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Whisman MA, Sanchez L. "I know what you did": Associations between relationship satisfaction and reported and suspected extramarital sex. FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 38310644 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Although extradyadic sex has been repeatedly shown to be inversely associated with relationship quality, researchers have rarely evaluated partners' beliefs (or suspicions) of such behavior and the degree to which relationship quality varies as a function of suspected extradyadic sex. This study examined, in a United States probability sample of couples (National Couples Survey; N = 236 couples), the (a) prevalence of cross-tabulations of wives' and husbands' reports of their own history of extramarital sex (i.e., sexual intercourse) and their beliefs about their partner's history of extramarital sex having ever occurred in the couple's relationship, and (b) associations between reported and suspected extramarital sex and current relationship satisfaction. The prevalence of different combinations of spouses' reported history of their own extramarital sex and suspicions of their partner's history of extramarital sex are presented. Results indicated that both spouses' reports of their own history of and their suspicion of their partner's history of extramarital sex were significantly and inversely associated with wives' and husbands' relationship satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of examining not only respondents' report of their own extramarital sexual involvement but also their beliefs about their partner's extramarital sexual involvement in future research on relationship and individual functioning outcomes associated with extramarital sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Whisman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Lizette Sanchez
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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2
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Stavrova O, Pronk T, Denissen J. Estranged and Unhappy? Examining the Dynamics of Personal and Relationship Well-Being Surrounding Infidelity. Psychol Sci 2023; 34:143-169. [PMID: 36322915 DOI: 10.1177/09567976221116892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although relationship theories often describe infidelity as a damaging event in a couple's life, it remains unclear whether relationship problems actually follow infidelity, precede it, or both. The analyses of dyadic panel data of adults in Germany including about 1,000 infidelity events showed that infidelity was preceded (but not followed) by a gradual decrease in relationship functioning in perpetrators and victims. There was little evidence of rebound effects in the aftermath of infidelity, with the exception of unfaithful women and individuals with lower initial relationship commitment who returned to the pre-event level of well-being or even exceeded it, providing support to the expectancy violation theory (vs. the investment model of infidelity). By showing that well-being starts to decline before infidelity happens, this study provides a differentiated view on the temporal dynamics of infidelity and well-being and contributes to the literature on romantic relationship dynamics and major life events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tila Pronk
- Department of Social Psychology, Tilburg University
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3
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Xiong W, Han L, Li R, Tang X, Fan C, Liu X, Wu J, Nie H, Qin W, Ling L. Preconception syphilis seroprevalence and association with duration of marriage and age among married individuals in Guangdong Province, China: A population-based cross-sectional study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010884. [PMID: 36441825 PMCID: PMC9731487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duration of marriage (DoM) and age are important characteristics of married individuals, who are the critical population for eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of syphilis. A deep understanding of the preconception syphilis seroprevalence (PSS) and its distribution among this population may be able to help to eliminate MTCT. However, few population-based epidemiological studies have been focused on this group, and the association of DoM and age with PSS remains unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This study used data from 4,826,214 married individuals aged 21-49 years who participated in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in Guangdong Province, China, between 2014 and 2019. Syphilis was screened using the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test. The seroprevalence time series, seroprevalence map, and hot spot analysis (HSA) were employed to visualize the spatiotemporal distribution. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) based on multivariate logistic regression was used to model the association of DoM and age with PSS. The interactions on the additive scale of DoM and age were also assessed. The PSS was 266.61 per 100,000 persons (95% CI: 262.03-271.24) and the burden was higher in economically underdeveloped area within the province. A strong J-shaped non-linearity association was observed between age and PSS. Specifically, the risk of seropositivity was relatively flat until 27 years of age among men and increased rapidly afterwards, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.12-1.13) per unit. Among women, the risk of seropositivity was relatively flat until 25 years of age and increased rapidly afterwards with an aOR of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.08-1.09) per unit. DoM was negatively associated with PSS among married individuals. Moreover, the combined effects of age and DoM appeared to be synergistic. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that attention should be paid to preventing syphilis in underdeveloped areas and that syphilis screening in newly married individuals who are in their late 20s or older should be recommended. Additionally, early syphilis prevention strategies should be implemented among young people as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Xiong
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Li
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijia Tang
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaonan Fan
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiabao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Nie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (WQ); (LL)
| | - Li Ling
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Clinical research design division, Clinical research center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (WQ); (LL)
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4
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Lonergan M, Saumier D, Pigeon S, Etienne PE, Brunet A. Treatment of adjustment disorder stemming from romantic betrayal using memory reactivation under propranolol: A open-label interrupted time series trial. J Affect Disord 2022; 317:98-106. [PMID: 36031005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In a sustained relationship, romantic betrayal is a catastrophic event that can precipitate an adjustment disorder (AD). Surprisingly, there exists no empirically validated treatment for AD, despite its high prevalence in clinical practice. Considering the promise of memory reactivation under propranolol (i.e., reconsolidation interference) for treating posttraumatic stress disorder, we sought to extend this finding to AD, given that in both disorders, symptoms stem from an identified stressor. METHOD A single-blind interrupted time series design was used to examine the efficacy of memory reactivation under propranolol to alleviate symptoms of AD. After being placed on a 4-week waitlist, sixty-one participants received 5 weekly 25-min treatments during which they recalled the betrayal event, 1 h after having orally ingested the beta-blocker propranolol. RESULTS Segmented regression analyses on the intent-to-treat sample revealed that AD symptoms significantly decreased during the treatment phase (pre/post Cohen's d = 1.44), compared to the waitlist phase (d = 0.01). Significant pre/post reductions in anxio-depressive symptomatology were also found. Improvement was maintained at the 4-month follow-up on all outcomes. CONCLUSION Memory reactivation under propranolol shows promise in reducing symptoms of AD. This study provides the theoretical framework and necessary effect sizes to inform larger, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lonergan
- University of Ottawa, School of Psychology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Saumier
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada; University of Sherbrooke, Department of Psychology, Longueuil, Québec, Canada
| | - Sereena Pigeon
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada; McGill University, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre E Etienne
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Brunet
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Québec, Canada; McGill University, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
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5
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Whisman MA, Sbarra DA, Beach SRH. Intimate Relationships and Depression: Searching for Causation in the Sea of Association. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2021; 17:233-258. [PMID: 33567901 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-103323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This article provides a critical review of existing research on intimate (marriage or marriage-like) relationship distress and risk for depression. Using the meta-framework of research triangulation, we seek to synthesize research evidence across several different methodologies and study designs and to draw the most reliable conclusion regarding a potential causal association between relationship distress and depression. Focusing on existing correlational (i.e., observational), genetically informed, and intervention (i.e., experimental) research on the association between relationship distress and depression, we conclude that the existing body of research evidence supports the claim that relationship distress is a causal risk factor for depression. A secondary aim of the article is to highlight a variety of effective methods that, when viewed from the perspective of triangulation, enhance the pursuit of causal inference, including propensity score matching, target trial emulation, directed acyclic graph approach, and Mendelian randomization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Whisman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0345, USA;
| | - David A Sbarra
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0068, USA
| | - Steven R H Beach
- Center for Family Research and Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-3013, USA
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6
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Lonergan M, Brunet A, Rivest-Beauregard M, Groleau D. Is romantic partner betrayal a form of traumatic experience? A qualitative study. Stress Health 2021; 37:19-31. [PMID: 32533575 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
According to a growing body of research, betrayal by a romantic partner is increasingly considered as a form of interpersonal trauma. Between 30% and 60% of betrayed individuals experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety to clinically meaningful levels. From a clinical perspective, this constellation of symptoms can be conceptualized as a stressor-related adjustment disorder. Yet, no qualitative research has examined the association between romantic betrayal and traumatic stress from the perspective of betrayed individuals. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants who had completed a clinical trial for a new treatment for adjustment disorder stemming from betrayal. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Although betrayal was experienced as a shocking and destabilizing event, and participants used trauma or 'feeling traumatized' as a metaphor to describe their experience, few had constructed their reaction as traumatic stress. In fact, participants reported experiencing difficulties understanding the intensity of their experience. However, when exposed to external sources (e.g., books and interviews by psychologists and researchers) that used a trauma and PTSD framework to explain the effects of betrayal, participants reported feeling clarity, validation and relief. Findings are discussed in the light of theoretical and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lonergan
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Mental Health and Society Research Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alain Brunet
- Mental Health and Society Research Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marjolaine Rivest-Beauregard
- Mental Health and Society Research Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danielle Groleau
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,The Culture and Mental Health Research Unit, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Zhang Y, Wang X, Pan S. Prevalence and Patterns of Extramarital Sex among Chinese Men and Women: 2000-2015. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:41-50. [PMID: 32783542 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1797617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite growing concern about the "sexual revolution" in China in the past decades, empirical evidence regarding the national trends in prevalence and patterns of extramarital sex (EMS) remains sparse. This study aimed to fill this gap, using data from a population-based, repeated cross-sectional survey administered at four time points during the period 2000-2015. EMS was assessed by asking whether a person in marriage had engaged in sexual activity with someone else during the relationship with his/her current partner. Our findings showed that among married adults aged 20-59, the occurrence rate of EMS nearly tripled over the period 2000-2015, increasing from 12.9% to 33.4% for men, and from 4.7% to 11.4% for women. Moreover, in the early years of this century, EMS was negatively associated with older age (50-59 years), lower educational level (elementary and below) and rural residence for men, and negatively associated with older age and positively associated with higher educational level (college and above) for women. All these differences, however, disappeared in more recent years. Overall, this study indicates a marked increase in EMS, a widening gender gap in EMS, and for each gender, a convergence of EMS across various sociodemographic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyun Zhang
- School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University
| | - Suiming Pan
- Institute of Sexuality and Gender, Renmin University of China
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8
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Leone RM, Jarnecke AM, Back SE, Brady KT, Flanagan JC. The moderating role of infidelity on the relation between oxytocin and conflict behaviors among substance misusing couples. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2020; 28:251-257. [PMID: 31556677 PMCID: PMC7096267 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) may be beneficial to augmenting behavioral therapies for couples given its ability to alleviate stress reactivity and increase pro-social behavior. However, there is growing evidence demonstrating inconsistent effects of OT on social behavior. Infidelity may represent a relational vulnerability that modulates the OT response. The present study hypothesized that actor and partner emotional and physical infidelity would be associated with less adaptive conflict behaviors, and moderate the OT response, such that participants randomized to a OT condition, compared to placebo, who report more infidelity would show less adaptive conflict behaviors. Participants were 30 couples (N = 60) wherein one or both partners engaged in recent hazardous drinking or illicit drug use. Partners completed a 10-min dyadic conflict task in the laboratory, self-administered a single intranasal dose of OT (40 IU) or placebo, and then completed the same 10-min dyadic conflict task following a 45-min wait period. Couple conflict behaviors were observed during the conflict tasks and assessed using a validated coding system. Actor partner interdependence models detected significant interactions between drug condition and physical infidelity, such that among individuals in the OT group, verses individuals in the placebo group, (a) who reported greater physical infidelity had greater distress maintaining attributions and (b) whose partners reported greater physical infidelity had fewer relationship enhancing attributions. Results are consistent with the social salience hypothesis of OT and suggest that physical infidelity appears to serve as a contextual vulnerability that may decreases positive and increase negative behaviors during conflict. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sudie E. Back
- Medical University of South Carolina,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Kathleen T. Brady
- Medical University of South Carolina,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
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Emotion, Social Relationships, and Physical Health: Concepts, Methods, and Evidence for an Integrative Perspective. Psychosom Med 2019; 81:681-693. [PMID: 31415000 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Emotional characteristics and processes are robust predictors of the development and course of major medical illnesses and premature mortality, as are a variety of indicators of the presence and quality of personal relationships. Despite clear evidence of close interconnection between these two domains of risk and protection, affective characteristics and relationships have largely been studied separately as influences on health. After a recent conference on integrative perspectives on emotions, relationships and health co-sponsored by the American Psychosomatic Society and the Society for Affective Science, the present review builds on prior calls for integration, related theory, and current research to outline what is known about the interconnection of these domains as it specifically relates to their overlapping influences on health. Areas of interest include the following: their interconnected roles over the course of development, which may inform current efforts to understand the influence of early life events on adult health; the parallel positive and negative factors in both domains that could have distinct influences on health; the role of emotion regulation in relationship contexts; and measurement, design, and analysis approaches to capture the dyadic and dynamic aspects of these interconnected influences on health. We conclude with a discussion of an emerging research agenda that includes the following: common biological foundations of affective and relationship processes, the cultural embeddedness of affective and relationship processes, the potential contribution of affective-relational processes to health disparities, and implications for intervention research.
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10
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O’Connor V, Canevello A. Recovery and Moving On After Breakups Caused by Infidelity. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2019.1603005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria O’Connor
- Department of Psychological Science, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy Canevello
- Department of Psychological Science, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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Clawson RE, Davis SY, Miller RB, Webster TN. The Case for Insurance Reimbursement of Couple Therapy. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2018; 44:512-526. [PMID: 28833253 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A case is made for why it may now be in the best interest of insurance companies to reimburse for marital therapy to treat marital distress. Relevant literature is reviewed with a considerable focus on the reasons that insurance companies would benefit from reimbursing marital therapy - the high costs of marital distress, the growing link between marital distress and a host of related physical and mental health problems, as well as the availability of empirically supported treatments for marital distress. This is followed by a focus on the major reasons insurance companies cite for not reimbursing marital therapy, along with a discussion of advances in several growing bodies of research to address these concerns. Main arguments include the direct medical offset costs of couple and family therapy (including for high utilizers of health insurance), and the fact that insurance companies already find it cost effective to reimburse for prevention of other health and psychological problems. This is followed by implications for practitioners and researchers.
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12
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Lebow JL. Editorial: Emerging Principles of Practice in Couple and Family therapy. FAMILY PROCESS 2017; 56:535-539. [PMID: 28862336 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jay L Lebow
- Family Process, and Family Institute at Northwestern, Evanston, IL
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