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Benjamin LR, Wang SW. Coping, connection appraisal, and well-being during COVID-19 in the U.S., Japan, and Mexico. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1420327. [PMID: 39282680 PMCID: PMC11394185 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1420327] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every facet of life, constituting a "new normal" and prompting an ongoing collective psychological crisis. People's ways of coping with the pandemic and corresponding well-being are of particular research interest; however, these constructs have largely been examined using deductive quantitative approaches, deficit-based lenses, and mononational samples. Methods The current mixed-methods study used inductive-sequential (QUAL → QUAN) approaches to explore positive coping strategies (approach coping style and COVID-related connection appraisal) and well-being (loneliness, distress, and happiness) across individuals from the United States, Japan, and Mexico. Qualitative data were gathered from N = 141 U.S., Japanese, and Mexican adults to examine how people perceived connection during the pandemic. Results Qualitative analyses illuminated common themes in which people appraised the pandemic as an opportunity for connection and strengthened interpersonal relationships. Quantitative measures, including a newly-developed questionnaire on COVID-related connection appraisal, were then administered to a separate sample of N = 302 adults in the U.S, Japan, and Mexico to assess associations among approach coping style, COVID-related connection appraisal, and well-being outcomes (loneliness, distress, happiness). Quantitative analyses found significant associations among approach coping style, COVID-related connection appraisal, and all well-being outcomes. Of note, these associations did not differ by country. COVID-related connection appraisal mediated the relationship between approach coping style and two well-being outcomes (loneliness and happiness). Discussion Findings point to approach coping style and connection appraisal as pathways for resilience and growth in the face of global suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel R Benjamin
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, United States
| | - Shu-Wen Wang
- Department of Psychology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA, United States
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Badahdah AM, Viskupič F, Wiltse DL. The Influence of Disagreements over COVID-19 Preventive Measures on Stress and Sleep Quality. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241266185. [PMID: 39045771 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241266185] [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: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
In this paper we reported the rate of disagreements and their effect on stress levels and sleep quality. Data was collected from 573 South Dakota residents. We estimated two ordinary least squares regressions using stress and sleep quality due to COVID-19 as outcome variables. A high percentage (62.1%) of the participants reported disagreements over COVID-19 with friends and family members. Disagreements over COVID-19 were associated with a higher level of stress (β = 1.001, p = .000) and a lower level of sleep quality (β = -.431, p = .039). The results of this study should serve as a reminder to researchers to consider the impact of interpersonal conflict over public health measures with family and friends on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah M Badahdah
- School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies, Sociology Program, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Filip Viskupič
- School of American and Global Studies, Department of Political Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - David L Wiltse
- School of American and Global Studies, Department of Political Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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Vilaregut A, Abadia S, Pineda-Hernández S, Torras S, Pujadas X. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mood and family relationships of runners. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1295605. [PMID: 38646113 PMCID: PMC11027568 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1295605] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the mood of amateur runners and on their relationships with their partners and families. Methods Adult runners 18 years or older (N = 260) completed an online survey that included demographic information, standardized psychological assessments of Exercise Dependence (EDS-R) and mood (POMS), and, to measure relationship functioning, either the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) if they did not have children, or the Basic Family Evaluation Questionnaire (CERFB), measuring conjugal and parental relationships. Participants also answered questions about their exercise habits and the coping strategies they adopted during lockdown. Results The results suggest that runners who saw the largest reductions in time spent exercising during lockdown tended to feel significantly less energetic (p < 0.05) and friendly (p < 0.01). In addition, they recorded significantly lower scores in marital satisfaction with their peers (p < 0.05). The runners with a higher degree of dependence on physical exercise registered significantly higher levels of depression, tension and anger than non-dependent runners (p < 0.001). Runners whose partners were physically active and did not have children had significantly higher scores marital satisfaction than runners whose partners were not physically active and had children (p < 0.05). Discussion These findings seem to indicate that the psychological approach to athletes in the context of crises such as the pandemic should consider not only individual aspects, but also include the family perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vilaregut
- FPCEE Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
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Ekas NV, Kouros CD, Rigsby BA, Madison S, Hymel J, Filippi M. A longitudinal examination of mental health and marital functioning of mothers and fathers of autistic adolescents during COVID-19. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:674-689. [PMID: 37345542 PMCID: PMC10288209 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231182180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Parents of autistic children may be especially vulnerable to the negative effects of COVID-19. The current study examined changes in mental health and marital functioning of mothers and fathers of autistic children across three time points between April and October 2020. The study also explored whether pre-COVID factors could predict outcomes during the pandemic. Participants were 94 mothers and 58 fathers of autistic children drawn from a larger study about family relationships and autistic children's mental health that began prior to the pandemic. Results indicated that mothers reported higher levels of mental health problems compared to fathers in July and October 2020. Levels of mental health and marital functioning did not change between April and October 2020. Pre-pandemic child functioning and marital satisfaction predicted changes in mother's ratings of marital satisfaction. The findings have implications for ways to best support families during challenging periods.
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Bai S, Tornello SL, Mogle JA, Feinberg ME. Daily implementation of health-protective behaviors and family life during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. FAMILY PROCESS 2024; 63:428-442. [PMID: 36806013 PMCID: PMC10432569 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12870] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated the use of health-protective behaviors (HPB), such as social distancing, staying at home, frequent handwashing, and wearing facemasks to mitigate the transmission of disease. An investigation of interpersonal costs associated with the use of HPB can help inform strategies to promote their sustained implementation. This study examined the daily associations between the implementation of HPB and family functioning and assessed moderation by coparenting quality, economic strain, and the number of days that state-level stay-at-home policies had been in effect, during the early days of the pandemic. Mothers and fathers from 155 families with children who were 9 years old, on average, completed daily reports of HPB, parental stress, and family relationship quality over eight consecutive days in April or May of 2020. Hierarchal linear models showed that HPB was associated with increased levels of parental stress and interparental conflict. Negative coparenting relations exacerbated the next-day association between HPB and interparental conflict. HPB was also associated with increased levels of parent-child and interparental closeness, but these linkages dissipated for families who had spent more days under state-level stay-at-home policies. Although crucial for public health, the implementation of HPB may have detrimental short-term effects on daily family life. Family support and interventions are necessary to minimize the psychosocial burden of these important public health measures and increase their sustained adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunhye Bai
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samantha L. Tornello
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacqueline A. Mogle
- College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Mark E. Feinberg
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Weise V, Güttner F, Staudt A, Mack JT, Garthus-Niegel S. Relationship satisfaction and family routines of young parents before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent growth curve analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297740. [PMID: 38363751 PMCID: PMC10871525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents had to reorganize their family routines under many external stressors (e.g., limited external childcare), which could have negatively affected their relationship satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the changes in relationship satisfaction of young parents from pre-pandemic times up to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany in December 2020 and whether these changes were different for mothers and fathers. Additionally, the role of perceived pandemic-related stress and changes in family routines was investigated. Data from 564 participants from DREAMCORONA, a sub-study of the prospective longitudinal cohort study "Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health" (DREAM), were analyzed. Relationship satisfaction was assessed at three measurement points (T0: pre-pandemic, i.e., August 2018-March 2020; T1: May-June 2020; T2: October-December 2020). To estimate changes in relationship satisfaction over time, Latent Growth Curve Models were calculated. Changes in family routines (i.e., changes in the division of housework and childcare from T0 to T1 as well as the availability of external childcare facilities at T1) and perceived pandemic-related stress at T1 were used as predictors. The models were adjusted for education and number of children per household. There was no significant change in relationship satisfaction over time, with no differences between mothers and fathers. The multi-group model revealed that changes in the division of housework and childcare predicted changes in relationship satisfaction in mothers, but not in fathers. For mothers, doing more housework than before the pandemic was negatively associated with changes in their relationship satisfaction over time. Additionally, reporting that their partner did more childcare than before the pandemic was positively associated with the relationship satisfaction of mothers. Our results indicate no general negative prospective association between the COVID-19 pandemic and parental relationship satisfaction over time. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the importance of the division of housework and childcare for mothers' relationship satisfaction and how pandemic-related changes in family routines alter this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Weise
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Felicitas Güttner
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Staudt
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Methods in Community Medicine, Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Judith T. Mack
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Systems Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Bazo-Alvarez JC, Villarreal-Zegarra D, Lázaro-Illatopa WI, Manrique-Millones D, Ipanaqué-Zapata M, Garcia MJ, Bazo-Alvarez O, Goicochea-Ríos E, Valle-Salvatierra W, García-Serna JE. Differences in family functioning before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study in Peruvian families. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16269. [PMID: 38089908 PMCID: PMC10712306 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on family relationships, as several families have lost family members due to COVID-19 pandemic and become physically and emotionally estranged due to lockdown measures and critically economic periods. Our study contrasted two hypotheses: (1) family functioning changed notably before and after the COVID-19 pandemic initiation in terms of cohesion, flexibility, communication and satisfaction; (2) balanced families have a greater capacity to strictly comply with quarantine (i.e., social confinement), compared to unbalanced families. We performed an observational study comparing family functioning between two independent groups, evaluated before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. A total of 7,980 participants were included in the study. For the first hypothesis, we found that, during the pandemic, families became more balanced in terms of cohesion (adjusted before-during mean difference or β1 = 1.4; 95% CI [1.0-1.7]) and flexibility (β2 = 2.0; 95% CI [1.6-2.4]), and families were less disengaged (β3 = -1.9; 95% CI [-2.3 to -1.5]) and chaotic (β4 = -2.9; 95% CI [-3.3 to -2.4]). Regarding the second hypothesis, we confirmed that families with balanced cohesion (adjusted prevalence ratio or aPR = 1.16; 95% CI [1.12-1.19) and flexibility (aPR = 1.23; 95% CI [1.18-1.27]) allowed greater compliance with quarantine restrictions; while disengaged (aPR = 0.91; 95% CI [0.88-0.93]) and chaotic families (aPR = 0.89; 95% CI [0.87-0.92]) were more likely to partially comply or not comply with the quarantine. Finally, family communication (aPR = 1.17; 95% CI [1.11-1.24]) and satisfaction (aPR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.11-1.25]) also played a role in favouring quarantine compliance. This new evidence enlightens the family systems theory while informing future interventions for improving compliance with quarantine measures in the context of social confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Bazo-Alvarez
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Trujillo, Peru
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Miguel Ipanaqué-Zapata
- Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
- PSYCOPERU Peruvian Research Institute of Educational and Social Psychology, Lima, Peru
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Maricic J, Bjelic S, Jelic K. The Role of Self-Compassion and Attributions in the Mental Health of Older Adolescents amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6981. [PMID: 37947539 PMCID: PMC10648687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship among self-compassion, attributional styles, and mental health and their components in older adolescents in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The role of each component of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification) and attributions (globality, stability, self-worth, and negative consequences) in predicting mental health was also analyzed. There were 322 participants aged 18 to 22 that participated in an online survey. The participants filled out a form that consisted of sociodemographic questions, COVID-19-related questions, the Self-Compassion Scale, the Mental Health Continuum-short form-and the Cognitive Styles Questionnaire-very short form. The results indicated moderate levels of self-compassion, attributions, and mental health in participants. Furthermore, gender differences in self-compassion were confirmed, meaning that male participants had higher total levels of self-compassion, and certain differences were observed on attribution subscales, but not on well-being subscales. Self-compassion and mental health were found to be positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with negative attributions. Of the four attributional components, stability and negative consequences were revealed to be significant negative predictors in the first step but lost their significance with the inclusion of self-compassion components in the second step of the analysis. Regarding the six components of self-compassion, self-kindness, recoded isolation, and common humanity were significant positive predictors in the second step of the analysis. COVID-19-related items did not show any significant intergroup differences. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between positive mental health, self-compassion, and attributions in older adolescents so that they can be used as theoretical support for related interventions, especially during and after times of crisis, such as a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Maricic
- Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (K.J.)
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Brackx F, De Smedt B, Molenberghs G. A dashboard for the evaluation of the effect of school closures on wellbeing of children and parents. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:178. [PMID: 37789384 PMCID: PMC10548715 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01114-2] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present a dashboard for the evaluation of the impact of school closures on children and parents during the first wave of the COVID pandemic in 2020 on the various components of wellbeing. METHODS Starting from an explorative literature search by a team of experts from diverse fields (e.g., epidemiology, virology, psychology, education, sociology), we developed a dashboard that allows for the quick evaluation of the general effect of school closures on various indicators of well-being in different groups and for the quality of the available research, at a time where a crisis is ongoing. RESULTS It is concluded that there is evidence that the school closures reduced the transmission of COVID in the first wave in springtime 2020. Nevertheless, a multitude of studies show that the school closures also had a negative impact on different components of wellbeing such as academic achievement, time spent on learning and mental health. Furthermore, the school closures affected not only the children and adolescents, but also the parents that were forced to provide more childcare and help with schoolwork. Longitudinal studies on large representative samples with repeated assessments of wellbeing are necessary to understand the long-term effects of the school closures. CONCLUSIONS The dashboard provides a first visual overview of the effects of school closures on wellbeing, and can serve as the basis for a future more systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of school closures on wellbeing. It can be considered as a paradigm for rapid obtention of scientific evidence, during a quickly unfolding crisis, also in view of underpinning policy advice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bert De Smedt
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
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Vigl J, Talamini F, Strauss H, Zentner M. A prospective study of relationship and sexual satisfaction during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of dispositional vulnerabilities and external stressors. J Pers 2023; 91:1152-1170. [PMID: 36308046 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12790] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on many aspects of life, particularly social relationships. Although there is some evidence regarding short-term effects of the pandemic on cohabitating couples or individuals, it is unclear to what extent these effects persist over time and whether they also apply to noncohabitating individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in relationship and sexual satisfaction among both cohabitating and noncohabitating individuals during the first year of the pandemic and to examine the extent to which these changes could be accounted for by personal vulnerabilities, pandemic-related stressors, and their interaction. METHOD We assessed relationship and sexual satisfaction longitudinally with a cross-national sample (N = 2859) that included five prospective measurement time points and analyzed the data with multilevel models. RESULTS We observed a decrease in relationship satisfaction over the course of the study, especially among noncohabitants. Sexual satisfaction, in turn, conformed to a quadratic trend among noncohabitants while changing only minimally in cohabitating individuals. Of the individual vulnerabilities examined, attachment avoidance was the greatest risk factor for both relationship and sexual satisfaction. Among pandemic-related stressors, mobility restrictions had a negative impact into the relationship and sexual satisfaction of noncohabitating individuals. CONCLUSIONS Although the pandemic generally showed negative effects on close relationships, these effects varied depending on the type of couple (cohabitants or noncohabitants), the component of relationship satisfaction (relationship satisfaction or sexual satisfaction), the time interval (curfew period or not), and also individual dispositions (especially attachment avoidance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Vigl
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Hannah Strauss
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcel Zentner
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Slabá J. Changes in reproductive behavior associated with the perception and individual experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288833. [PMID: 37467246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reproductive behavior of men and women during the most restrictive period of the pandemic in Czechia. At the end of this period, data was collected for the Czech GGS COVID Pilot-Follow-up Study (April 2021), which included additional questions on reproductive plans and perceptions of the pandemic related to fertility. The study focuses in detail on the evaluation of the favorability of fertility during this period by considering the impact of the pandemic on the lives of individuals in various life areas. It subsequently attempts to determine to what extent this evaluation and personal experiences of the pandemic affected reproductive behavior (the intended number of children, current attempts to conceive and short-term fertility intentions). In summary, in most cases the respondents considered the most severe period of the pandemic to be unfavorable in terms of childbirth. Women provided an overall negative assessment of the favorability of childbirth in this period, which was reflected in a reduction in the planned number of children, while the men who considered this period favorable declared a higher chance of short-term fertility intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Slabá
- Department of Demography and Geodemography, Prague, Czechia
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Walters TL, Hanna-Walker V, Clark AN, Farina RE, Lefkowitz ES. LGBTQ+ College Students' Relationship Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2023; 11:804-810. [PMID: 38603436 PMCID: PMC9988628 DOI: 10.1177/21676968231160305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Research suggests that COVID-19-related restrictions affected individuals' ability to engage in relationship maintenance behaviors and have led to poorer romantic relationship quality. Poor relationship quality may be especially problematic for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and otherwise non-heterosexual or-cisgender (LGBTQ+) college students, who often lack family support and are at greater risk for mental health issues. We used a social exchange theory lens to examine correlates of relationship satisfaction for LGBTQ+ college students during the early months of the pandemic. The analytic sample consists of 175 LGBTQ+ students (Mage = 20.5) who completed an online survey and reported being in a romantic relationship. Our findings demonstrate that LGBTQ+ students with more supportive partners were more satisfied with their relationships. These results can inform clinicians how to better support LGBTQ+ college couples when they experience relationship stress.
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Relvas AP, Lacomba-Trejo L, Portugal A, Chiarolanza C, Major S, Rosa C, Sotero L, Randall AK. YES, WE COPE: Dyadic Coping as a Mediator Between Perceived Relationship Quality and Emotional Representation of COVID-19. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:1-11. [PMID: 37363748 PMCID: PMC10156576 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10379-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about social changes that have impacted the functioning and dynamics of couples in a romantic relationship, arising from the overwhelming amount of added stress they have endured. Specifically, the divorce rate in Portugal has increased after lockdown, which underscores the adverse consequences of COVID-19 on couples. A lower quality of the couple's relationship may worsen the emotional representation of COVID-19; however, the literature suggests that perceived partner dyadic coping responses have a great influence on adverse events. The aim of the present study was to assess the mediating role of partner coping in the association between relationship quality and emotional representation of COVID-19. We also sought to observe whether the length of the relationship moderates this association. Methods Participants (N = 528) were adults living in Portugal (84.7% female) currently in a romantic relationship with their current partner for at least 1 year. Online data collection. Results We found that relationship quality predicted COVID-19 emotional representation, but this association was fully mediated by total dyadic coping. This association was especially significant in couples with a shorter length of time in the relationship. Conclusions We point out the importance of dyadic coping as a protective factor against emotional distress to cope with the ongoing stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. These data suggest the need for relationship education programs that promote positive coping between partners. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-023-10379-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Relvas
- Present Address: Center for Social Studies, University of Coimbra & Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-115 Portugal
- Center of Social Studies, University of Coimbra & Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-115 Portugal
| | - Laura Lacomba-Trejo
- Department of Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21. 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alda Portugal
- Center of Social Studies, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra & Department of Psychology, University of Madeira, 9020-105, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Claudia Chiarolanza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, Rome, 00185 Italy
| | - Sofia Major
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of the Azores, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Rosa
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luciana Sotero
- Present Address: Center for Social Studies, University of Coimbra & Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-115 Portugal
| | - Ashley K. Randall
- Honors Faculty, Senior Global Futures Scientist Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University, 446 Payne Hall Tempe, Arizona, 85281 AZ USA
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Jenkins AIC, Le Y, Surachman A, Almeida DM, Fredman SJ. Associations among Financial Well-Being, Daily Relationship Tension, and Daily Affect in Two Adult Cohorts Separated by the Great Recession. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:1103-1125. [PMID: 37426834 PMCID: PMC10328444 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221105611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Financial well-being may be an important context for daily emotional reactivity to relationship tension (e.g., arguments) whose salience varies across historical time or as a function of exposure to economic downturns. This study investigated how emotional reactivity, operationalized as daily fluctuations in negative and positive affect associated with the occurrence of daily relationship tension, varied by financial well-being among those who were and were not exposed to the Great Recession of 2008. Two matched, independent subsamples of partnered individuals from the National Study of Daily Experiences completed identical 8-day diary protocols, one before the Great Recession (n = 587) and one after (n = 351). Individuals reported higher negative affect and lower positive affect on days when relationship tension occurred. Further, results indicated that negative affect reactivity, but not positive affect reactivity, was moderated by both financial well-being and cohort status. For the pre-recession cohort, negative affect reactivity was stronger among those with lower financial well-being. However, among the post-recession cohort, financial well-being did not moderate negative affect reactivity to relationship tension. Findings highlight the utility of considering major societal events, such as economic downturns, to understand variability in emotional reactivity to day-to-day relationship tension in the context of financial well-being, as the salience of financial well-being in the ways relationship tension and negative affect are related on a daily basis appears to vary by historical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- August I. C. Jenkins
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Yunying Le
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Agus Surachman
- Center for Health and Community, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - David M. Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Steffany J. Fredman
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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15
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Aydin R, Aktaş S, Kaloğlu Binici D. Examination of the effect of the perceived stress in the coronavirus-19 pandemic on marital adjustment, sexual life and intimate partner violence. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:1513-1524. [PMID: 35841330 PMCID: PMC9349524 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to explore the effects of perceived stress during the pandemic on marital adjustment, sexual life and intimate partner violence. DESIGN A cross-sectional design was employed in this study. METHODS The data were collected with an online survey between October and December 2020 from 901 participants in Turkey. Participants completed the Descriptive Information Form, the Marital Adjustment Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale. Multivariate analysis of variance and moderation analysis were used in the analysis of the data. RESULTS The pre-pandemic marital adjustment scores of the participants significantly decreased during the pandemic. The marital adjustment and sexual life of those with high perceived stress levels were found to be negatively affected, and they were exposed to violence during the pandemic. In the moderation analysis, a non-standardized coefficient of the marital adjustment variable in the model turned out to be significant, and the perceived stress decreased as marital adjustment increased. The marital adjustment was low, and the stress level was high in individuals exposed to violence. Besides, perceived stress was found to be effective in being exposed to intimate partner violence. CONCLUSION The stress perceived by individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected their marital adjustment and sexual life. Besides, perceived stress was found to be effective in being exposed to intimate partner violence, and marital adjustment decreased during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. IMPACT During the pandemic period, health care providers should routinely screen the psychosocial health of individuals. Continuous, accessible, free psychosocial support services should be available in order to increase the psychosocial health and marital adjustment of people with high-stress levels and prevent exposure to violence. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The conduct of this study is based on an online survey with participants living in the same house with their spouses during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruveyde Aydin
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health SciencesOndokuz Mayıs UniversitySamsunTurkey
| | - Songül Aktaş
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health SciencesKaradeniz Technical UniversityTrabzonTurkey
| | - Dilek Kaloğlu Binici
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health SciencesArtvin Çoruh UniversityArtvinTurkey
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16
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Faghani S, Ahmadi F, Mohammadi E. Caregiver, secondary victim: outcome of caring for patients with COVID -19: a qualitative content analysis study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:308. [PMID: 36997933 PMCID: PMC10062248 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the importance of caring for patients with COVID -19 at home and the majority of care being the responsibility of family caregivers, it is necessary to identify and assess the problems during the implementation of patient care in family caregivers. Therefore, the present study was conducted to discover the different consequences of caring for patients with COVID-19 in family caregivers. METHOD Using Purposive sampling, 15 female family caregivers were included in the study. This study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in Iran. Unstructured face-to-face and virtual interviews were used to collect data until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed through Granheim and Lundman conventional content analysis approach. RESULTS The analysis of data related to the outcome of caring for patients with COVID -19 in family caregivers, led to the extraction of six subcategories: " caregivers experiencing physical symptoms ", "perception of extra pressure and psychological symptoms in the caregiver", "disruption in marital relations", "feeling of homelessness and rejection" and " role pressure due to lack of family support". The subcategories led to the development of the main category "caregiver, the secondary victim", which is experienced by family caregivers during the provision of care for patients with COVID -19. CONCLUSION Family caregivers experience high levels of negative consequences from providing care to patients with COVID-19. Therefore, more attention should be paid to all dimensions of caregiver health such as physical, mental, and marital to provide quality care to patients finally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safieh Faghani
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazlollah Ahmadi
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Eesa Mohammadi
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Rodrigues DL, Balzarini RN. Relationship and Sexual Quality in the Wake of COVID-19: Effects of Individual Regulatory Focus and Shared Concerns over the Pandemic. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:460-471. [PMID: 36826219 PMCID: PMC9955504 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown mixed findings regarding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationship and sexual quality and activity. We argue that some of these findings might be understood considering people's predisposition to maintain safety (i.e., prevention focus) or take risks (i.e., promotion focus), and sharing concerns with one's partner about the pandemic. A longitudinal study (N = 153) tested if regulatory focus before the pandemic (November 2019) was associated with relationship quality, sexual quality, and joint sexual activity later on (June 2020) and whether these effects were moderated by shared concerns over the pandemic. Results showed that participants more focused on prevention experienced higher relationship quality later on, but also less sexual quality and less frequent joint sexual activity, when they shared fewer (vs. more) concerns with their partner. In contrast, participants more focused on promotion experienced higher relationship quality later on when they shared more (vs. less) concerns with their partner. These results indicate how individuals' regulatory focus and shared concerns in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can have downstream consequences on people's relational and sexual dynamics. We offer insights for mental health professionals to improve psychosocial health and well-being when people are faced with critical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Rodrigues
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Av. das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rhonda N. Balzarini
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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18
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Chopik WJ, Moors AC, Litman DJ, Shuck MS, Stapleton AR, Abrom MC, Stevenson KA, Oh J, Purol MF. Individual difference predictors of starting a new romantic relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 201:111919. [PMID: 36186489 PMCID: PMC9515330 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dramatic social changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the dating scene and the likelihood of people starting new relationships. What factors make individuals more or less likely to start a new relationship during this period? In a sample of 2285 college students (M age = 19.36, SD = 1.44; 69.2% women; 66.7% White) collected from October 2020 to April 2021, anxiously attached and extraverted people were 10-26% more likely to start a new relationship. Avoidantly attached and conscientious people were 15-17% less likely to start a new relationship. How people pursued (or avoided) new romantic relationships closely mirrored their broader patterns of health and interpersonal behavior during the global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy C Moors
- Chapman University, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeewon Oh
- Syracuse University, United States of America
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19
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Ou J, Yun H, Zhang K, Du Y, He Y, Wang Y. Prepandemic relationship satisfaction is related to postpandemic COVID-19 anxiety: A four-wave study in China. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:363-383. [PMID: 38603232 PMCID: PMC9047625 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221091993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting impacts on people's interpersonal relationship and mental health. Using four-wave data in China (N = 222, 54.50% female, Mage = 31.53, SD = 8.17), the current study examined whether prepandemic relationship satisfaction was related to postpandemic COVID-19 anxiety through midpandemic perceived social support and/or gratitude. The results showed that people's COVID-19 anxiety decreased from the peak to the trough stage of the pandemic; perceived social support increased markedly from prepandemic to the peak and remained stable subsequently, while relationship satisfaction remained unchanged throughout. Further, it was midpandemic perceived social support, not gratitude, that mediated the association between prepandemic relationship satisfaction and postpandemic COVID-19 anxiety, indicating that perceived social support played a crucial role in this process. Finally, it is suggested that perceived social support should be distinguished from gratitude as two different components of social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yinan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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20
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Bevan JL, Murphy MK, Lannutti PJ, Slatcher RB, Balzarini RN. A descriptive literature review of early research on COVID-19 and close relationships. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:201-253. [PMID: 38603371 PMCID: PMC9297072 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221115387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
This in-depth critical review investigates the impact of COVID-19 on personal relationships from the start of the pandemic in early 2020 to September 2021. Research examining six themes are identified and described in detail: the impact of COVID-19 on (1) family and intimate relationships; (2) LGBTQ+ relationships; (3) how COVID-19 is linked to technologically mediated communication and personal relationships; (4) potential shifts in sexual behaviors and desire; (5) potential shifts in relational conflict and intimate partner violence; and (6) constructive aspects of personal relationships, which is a broad theme that includes outcomes such as resilience, relational quality, coping, and social support. Findings for overarching patterns are offered to highlight implications for current research and identify future directions to consider when continuing to study personal relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rhonda N Balzarini
- Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
- Kinsey Institute at Indiana
University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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21
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Tsang S, Avery AR, Duncan GE. Do married and/or cohabiting individuals fare better during the COVID-19 pandemic? Satisfaction with life and depression among adult twins in the United States. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:131-138. [PMID: 35144511 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2039397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Due to social distancing measures implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are spending more time isolated at home with limited physical social interactions. The current study investigated whether marriage and/or cohabitation is associated with satisfaction with life and depression among 732 adult same-sex twin pairs (monozygotic and dizygotic) in the US using online survey data. Twin analysis showed that married and/or cohabiting individuals were more satisfied with life and less depressed than those not married and/or cohabiting. The association between marriage and/or cohabiting and satisfaction with life was not confounded by between-family factors, whereas that between depression was mediated by familial factors. These findings suggest that being in a close relationship may mitigate some of the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Close relationships may be an essential source of support as individuals rely on their intimate partners when faced with the uncertainty and stress of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siny Tsang
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Ally R Avery
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Glen E Duncan
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
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22
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Ma D, Kuang Y, Lan Z, Zeng S, Li Y, Shang M, Zhang RY, Zhao B, Li W. The rapid change in mental health among college students after introduction of on-campus quarantine during the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 lockdown. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1132575. [PMID: 37213647 PMCID: PMC10196357 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1132575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Among the various impacts of disasters in terms of emotions, quarantine has been proven to result in significant increases in mental health problems. Studies of psychological resilience during outbreaks of epidemics tend to focus on long-term social quarantine. In contrast, insufficient studies have been conducted examining how rapidly negative mental health outcomes occur and how these outcomes change over time. We evaluated the time course of psychological resilience (over three different phases of quarantine) among students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to investigate the influence of unexpected changes on college students. Methods An online survey was conducted from 5 to 7 April 2022. A structured online questionnaire was administered using a retrospective cohort trial design. Before 9 March (Period 1), individuals engaged in their usual activities without restrictions. From 9 to 23 March (Period 2), the majority of students were asked to remain in their dormitories on campus. From 24 March to early April (Period 3), restrictions were relaxed, and students were gradually allowed to participate in essential activities on campus. We quantified dynamic changes in the severity of students' depressive symptoms over the course of these three periods. The survey consisted of five sets of self-reported questions: demographic information, lifestyle/activity restrictions, a brief mental health history, COVID-19-related background, and the Beck Depression Inventory, second edition. Results A total of 274 college students aged 18-42 years (mean = 22.34; SE = 0.24) participated in the study (58.39% undergraduate students, 41.61% graduate students; 40.51% male, 59.49% female). The proportion of students with depressive symptoms was 9.1% in Period 1, 36.1% in Period 2, and 34.67% in Period 3. Depressive symptoms increased notably with the introduction of the quarantine in Periods 2 and 3. Lower satisfaction with the food supplied and a longer duration of physical exercise per day were found to be positively associated with changes in depression severity in Periods 2 and 3. Quarantine-related psychological distress was more evident in students who were in a romantic relationship than in students who were single. Conclusion Depressive symptoms in university students rapidly increased after 2 weeks of quarantine and no perceptible reversal was observed over time. Concerning students in a relationship, ways to take physical exercise and to relax should be provided and the food supplied should be improved when young people are quarantined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongni Ma
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifang Kuang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Yifang Kuang, ; Binglei Zhao, ; Weidong Li,
| | - Zhaohui Lan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhua Zeng
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengnan Shang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Yuan Zhang
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binglei Zhao
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Yifang Kuang, ; Binglei Zhao, ; Weidong Li,
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
- Global Institute of Future Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Yifang Kuang, ; Binglei Zhao, ; Weidong Li,
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23
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Cornelius T, DiGiovanni AM, Bolger N. The associations of COVID-19 percent positivity rate, relationship quality, and season with daily anxiety and depression in couples living in NYC. Front Psychol 2022; 13:968243. [PMID: 36619102 PMCID: PMC9813508 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic changed nearly every aspect of daily life and had detrimental effects on mental health. Yet, impacts have been heterogeneous. We tested whether fluctuations in local COVID-19 percent positivity rates were associated with daily anxiety and depression in couples living in NYC, as well as whether these associations varied by relationship quality or season. We expected that adverse impacts of COVID-19 may be attenuated by high-quality relationships and during warmer months, or that people may habituate over time. Methods Data on seven-day rolling average COVID-19 percent positive rate each day in NYC were merged with a 14-day dyadic diary study of cohabiting couples living in NYC between August 2020 through April 2021 (232 individuals from 116 couples; mean age 28.42 years, 52.59% female, 53.02% White). Dyadic multilevel models estimated the association COVID-19 positivity rate, season (sine and cosine of the calendar date), baseline relationship quality, and all two-and three-way interactions of these variables with daily anxiety and depression. Covariates included weekend and COVID-positive case within the couple. Results Anxiety and depression mirrored COVID-19 positivity rates, and there was some evidence for habituation over time. Significant two-and three-way interactions suggested that being in a high-quality relationship buffered the association of COVID-19 positivity rate with both anxiety and depression during months when cases were low. Anxiety was elevated for individuals in high- (v. low-) quality relationships during the December-January surge. Conclusion Seven-day rolling average COVID-19 percent positivity rate was associated with daily anxiety and depression among couples living in NYC. There was some evidence that individuals habituated to this stressor over time and that high-quality relationships were protective for mental well-being; however, there was some suggestion that couples in high-quality relationships may have engaged in processes such as co-rumination during surges, worsening their daily anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talea Cornelius
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ana M. DiGiovanni
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Niall Bolger
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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24
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Ren Y, Zou S, Wang H, Ying J, Wang X, Wu X. Fathers and mothers' parenting stress and adolescent depressive symptoms: the mediating roles of overt and covert coparenting conflict behaviors. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:102. [PMID: 36517917 PMCID: PMC9748880 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is yet to be clarified if and how parenting stress was linked to adolescent depressive symptoms during the pandemic. OBJECTIVES This study adopted an interdependent approach to examine the relationship between parenting stress and adolescent depressive symptoms in Chinese families. It then examined the mediating effects of overt and covert coparenting conflict behaviors. METHODS As a national survey, data were obtained from different regions in China. Fathers, mothers, and adolescents from 1031 families participated in this study. The fathers and mothers reported parenting stress; the adolescents rated their fathers and mothers' overt and covert coparenting conflict behaviors and their own depressive symptoms. RESULTS Maternal parenting stress was related to adolescent depressive symptoms through the mediating effects of paternal overt and maternal covert coparenting conflict behaviors. Both paternal and maternal parenting stress were directly related to adolescent depressive symptoms. However, maternal parenting stress had a more substantial effect on adolescent depressive symptoms than paternal parenting stress. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the effects of parenting stress on adolescent depressive symptoms. The study also highlights the mediating roles of paternal overt and maternal covert coparenting conflict behaviors in relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Ren
- grid.20513.350000 0004 1789 9964Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Xinjiekouwai Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Shengqi Zou
- grid.411427.50000 0001 0089 3695Center for Mind & Brain Science, Cognition and Hunan Behavior Key Laboratory of Human Province, Department of Psychology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410006 China
| | - Hui Wang
- grid.20513.350000 0004 1789 9964Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, 519087 China
| | - Jiefeng Ying
- grid.20513.350000 0004 1789 9964Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Xinjiekouwai Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- grid.20513.350000 0004 1789 9964Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Xinjiekouwai Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Xinchun Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Xinjiekouwai Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100875, China.
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25
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Figueroa JM, DeLuca Bishop HK, Baker EA. Using a Socio-Ecological Framework to Understand Romantic Relationship Satisfaction Among Emerging Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2022; 10:1561-1573. [PMID: 38603198 PMCID: PMC9434192 DOI: 10.1177/21676968221124266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of satisfying romantic relationships, a developmental milestone for many emerging adults, has been challenged by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the impact of COVID-19 stress on relationship satisfaction has not been explored within the context of individual and relationship factors. Guided by a socio-ecological framework, this study used a longitudinal design to investigate the impact of individual-level (i.e., growth beliefs, destiny beliefs), couple-level (i.e., daily criticism), and societal-level (i.e., COVID-19 stress) factors on relationship satisfaction during Fall 2021. We also explored the moderating effects of destiny beliefs and growth beliefs. Results revealed relationship satisfaction was negatively associated with daily criticism, but not directly associated with destiny beliefs, growth beliefs, or COVID-19 stress. However, growth beliefs buffered against the negative impact of criticism on relationship satisfaction. These findings are consistent with the notion that growth beliefs may play a protective role in relationship processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Figueroa
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, USA
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26
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Shavit YZ, Estlein R, Elran-Barak R, Segel-Karpas D. Positive Relationships have Shades of Gray: Age is Associated with More Complex Perceptions of Relationship Quality During the COVID-19 Lockdown. JOURNAL OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT 2022; 30:224-235. [PMID: 36373100 PMCID: PMC9638464 DOI: 10.1007/s10804-022-09431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, we examined the effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on perceptions of romantic relationships quality among older, compared to younger, adults. During the first lockdown in Israel which involved strict restrictions on movement and association with others, 280 adults aged 25-81 reported positive and negative qualities of their romantic relationship. Of these, 105 participants completed the survey again once lockdown restrictions were lifted. Contrary to our hypotheses, no evidence for age differences in the effect of the lockdown on positive or negative perceptions of relationship quality was detected. In addition, the lockdown did not influence participants' positive and negative perceptions of their romantic partners. However, we did find that, whereas people of all ages represent positive and negative qualities of their romantic partners as separate constructs, the negative association between the two is weaker for older adults compared to younger adults during (but not after) the lockdown. This finding suggests that in stressful times, older adults are better able to avoid negative perceptions clouding positive perceptions and see positive aspects of relationships with romantic partners in the face of negative ones. Findings extend evidence for age associations with complex emotional experiences to emotional aspects of interpersonal relationships. Findings enrich the theoretical understanding of age-related advantages in emotional well-being and may inform potential interventions for improving emotional health and well-being during times of crisis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10804-022-09431-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yochai Z. Shavit
- Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford University, Littlefield Center, 365 Lasuen St., Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Roi Estlein
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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27
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Pauly T, Lüscher J, Berli C, Scholz U. Dynamic associations between stress and relationship functioning in the wake of COVID-19: Longitudinal data from the German family panel (pairfam). JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022; 39:3183-3203. [PMID: 38603129 PMCID: PMC9047667 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221092360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Individuals all across the world experienced significant disruptions in their personal and family life with the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The current study investigated dynamic associations between stress and relationship functioning over time in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, and relationship quality (appreciation, intimacy, conflict) were reported by 1483 young to middle-aged participants who were in a romantic relationship and lived with their partner in 2018/2019 and in May-July 2020 (a few months after the onset of COVID-19). Data were analyzed using bivariate latent change score models. Relationship functioning (satisfaction, appreciation, intimacy) showed small decreases from before to during the pandemic. Contrary to expectations, levels of perceived stress also decreased on average from before to during the pandemic. Changes in relationship functioning were correlated with changes in stress over time, so that participants with greater decreases in relationship satisfaction, appreciation, and intimacy and greater increases in conflict from before to during the pandemic showed lesser decreases/greater increases in stress. Higher pre-pandemic relationship satisfaction was associated with greater decreases/lesser increases in stress from before to during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic levels of other measures of relationship functioning or stress were not associated with changes in outcomes over time. Results add to the literature demonstrating that stress is closely intertwined with the functioning of intimate relationships. Furthermore, they suggest that greater relationship satisfaction may serve as a protective factor for stressful life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Pauly
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority
Program “Dynamic of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janina Lüscher
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Corina Berli
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urte Scholz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority
Program “Dynamic of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Xiang E, Zhang X, Raza SA, Oluyomi A, Amos CI, Badr H. Risk and resilience in couple's adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022; 39:3252-3274. [PMID: 38603302 PMCID: PMC9047666 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221094556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic's global scope and resulting social distancing measures have caused unprecedented economic, lifestyle, and social impacts to personal and relationship well-being. While lockdowns have prompted individuals to increase reliance on intimate partners for support, stressful external contexts can also interfere with partners' capacity to request and provide support, resulting in relationship dissatisfaction and even dissolution. Guided by a risk and resilience framework, this study examined the impact of perceived stress, social contextual factors, and dyadic coping on self-reported relationship satisfaction changes during the initial United States COVID-19 lockdown period. Participants were adults in romantic relationships who completed an online survey between April 13 and June 8, 2020. Overall, survey respondents (N = 1106) reported higher perceived stress levels than established population norms, and small but significant decrements in relationship satisfaction. Multivariable models revealed that higher perceived stress levels were associated with lower relationship satisfaction levels. Additionally, dyadic coping was found to moderate the impact of perceived stress on relationship satisfaction (B = .05, 95% CI = .02- .07), suggesting that engaging in dyadic coping buffered individuals from adverse effects of perceived stress on their relationships. Findings emphasize heightened stress experienced by individuals during the pandemic, potential detrimental effects of stress on couple relationships, and suggest dyadic coping may help buffer couples from adverse effects of the pandemic on their relationships. As such, dyadic coping may be an important target for future interventions designed to assist couples during the ongoing pandemic and future pandemics/natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Xiang
- Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Hoda Badr
- Baylor College of
Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Overall NC, Low RST, Chang VT, Henderson AME, McRae CS, Pietromonaco PR. Enduring COVID-19 lockdowns: Risk versus resilience in parents' health and family functioning across the pandemic. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022; 39:3296-3319. [PMID: 36438854 PMCID: PMC9681669 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221095781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Have the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic risked declines in parents' health and family functioning, or have most parents been resilient and shown no changes in health and family functioning? Assessing average risk versus resilience requires examining how families have fared across the pandemic, beyond the initial months examined in prior investigations. The current research examines changes in parents' health and functioning over the first 1.5 years of the pandemic. Parents (N = 272) who had completed general pre-pandemic assessments completed reassessments of psychological/physical health, couple/family functioning, and parenting within two mandatory lockdowns in New Zealand: at the beginning of the pandemic (26 March-28 April 2020) and 17 months later (18 August-21 September 2021). Parents exhibited average declines in psychological/physical health (greater depressive symptoms; reduced well-being, energy and physical health) and in couple/family functioning (reduced commitment and family cohesion; greater problem severity and family chaos). By contrast, there were no average differences in parent-child relationship quality and parenting practices across lockdowns. Declines in health and couple/family functioning occurred irrespective of pre-pandemic health and functioning, but partner support buffered declines in couple/family functioning. The results emphasize that attending to the challenges parents and couples face in the home will be important to mitigate and recover from the impact of the pandemic on parents' and children's well-being.
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Li Y, Samp JA. The impact of COVID-19-related anti-Asian discrimination on sexual communication and relationships among Asian individuals in the United States. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022; 39:3394-3414. [PMID: 38603356 PMCID: PMC9066240 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221098420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Asian individuals in the United States have experienced heightened racial discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may reduce positive relationship processes and damage intimate relationships, including their sexual behaviors and quality. Guided by the chilling effect and Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction, this study explores how COVID-19-related anti-Asian discrimination moderates the relationships between sexual relationship power, sexual self-disclosure, and sexual satisfaction. Results (N = 294 partnered Asian adults) showed that as racial discrimination increased, the positive relationship between sexual relationship power and sexual self-disclosure decreased. As people experienced more racial discrimination, the positive effects of sexual self-disclosure on sexual satisfaction also decreased. Sexual power positively predicted sexual satisfaction via sexual communication, only when COVID-19-related discrimination was low or moderate. This study demonstrates how racial discrimination interacts with relational factors to predict Asian individuals' sexual communication and, in turn, sexual satisfaction. More public attention and efforts should be devoted to combating anti-Asian discrimination during the pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachao Li
- Department of Communication Studies and Department of Public Health, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, USA
- Yachao Li, The College of New Jersey, Kendall Hall 218, 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Samp
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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31
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Kozakiewicz A, Izdebski Z, Mazur J. The Measurement of Love: Psychometric Properties and Preliminary Findings of the Short Love Scale (SLS-12) in a Polish Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13269. [PMID: 36293845 PMCID: PMC9603604 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There has been a perceived need for the development of instruments to assess relationship quality and love. The aim of this study was to describe the psychometric properties of the Short Love Scale (SLS-12) and to compare different measurement models. Data were collected using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) in Poland in early 2022 (18-60 years old; n = 941) among individuals living in formal or informal monogamous relationships. Both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor (CFA) analyses were performed on two different subsamples obtained through random splitting of the full datafile. There were 12 items considered, which form three dimensions in accordance with the theoretical basis. CFA analysis confirmed good psychometric properties of the three-factor SLS-12 model based on EFA solution: χ2(47) = 146.802 (p ˂ 0.001); χ2/df = 3.123; CFI = 0.981, TLI = 0.973, RMSEA = 0.067 (90% CI 0.055-0.080), GFI = 0.952, AGFI = 0.921. SLS-12 subindices varied according to gender and relationship status. Based on ROC curve method, it may be assumed that scores on the SLS-12 ranging from 12 to 44 indicate a poor relationship, scores ranging from 45 to 52 a moderately good relationship, and scores of 53 to 60 a very good relationship. Improving and increasing the range of measures of love available to researchers remains an important task in supporting the progress of this area of research. Further research should be conducted among people of all ages living in both formal and informal relationships using the Short Love Scale-12 outlined in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Kozakiewicz
- Department of Humanization of Health Care and Sexology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Izdebski
- Department of Humanization of Health Care and Sexology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
- Department of Biomedical Aspects of Development and Sexology, Faculty of Education, Warsaw University, 00-001 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Mazur
- Department of Humanization of Health Care and Sexology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
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Hammett JF, Karney BR, Bradbury TN. Effects of hurricane harvey on trajectories of hostile conflict among newlywed couples. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2022; 36:1043-1049. [PMID: 35511556 PMCID: PMC9728174 DOI: 10.1037/fam0001000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural disasters have been purported to increase, and decrease, hostile conflict in intimate relationships, but heavy reliance on retrospective designs prohibits strong tests of these contrasting perspectives. The present study aims to resolve this ambiguity using a sample of newlywed couples from Houston, Texas who reported their levels of hostile conflict three times before and three times after experiencing Hurricane Harvey. Latent growth curve piecewise regression models showed that robust declines in conflict prior to the hurricane were slowed after the hurricane hit, such that posthurricane conflict slopes flattened and became nonsignificant. Thus, by disrupting natural declines in conflict that occur in the early years of marriage, Hurricane Harvey appears to have been detrimental for couples. Factors examined in relation to hostile conflict (including personality traits, adverse childhood events, stress, and relationship satisfaction) were similar in their predictive power prior to and following the hurricane, suggesting that the hurricane did not markedly alter which couples were most prone to hostile interactions. Implications for understanding relationships in the context of natural disasters are outlined. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F. Hammett
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University
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33
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Jiang Q. Changes in Couples' Relationships and Their Differences in Type during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12516. [PMID: 36231815 PMCID: PMC9565118 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explores changes in couples' relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzes the differences in the changes across three types: positive communication, criticism/defense, and demand/withdrawal. METHOD A total of 600 (567 valid) Chinese respondents participated in this study, and a questionnaire was utilized to determine changes in their overall relationship, verbal and nonverbal communication, emotion, and activities with their spouses. RESULTS The average score of items related to positive communication is higher, compared with that of negative communication. Compared with the other two types of relationships, respondents with positive communication scored highest on all items related to positive communication and lowest on all items related to negative communication. Significant differences were noted between the positive communication types and the others. CONCLUSIONS Results show that the relationships of couples included in this study have improved during the current pandemic. Therefore, improved consistency in the type of intimacy can lead to improved quality of couples' relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- Police Academy, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan 250014, China
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34
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Cornelius T, Denes A, Webber KT, Guest C, Goldsmith J, Schwartz JE, Gorin AA. Relationship quality and objectively measured physical activity before and after implementation of COVID-19 stay-home orders. J Health Psychol 2022; 27:2390-2401. [PMID: 34435516 PMCID: PMC9364689 DOI: 10.1177/13591053211042075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In a sample of 28 individuals cohabiting with a partner in NYC, Boston, or Chicago, this study tested whether implementation of stay-home orders to combat the spread of COVID-19 disrupted physical activity and whether high-quality romantic relationships buffered adverse effects. Participants provided FitBit data between February and October, 2020. Stay-home orders were associated with a reduction in daily step counts, B = -1595.72, p = 0.018, increased sedentary minutes, B = 33.75, p = 0.002, and reduced daily minutes of light and moderate physical activity, B = -25.01, p = 0.011; B = -0.72, p = 0.021. No moderation effects emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talea Cornelius
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jeff Goldsmith
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph E. Schwartz
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Amy A. Gorin
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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35
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Estlein R, Gewirtz‐Meydan A, Opuda E. Love in the time of COVID-19: A systematic mapping review of empirical research on romantic relationships one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:1208-1228. [PMID: 35419816 PMCID: PMC9111335 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every area of daily life, including romantic relationships. With the pandemic still ongoing, this study reviewed the existing scholarly literature to document the status of empirical research on how COVID-19 has affected couples during its first year. Studies were identified through searching five databases as well as sources of gray literature. Overall, 42 studies on committed romantic relationships during the first year of the pandemic were identified. The mapping process revealed four main themes: (1) relationship quality; (2) sexuality; (3) couple daily adjustment; and (4) intimate partner violence. The findings suggest that the way romantic relationships were affected by the pandemic depends on a variety of demographic, individual, and couple-level factors. Implications include a call for both the development of evidence-based interventions that consider the current findings and further research to continue exploring the clinical implications of future findings to promote healthy intimate relationships during the ongoing global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roi Estlein
- Center for Research and Study of the FamilySchool of Social WorkUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Ateret Gewirtz‐Meydan
- Center for Research and Study of the FamilySchool of Social WorkUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Eugenia Opuda
- Health and Human Services LibrarianUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNew HampshireUSA
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36
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Valshtein TJ, Mutter ER, Gollwitzer PM, Oettingen G. I've been thinkin' bout you: socially distant relationship pursuit during COVID-19. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-18. [PMID: 35990204 PMCID: PMC9374583 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically altered everyday interactions, potentially disrupting the process of romantic relationship formation. Prior research suggests that threats to the basic psychological need for relatedness, along with negative mental imagery, can lead to an obsessive preoccupation with a romantic interest. The present research examines how the relatedness-threatening nature of the pandemic may similarly facilitate problematic relationship behaviors. Two studies-a small-scale natural experiment with measurements before and during the pandemic (Study 1) and a daily diary study (Study 2)-investigated how relatedness frustration and negative fantasies predict presumptuous romantic intentions. In Study 1 these threats unexpectedly corresponded to reduced presumptuous romantic intentions, though no such main effect was present in Study 2. Replicating prior experimental work, in both studies, more negative fantasies about a romantic target predicted greater presumptuous romantic intentions. Study 2 also revealed that at the between-person level the combinatory effect of relatedness frustration and negative fantasies led to greater intentions. At the within-person level, this combinatory effect led unexpectedly to reduced intentions. Finally, there was substantial heterogeneity in the within-person effect of COVID-induced relatedness frustration: although frustration stoked intentions for some individuals, for others it reduced intentions. This work suggests that for many, the early social ramifications of COVID-19 reduced motivation to presumptuously pursue romantic relationships. Yet, certain individuals, particularly those with more negative fantasies, are more prone to pursue presumptuously amidst the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Valshtein
- Harvard University, Room 844 William James Hall, 33 Kirkland St., Cambridge, MB 02138 USA
| | | | - Peter M. Gollwitzer
- New York University, New York, NY USA
- University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
- Leuphana University Lueneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Oettingen
- New York University, New York, NY USA
- University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Balzarini RN, Muise A, Zoppolat G, Di Bartolomeo A, Rodrigues DL, Alonso-Ferres M, Urganci B, Debrot A, Bock Pichayayothin N, Dharma C, Chi P, Karremans JC, Schoebi D, Slatcher RB. Love in the Time of COVID: Perceived Partner Responsiveness Buffers People From Lower Relationship Quality Associated With COVID-Related Stressors. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/19485506221094437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
External stressors can erode relationship quality, though little is known about what can mitigate these effects. We examined whether COVID-related stressors were associated with lower relationship quality, and whether perceived partner responsiveness—the extent to which people believe their partner understands, validates, and cares for them—buffers these effects. When people in relationships reported more COVID-related stressors they reported poorer relationship quality at the onset of the pandemic ( N = 3,593 from 57 countries) and over the subsequent 3 months ( N = 1,125). At the onset of the pandemic, most associations were buffered by perceived partner responsiveness, such that people who perceived their partners to be low in responsiveness reported poorer relationship quality when they experienced COVID-related stressors, but these associations were reduced among people who perceived their partners to be highly responsive. In some cases, these associations were buffered over the ensuing weeks of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda N. Balzarini
- Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Weitkamp K, Bodenmann G. Couples Coping Together: A Scoping Review of the Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence and Conceptual Work Across Three Decades. Front Psychol 2022; 13:876455. [PMID: 35756297 PMCID: PMC9226419 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.876455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyadic coping (DC), how couples cope together to deal with a stressor like chronic illness, has received increased attention over the last three decades. The aim of the current study was to summarize the current state of research on DC in couples. We conducted a scoping review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies published between 1990 and 2020, assessing DC in couples during three decades. 5,705 studies were identified in three electronic databases and hand searches. We included 643 sources in this review (with a total of N = 112,923 study participants). Most studies were based in the global North, particularly in the US and Europe. Publication numbers increased constantly over time. A third of study designs were cross-sectional studies followed by qualitative and longitudinal studies. The most prolific DC research areas were related to DC and minor stressors and DC and major physical health stressors. Overall, DC has been established internationally as a highly relevant construct in many disciplines (clinical, social, developmental, personality psychology, social work, nursing etc.). To conclude, the review reveals that future studies should focus on predictors, trajectories, and the importance of very specific DC behaviors for personal and dyadic functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Weitkamp
- Clinical Psychology for Children/Adolescents and Couples/Families, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Guy Bodenmann
- Clinical Psychology for Children/Adolescents and Couples/Families, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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39
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James S, Ben Brik A, Jorgensen‐Wells M, Esteinou R, Acero IDM, Mesurado B, Debeljuh P, Orellana ON. Relationship quality and support for family policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. FAMILY RELATIONS 2022; 71:FARE12705. [PMID: 35936017 PMCID: PMC9347550 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective We examined how relationship satisfaction changed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as how relationship satisfaction related to public policy support. Background Conservation of resources (COR) theory suggests that societal-level stressors (such as a global pandemic) threaten familial and individual resources, straining couple relationships. Relationship satisfaction is in turn linked with important individual, familial, and societal outcomes, necessitating research on how COVID-19 impacted this facet of relationships. Method Drawing from an international project on COVID-19 and family life, participants included 734 married and cohabiting American parents of children under 18 years of age. Results Findings revealed relationship satisfaction declined moderately compared to retrospective reports of relationship satisfaction prior to the pandemic. This decline was more precipitous for White individuals, women, parents less involved in their children's lives, and those reporting higher levels of depressive symptoms. We also found that higher relationship satisfaction was associated with higher levels of support for family policy, particularly for men. At higher levels of relationship satisfaction, men and women had similarly high levels of support for family policy, while at lower levels, women's support for family policy was significantly higher. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic likely amplified facets of social inequality, which is especially concerning when considering the large socioeconomic gaps prior to the pandemic. Implications Therapists, researchers, and policy makers should examine how relationship satisfaction may have changed during the pandemic because relationship satisfaction is linked to child and adult well-being and relationship dissolution. Further, the link between relationship satisfaction and support for family policy deserves further scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer James
- School of Family LifeBrigham Young UniversityProvoUtahUnited States
| | - Anis Ben Brik
- College of Public PolicyHamad Bin Khalifa UniversityDohaAd DawhahQatar
| | | | - Rosario Esteinou
- Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores de Antropologia SocialCiudad de MéxicoMexico
| | | | - Belén Mesurado
- Instituto de Filosofia de la Universidad AustralBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Patricia Debeljuh
- Centro de Conciliación Familia y EmpresaUniversidad AustralBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Olivia Nuñez Orellana
- Consejo de Construye, Observatorio para la Mujer de América Latina y el CaribeMexico CityMexico
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40
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Galdiolo S, Culot S, Delannoy P, Mauroy A, Laforgue F, Gaugue J. Harmful Stress-Related Couple Processes During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown: A Longitudinal Dyadic Perspective. Front Psychol 2022; 13:819874. [PMID: 35418906 PMCID: PMC8996772 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.819874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus “pandemic.” To reduce the risk of contamination, many countries have ordered a lockdown characterized by social distancing and restrictive isolation measures. While the lockdown has proven to be quite effective in terms of physical health, little is known about its impact on couple satisfaction in a dyadic perspective. The current research was a 4-waves longitudinal study (i.e., from March to July 2020) with the objective to examine the trajectory of couple satisfaction during the lockdown with a dyadic perspective (N = 108 couples), including the presence (or absence) of children at home, the number of hours spent together, and the duration of the relationship as time-invariant predictors and the partner’s couple satisfaction trajectory as a time-varying covariate. Results showed positive intraindividual changes in couple satisfaction during the lockdown, especially an increase in partners’ effectiveness for resolving couple conflicts and a decrease in partners’ aggressiveness. Partners had also perceived the influence of the lockdown as more and more positive over time on couple and family functioning. Finally, the couple satisfaction of both partners changed in tandem during the lockdown: The perception of the couple relationship seems to similarly evolve between partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Galdiolo
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Culot
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Pauline Delannoy
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Anthony Mauroy
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Florine Laforgue
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Justine Gaugue
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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Jordan LN, Smith CV. Examining American Adult’s Mental Well and Ill-Being During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic Using a Self-Determination Theory Perspective. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604508. [PMID: 35496940 PMCID: PMC9047685 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic is an international health crisis that has caused unprecedented shifts in people’s environments and has threatened people’s wellbeing. The current study uses self-determination theory (SDT: 10) to understand how people were handling the pandemic, which proposes three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) are vital for human growth and thriving. Furthermore, we examined how people’s wellbeing and ill-being changed over the course of the pandemic. Methods: A sample of 193 American adults from around the country reported on their need satisfaction and frustration as well as well and ill-being at three time periods during the pandemic (April 2020, late July/early August 2020, and late January/early February 2021). Results: There was much variability in how people were handling the pandemic, but on average, wellbeing increased, and ill-being decreased over time. Consistent with SDT, the basic needs significantly predicted well and ill-being even during such unprecedented times of disruption. Conclusion: Our results suggest that public health officials should help individuals to focus on autonomy, competence, and relatedness behaviors during times of upheaval.
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Hornbuckle LM, Cooke WM, Rauer A, Barroso CS. African American Couples' Experiences during an Exercise Intervention Interrupted by the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074190. [PMID: 35409873 PMCID: PMC8998714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exercise intervention researchers often struggle to transition participants from supervised/laboratory-based exercise to independent exercise. Research to inform this critical juncture remains underdeveloped. This qualitative case study investigated the transition from laboratory-based to home-based training in a subset of middle-aged and older African American couples whose exercise intervention experience was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All four couples (N = 8) whose study participation was interrupted participated in dyadic interviews by videoconference. Two investigators independently reviewed verbatim transcripts, and then used an iterative open coding approach to identify themes from the qualitative data. Three main themes were identified: (1) resistance training program modifications, (2) partner interactions, and (3) external pandemic-related factors. Each theme included both positive and negative feedback related to participants’ experiences. Overall, virtual, home-based training appeared acceptable and feasible in this group. Further research is needed to investigate the utility of virtual training to effectively transition participants from laboratory-based to independent exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey M. Hornbuckle
- Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sport Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-865-974-1288
| | - Wendy McLean Cooke
- Department of Child & Family Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (W.M.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Amy Rauer
- Department of Child & Family Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (W.M.C.); (A.R.)
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43
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Vigl J, Strauss H, Talamini F, Zentner M. Relationship satisfaction in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-national examination of situational, dispositional, and relationship factors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264511. [PMID: 35239691 PMCID: PMC8893701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on various aspects of life, but questions about its effects on close relationships remain largely unanswered. In the present study, we examined perceived changes in relationship satisfaction at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by using an international sample of 3,243 individuals from 67 different countries, mostly from Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In April and May 2020, participants responded to an online survey that included questions about relationship satisfaction, their satisfaction before the pandemic, other relationship aspects (e.g., shared time), special circumstances (e.g., mobility restrictions), and enduring dispositions (e.g., insecure attachment). A decline in time shared with one's partner was most strongly associated with perceived decreases in relationship satisfaction, resulting in a different pattern of findings for cohabiting and non-cohabiting individuals. Among the most influential moderators were anxious and avoidant attachment. The findings offer insights into both aggravating and protecting factors in couples' responses to pandemic-related stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Vigl
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannah Strauss
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Marcel Zentner
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Tucker JS, Rodriguez A, Green HD, Pollard MS. Trajectories of alcohol use and problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of social stressors and drinking motives for men and women. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 232:109285. [PMID: 35033955 PMCID: PMC8744401 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased alcohol use coinciding with onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among women, has been documented among U.S. adults. This study examines trajectories of alcohol use and alcohol problems over a 9-month period during the pandemic, the extent to which these trajectories are predicted by social stress and drinking motives, and whether results differ for women and men. METHODS Data come from three online surveys of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults ages 30-80 conducted in May-July 2020, October-November 2020, and March 2021. The analytic sample consists of N = 1118 who initially reported any past year alcohol use. The early-COVID survey assessed demographics, social stressors, and drinking motives. All three surveys assessed average drinks per day in past month and drinking-related problems. RESULTS Alcohol use declined for men, but remained stable for women. Alcohol problems increased for both sexes, especially for men. Level of alcohol use was associated with loneliness and social demands for men, and drinking motives for both sexes, with changes in use related to loneliness and social demands for men. Level of alcohol problems was associated with loneliness for women and drinking motives for both sexes, with changes in problems related to drinking motives for women. Interactions of social stress with drinking motives were not found. CONCLUSIONS Sex differences in alcohol use and alcohol problems during the pandemic-as well as their associations with indicators of social stress and drinking motives-highlight the importance of tailoring prevention and treatment efforts for men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan S. Tucker
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, USA,Corresponding author
| | | | - Harold D. Green
- Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th Street, Suite 111, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Michael S. Pollard
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, USA
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Feinberg ME, A. Mogle J, Lee J, Tornello SL, Hostetler ML, Cifelli JA, Bai S, Hotez E. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Parent, Child, and Family Functioning. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:361-374. [PMID: 33830510 PMCID: PMC8250962 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
To quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health interventions on parent and child mental health and family relationships, we examined change in individual and family functioning in a sample of parents enrolled in a prevention trial; we examined change before the pandemic (2017-2019) when children were an average of 7 years old to the first months after the imposition of widespread public health interventions in the United States (2020) with paired t tests and HLM models. We examined moderation by parent gender, education, family income, and coparenting conflict. We found large deteriorations from before the pandemic to the first months of the pandemic in child internalizing and externalizing problems and parent depression, and a moderate decline in coparenting quality. Smaller changes were found for parent anxiety and parenting quality. Mothers and families with lower levels of income were at particular risk for deterioration in well-being. Results indicate a need for widespread family support and intervention to prevent potential family "scarring," that is, prolonged, intertwined individual mental health and family relationship problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Feinberg
- Prevention Research CenterCollege of Health and Human DevelopmentHuman Development and Family StudiesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Jacqueline A. Mogle
- Prevention Research CenterCollege of Health and Human DevelopmentHuman Development and Family StudiesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Jin‐Kyung Lee
- Department of PsychologyCollege of Liberal ArtsThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Samantha L. Tornello
- Human Development and Family StudiesCollege of Health and Human DevelopmentThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Michelle L. Hostetler
- Prevention Research CenterCollege of Health and Human DevelopmentHuman Development and Family StudiesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Joseph A. Cifelli
- Prevention Research CenterCollege of Health and Human DevelopmentHuman Development and Family StudiesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Sunhye Bai
- Human Development and Family StudiesCollege of Health and Human DevelopmentThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPAUSA
| | - Emily Hotez
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCAUSA
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46
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Gerace A, Rigney G, Anderson JR. Predicting attitudes towards easing COVID-19 restrictions in the United States of America: The role of health concerns, demographic, political, and individual difference factors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263128. [PMID: 35196316 PMCID: PMC8865684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite rising cases of COVID-19 in the United States of America, several states are easing restrictions (e.g., relaxing physical distancing requirements, reopening businesses) that were imposed to limit community transmission of the virus. Individuals hold differing opinions regarding whether restrictions should continue to be imposed or lifted, evidenced, for example, by debate and protests regarding reopening of businesses and venues. Health and social psychological research suggest that perceptions of COVID-19related risk, experiences of the virus, and individual difference factors can help explain individuals' attitudes towards health initiatives and their tendency to be persuaded towards a specific course of action. The purpose of this study was to investigate what factors influence support or opposition to easing COVID-19-related restrictions. A sample of 350 United States citizens, responding to an anonymous survey, were asked about the extent to which they support/oppose easing of COVID-19-related restrictions, both generally and in relation to specific restrictions. Respondents completed measures of their experiences of COVID-19, individual difference factors, and demographic variables, including political affiliation and degree of social and economic conservatism. In a series of regression analyses, significant demographic predictors of support or opposition for easing restrictions were gender, age, ethnicity, and education, with political affiliation and degree of social and economic conservatism also predicting attitudes. Experiences related to COVID-19 that predicted attitudes were concerns for self and family, perceptions of threat posed by the virus, perceived ability to adhere to restrictions, willingness to take government direction, and belief in COVID-19-related conspiracy theories. At an individual differences level, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, long-term orientation, masculinity, empathic concern, personal distress, reactance, and general conspiracy theory beliefs all significantly precited attitudes to easing restrictions. Understanding the factors that help explain attitudes towards COVID-19 restrictions can inform how best to position health messaging and initiatives going forward, particularly as states or countries open borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gerace
- College of Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Rigney
- College of Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joel R. Anderson
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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47
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Tadros E, Gomez E, Dudek M. Couple Connectedness in the Time of COVID-19. FAMILY JOURNAL (ALEXANDRIA, VA.) 2022; 30:10664807221082397. [PMCID: PMC8863916 DOI: 10.1177/10664807221082397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global morbidity and
mortality which altered people's daily lives, as well as created multiple
societal challenges. One significant problem posed by this unique stressor is
maintaining healthy intimate relationships, which are linked to mental and
physical health. The literature has shown that the pandemic has exacerbated
issues for couples such as financial difficulties, a lack of privacy, medical
issues, and family and professional concerns. The pandemic has also forced all
healthcare systems, hospitals, and clinics to quickly incorporate telehealth
services. The number of requests for mental health consultations has risen to
the point where demand exceeds supply. This paper provides an overview of ways
couples can stay emotionally connected during this time as well as provide
future directions for therapists to help couples develop or improve adaptive
relationship mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Tadros
- Governors State
University, University Park, IL, USA
| | - Eunice Gomez
- Governors State
University, University Park, IL, USA
| | - Meghan Dudek
- Governors State
University, University Park, IL, USA
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48
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De Jaeghere EA, Kanervo H, Colman R, Schrauwen W, West P, Vandemaele N, De Pauw A, Jacobs C, Hilderson I, Saerens M, Sundahl N, Vandecasteele K, Naert E, Lapeire L, Kruse V, Rottey S, Lemmens G, Denys HG. Mental Health and Quality of Life among Patients with Cancer during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Results from the Longitudinal ONCOVID Survey Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1093. [PMID: 35205838 PMCID: PMC8869927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This longitudinal survey study aimed to investigate the self-reported outcome measures of COVID-19 peritraumatic distress, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life (QOL), and their associated factors in a cohort of cancer patients treated at a tertiary care hospital during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS Surveys were administered at four time points between 1 April 2020 and 18 September 2020. The surveys included the CPDI, DASS-21, and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. RESULTS Survey response rates were high (61.0% to 79.1%). Among the 355 participants, 71.3% were female, and the median age was 62.2 years (IQR, 53.9 to 69.1). The majority (78.6%) were treated with palliative intention. An important proportion of the participants reported symptoms of COVID-19 peritraumatic distress (34.2% to 39.6%), depression (27.6% to 33.5%), anxiety (24.9% to 32.7%), and stress (11.4% to 15.7%) at any time point during the study period. We did not find clinically meaningful mental health and QOL differences during the study period, with remarkably little change in between the pandemic's first and second wave. We found no consistent correlates of mental health or QOL scores, including cancer type, therapy intention, and sociodemographic information. CONCLUSION This cohort of cancer patients showed considerable resilience against mental health and QOL deterioration during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel A. De Jaeghere
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
| | - Heini Kanervo
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
| | - Roos Colman
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Wim Schrauwen
- Medical Psychology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Paulien West
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.W.); (N.V.)
| | - Nele Vandemaele
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.W.); (N.V.)
| | - Aglaja De Pauw
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
| | - Celine Jacobs
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
| | - Ingeborg Hilderson
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
| | - Michael Saerens
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
| | - Nora Sundahl
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
- Radiotherapy Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vandecasteele
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
- Radiotherapy Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eline Naert
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
| | - Lore Lapeire
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
| | - Vibeke Kruse
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
- Medical Oncology Department, General Hospital Sint-Niklaas, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Rottey
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
| | - Gilbert Lemmens
- Psychiatry Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Hannelore G. Denys
- Medical Oncology Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.K.); (A.D.P.); (C.J.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (E.N.); (L.L.); (S.R.); (H.G.D.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (N.S.); (K.V.); (V.K.)
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Montanaro EA, Bowling J, Gioia D, Guerrero-Ordonez S. Closeness and distance: Relationships and sexuality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2022.2039272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erika A. Montanaro
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Jessamyn Bowling
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Diana Gioia
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
| | - Sarai Guerrero-Ordonez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
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Pietromonaco PR, Overall NC. Implications of social isolation, separation, and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic for couples' relationships. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 43:189-194. [PMID: 34416682 PMCID: PMC8881098 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The broad isolation, separation, and loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic raise risks for couples' relationship quality and stability. Guided by the vulnerability-stress-adaptation model, we suggest that how pandemic-related loss, isolation, and separation impact couples' relationships will vary depending on the amount and severity of pandemic-related stress, together with enduring personal vulnerabilities (e.g. attachment insecurity), both of which can disrupt adaptive dyadic responses to these challenges. A review of emerging research examining relationship functioning before and during the initial stages of the pandemic offers support for this framework. We draw on additional research to suggest pathways for mitigating relationship disruptions and promoting resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R Pietromonaco
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA.
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