting that distinct mechanisms may drive better health and stronger health resemblance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Wilson
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75206, USA
| | - Joshua R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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